Exclusive Interview
‘1923’s Julia Schlaepfer Says It Was ‘Jarring’ To Be Separated From Brandon Sklenar in Season 2
Julia Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar spent almost the entire first season of 1923 together as Alex and Spencer’s love story bloomed. While there’s plenty of drama back in Montana, Alex and Spencer’s romance became the heart of the show.
After their first meeting in Kenya to their romantic getaway in Zanzibar to getting married on a boat, it felt like Season 2 would feature Alex and Spencer traveling back to Montana together, another epic adventure for them both. The Paramount+ series turned Alex and Spencer’s relationship upside down by tearing them apart at the end of Season 1, forcing these two to have solo journeys to the Dutton ranch. Schlaepfer opened up to Swooon about the impact of Alex and Spencer’s separation.
“It was truly wild. It was the opposite experience of Season 1,” the actress admitted. “Brandon and I both care so much about these characters and their love story, and we did bond so deeply Season 1. It was impossible for us not to, and so I think we both went into Season 2 knowing he’s telling that story over there, I’m telling this story over here, and we both just care so much.”
Emerson Miller / Paramount+
She added, “It was difficult as an actor and as a person to lose your costar, your scene partner, the other half of that love story. That was really jarring because we always had each other to rely on on set.”
In the March 9 episode, Alex arrives in America by boat. She is forced to endure a harrowing experience while getting processed at immigration. In Season 1, Alex and Spencer survived nearly being eaten by lions and a capsized boat, but they always had each other for support.
“Alex is going through these horrific things, and not only is she going through really horrific things, she’s doing it now on her own,” Schlaepfer continued. “As Julia, as an actor, I was doing it on my own, too. It was a very different experience in learning how to take care of myself. It’s very isolating, but I do think helped the acting of it because we were literally separated as people and the characters are separated. So I think, if anything, it was helpful story wise.”
Alex and Spencer are on parallel journeys to Montana to help Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara (Helen Mirren) save the ranch. Even though Alex and Spencer are separated, the undying love they have for each other continues to fuel them.
“I think Alex this season has to dig so deep to continue to persevere and push forward,” Schlaepfer explained to Swooon. “I think most people would give up after some of the stuff that she goes through, especially when knowing she does have such a comfortable life back where she came from, and she chooses to leave that behind for something more harrowing because of her love for Spencer. Also, she has a baby coming and a family coming.”
Alex lovingly told Spencer in Season 1, “I am following you wherever you go.” That mentality is the driving force behind Alex’s journey in Season 2.
“I think what’s so beautiful about Alex this season is every choice she makes this season is for Spencer and for her baby,” Schlaepfer said. “What I love about her is every bit of her strength this season that she musters is entirely selfless. It’s for Spencer and her baby. It’s for the Dutton family. She’s getting there for them, and I think that’s what really helps her to keep going as well.”
If you’re a Yellowstone mega-fan, make sure to check out TV Guide Magazine’s Beth Forever special issue.
1923, Season 2, Sundays, Paramount+
