Robert Redford formally came back to television with a surprise guest appearance in the latest season of Dark Winds. The cameo, filmed on a closed set at his insistence, is his first in front of a camera since 2019. His last role was in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, where he reprised Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Redford began his career in the ‘60s with a guest spot on the Western series Maverick, and is now returning to the small screen. His appearance in Dark Winds is especially significant, as he has served as an executive producer for decades. New Season 3 episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+.
Robert Redford and George Martin have cameo roles in ‘Dark Winds’
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88-year-old Robert Redford had a quick but unforgettable cameo in Dark Winds Season 3 alongside A Song of Ice and Fire writer George R.R. Martin. He portrayed a convicted felon trapped in a game of chess; his character is paired with Martin’s, named George.
During the game, they reach a turning point when series regular Zahn McClarnon, who portrays Navajo tribal police officer Joe Leaphorn, intervenes in the game. Martin’s character succeeds in winning the game, while checkmating Redford’s character. Redford and Martin, who are executive producers of Dark Winds, initially considered making their debut in the Season 2 finale but instead chose to in the Season 3 premiere.
Director Chris Eyre was nervous about directing Robert Redford
Directing a Hollywood legend is no easy accomplishment, and director Chris Eyre was nervous. Having known Redford for years, he admitted that having to direct him was intimidating despite having experienced decades as a director.
Eyre recalled that when they were preparing to film, the series lead, Zahn McClarnon, kept reminding him of the gravity of the situation, which just added to his nerves. Nevertheless, both Martin and Redford were gracious and professional on set and made everything so effortless and enjoyable to film.