Is “Dark Winds” based on a true story? The inspiration behind the thriller

Before his death in 2008, author Tony Hillerman wrote 37 books – 18 of which tell the fictional story of Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police.

In 2022, AMC adapted Hillerman’s Navajo novels into a series titled Dark WindsThe series follows Lieutenant Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Deputy Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they try to solve a series of crimes and murders on their reservation in the 1970s.

Although the series is not based on a true story, creator Graham Roland and his production team, which includes game of Thrones Creator George RR Martin and actor Robert Redford have stated that it was important to them to portray the Diné (Navajo people) authentically.

Despite hiring an all-Native writing team, their efforts were criticized after the first season for mixing Native cultures and failing to take into account specific Navajo customs. Director Chris Eyre told Navajo Times that the Dark Winds Following these comments, the team made the necessary “course corrections,” including hiring a language consultant and a cultural consultant.

Here you can find out everything you need to know about the successful AMC series. Dark Windsand the books that inspired it.

Is Dark Winds Based on a true story?

Dark Winds is largely based on Tony Hillerman’s novels, but the series’ themes and storylines are deeply rooted in history. In Season 1, viewers learn about two parts of the United States’ indigenous history: the forced sterilization of Native American women and assimilation boarding schools that attempted to separate young indigenous children from their heritage, among other atrocities including abuse and murder.

“We wanted to bring in a broader story about what it means to be Native, but also go beyond mere representation, like having only Native people on screen,” said writer Maya Rose Dittloff. salon in 2022.

Since the series is based on novels by a white man, the task of the writing team, according to author Billy Luther, was to take Hillerman’s books and make the series more authentic.

“We all had different backgrounds, different experiences, and came from different tribes and nations, and that was really cool,” he said of the writers’ room. “I think all the writers knew we were doing something special with Tony.”

what is Dark Winds about?

The AMC series, which received a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first and second seasons, is a “suspenseful Southwestern noir” that follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Deputy Jim Chee (who is also an undercover FBI agent) of the Navajo Tribal Police as they investigate a series of crimes on their reservation.

Season 1 takes up Hillerman’s novel Listening woman about two people who are murdered in front of a blind shaman. While the “listening woman” believes that supernatural evil has been unleashed, Leaphorn is certain that the murderer is human.

Season 2 moves out of Hillermans People of Darknesswhich tells the story of the murder of a dying man and a rich woman who agrees to pay $3,000 for the return of a stolen box of stones. The series of strange events haunts Chee and draws him to the “bad land”.

Each season follows the book closely, but creator Roland has made certain changes in terms of character development.

“The liberties I took were actually with the characters – I added another layer to them. (For example) Leaphorn, who has to deal with his own loss while investigating the case, that’s not in the novel… and Chee, who returns to the reservation after a long time,” he explained in an interview with SciFi Vision.

Where is Dark Winds filmed?

Dark Winds is filmed mostly at Camel Rock Studios – the first Native American-owned film studio – in Santa Fe, NM. The backlot film ranch features still sets, revolving stages and 100 acres of tribal land.

“The country breathes further life and authenticity into these stories,” said McClarnon Cowboys & Indians in 2024. “This environment allows me to bring Joe Leaphorn to life. For so many indigenous tribes, land is the foundation of our culture and our spirituality. The land is sacred and an important character in our (tribal) stories.”

Camel Rock, formerly a 75,000 square meter casino, opened its doors in 2020. Tom Hanks’ News from around the world was the first film to be shot on this property.

Where can I watch Dark Winds?

Dark Winds Seasons 1 and 2 can be streamed on AMC+ and Netflix.

Will there be a season 3 of Dark Winds?

In September 2023, AMC announced that Dark Winds has been renewed for a third season.

“We began this journey with very high expectations for this series, given the remarkable source material and the exceptional creative team behind it, and it has delivered on every level,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, in a statement. “From the beloved novels to an incredibly collaborative production team, there is still so much story to be told in this universe.”

Dark Winds Season 3 is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2025 and, according to the New Mexico Film Office, the plot will be based on Hillerman’s second crime novel. Dance Hall of the Dead.