Brandon Sklenar has proved time and again that he can take on just about any role. From starring in the 2024 hit It Ends With Us to stepping into the rugged world of Taylor Sheridan’s 1923, he’s shown just how easily he can switch between genres. Whether it’s a drama or a gritty Western, he brings something fresh and compelling every time.
In 1923, his role as Spencer Dutton has that classic, tough-yet-charismatic energy that feels straight out of an old-school Hollywood Western. And it turns out, that’s no coincidence. Sklenar has shared that his performance was inspired by one of the greatest actors to ever grace the big screen.
What makes Spencer Dutton in 1923 feel like a classic Western hero?
Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer Dutton in 1923, believes his character carries the same kind of energy as Clint Eastwood’s legendary roles. And when you look at Spencer, the way he moves, speaks, and reacts to danger, it is easy to see why. Eastwood has always been known for playing the kind of man who does not say much but still commands attention. That is exactly what Sklenar wanted to bring to 1923, and he openly admits that Eastwood was a huge influence in shaping his performance.
In an interview, Sklenar described his approach to playing Spencer via Newsweek as having “A bit of that Clint Eastwood vibe.” If you have watched 1923, you know that Spencer is not the kind of man who wastes words. He has been through a lot, serving in World War I, living a dangerous life as a hunter in Africa, and carrying the emotional scars of everything he has seen. He does not talk about his pain, he just keeps going, surviving one challenge at a time.
Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone and its prequels, has always drawn inspiration from classic Westerns. His storytelling style is built on themes of survival, justice, and the fight for land and legacy, things that have always been at the heart of great Western movies. If you look at the Yellowstone universe, you will see plenty of characters who carry that same quiet intensity that made Clint Eastwood a Hollywood legend.
Whether it is John Dutton, Rip Wheeler, or Spencer Dutton, they all have that sense of purpose, that strong moral code, and that ability to handle things in their own way, no matter how tough life gets. For Sklenar, playing Spencer was an opportunity to step into the shoes of a character that felt timeless.
His journey in 1923 is filled with action and danger, but at its core, it is about a man trying to find his way back home.
That is something that audiences have always connected with in Western stories, the idea of a man facing impossible odds but never giving up. By bringing in the influence of Clint Eastwood, Sklenar helps keep that classic Western spirit alive in 1923.
He does not try to copy Eastwood outright, but he channels that same energy, the same quiet strength, the same unshakable determination. And in doing so, he adds another layer to a story that already feels larger than life.
Whose side is Brandon Sklenar on in the Lively vs. Baldoni feud?
Brandon Sklenar isn’t getting caught up in the legal drama between his It Ends With Us co-stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. While their ongoing lawsuit has become a major headline, Sklenar is keeping his focus on what really matters to him—the film itself and the important message it carries.
During a recent appearance on CBS News, he was asked about the situation by host Gayle King. Without hesitation, she went straight to the point and asked, “Are you Team Blake or Team Justin?” Sklenar simply laughed and responded, “I’m Team It Ends With Us.” Rather than diving into the controversy, he made it clear that he doesn’t want to be part of the public debate.
He has previously spoken about how much the movie means to him personally, as it sheds light on difficult issues that many people face in real life. For him, the focus should remain on the story and its impact rather than the legal battle between his co-stars. The lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni has been making waves, with both sides presenting serious allegations.
However, Sklenar isn’t interested in taking sides or adding fuel to the fire. He’s choosing to stand by the film’s core message, reminding people why it was made in the first place.
You can watch 1923 on Paramount+.
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