After multiple delays, the upcoming film Wind River: The Next Chapter, the sequel to Taylor Sheridan‘s 2017 Western, has received a significant update from star Scott Eastwood. The follow-up continues the narrative set in Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation and explores new angles within the same world, as part of the Taylor Sheridan Wind River sequel franchise.
Gil Birmingham returns as Martin Hanson, joined by Martin Sensmeier, Jason Clarke, Chaske Spencer, Alan Ruck, and Eastwood himself. The story centers on tracker Chip Hanson, portrayed by Sensmeier, who investigates a string of murders occurring on the reservation where he resides.
Details on the Story and Production Progress
The sequel was filmed during 2023, but information about Wind River: The Next Chapter remained scarce until Jason Clarke revealed in an interview that its release is imminent, although no exact date or season has been confirmed. Eastwood, during a discussion with ScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier, hinted that the movie preserves the tone of the original while offering a deeper look into life on Indigenous reservations.
“It’s cool. It’s exciting. It’s definitely in the same vein as the first, but it expands the world. It dives a little deeper into what’s going on on these reservations.” – Scott Eastwood, Actor
The original Wind River focused on the investigation of a murder involving Jeremy Renner’s tracker character and Elizabeth Olsen’s FBI agent on the reservation, bringing critical attention to violence against Indigenous women. Eastwood’s comments suggest the sequel will continue highlighting key social issues faced by Indigenous communities.
Changes From the Original and New Creative Team
Unlike the first film, Taylor Sheridan is not involved in the sequel’s production, and original stars Renner and Olsen will not return. Kari Skogland, known for her direction of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, directs The Next Chapter. Gil Birmingham notes that this installment leans more toward a thriller genre, further distinguishing it from its predecessor.
While it carries over familiar themes and characters such as Martin Hanson, the sequel functions more as a standalone story, exploring fresh perspectives within the established setting.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Though Wind River: The Next Chapter differs from a traditional sequel in many respects, it is positioned to build on the success and established world of the original film. With recent remarks from Eastwood and Clarke, anticipation is growing for an official release date announcement, which fans eagerly await to experience the continuation of this intense and earnest narrative.
