Taylor Kitsch's latest project is American Primeval, which examines the fight to gain control of the American West. (Greg Williams)
Over the past two decades, Taylor Kitsch has fully immersed himself in his roles, often taking away more from the experience than most actors might.
After his breakout performance as a football player on Friday Night Lights, Kitsch made the decision to settle in Austin, Texas, where the series was filmed. His roles have also inspired personal pursuits: he developed a passion for wildlife photography after portraying a photojournalist in The Bang Bang Club, forged lasting connections with Navy SEALs following his portrayal of a lieutenant in Lone Survivor, and established a sobriety center for veterans after playing an opioid addict in last year’s Painkiller.
“I’ve had to learn to let go,” Kitsch shared with a laugh during an interview with Q host Tom Power. “I think it’s both a blessing and a bit of a curse that I’m so sensitive to the projects I take on.”
For his newest role in Netflix’s limited series American Primeval, Kitsch portrays a white man raised by the Shoshone people. To prepare, he studied the Shoshone language with elders at the Wind River Reservation and collaborated with a Montana-based shaman, even spending New Year’s Eve with them.
“One of my dialect coaches is in her late 70s, and the last thing she wants is for this language to just be written down,” Kitsch said. “I feel so fortunate to have these kinds of opportunities.”
Directed and produced by Peter Berg, a frequent collaborator of Kitsch, American Primeval delves into the turbulent origins of the American West, presenting the survival struggles of its diverse characters.
Kitsch approaches his roles with a deep sense of purpose, describing his craft as a form of service. “Maybe it’s a bit self-aggrandizing,” he admitted to Power. “But I like to think of it as giving yourself to a story worth telling. You’re part of something bigger than yourself. There’s a legacy, a humbling aspect to it, and I thrive on that challenge.”
However, he acknowledged that this dedication can sometimes feel overwhelming. “I think I need to do a rom-com and just take it easy,” he joked.
Will Taylor Kitsch Return to Friday Night Lights?
In November 2024, it was revealed that Peacock is developing a reboot of Friday Night Lights. The original series, which aired from 2006 to 2011, followed the highs and lows of a high school football team in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas.
When asked if he’d reprise his iconic role as Tim Riggins, Kitsch expressed no intention of returning as the character or taking on a lead role in the new series.
“I love where I am right now,” he told Power. “I couldn’t be in a better place for the career I envisioned. And honestly, I feel like we’ve already done it. Going back to Riggs wouldn’t feel fulfilling for me. I want to keep exploring new challenges and trying unexpected things.”
While Kitsch seems firm about not reprising the role, he hinted he might consider a guest appearance, perhaps as a coach for a rival team. Still, he remains open to possibilities.
“I mean, if they want to pay me $10 million an episode, sure, I’ll play Riggins again—even with a Scottish accent if that’s what they want,” he quipped.
