Brandon Sklenar, best known for his breakout role in the Yellowstone prequel 1923, is set to saddle up for another Western. According to a report on Deadline, the actor is in talks to star in The Rescue, an upcoming Skydance film directed by Old Henry filmmaker Potsy Ponciroli. Written by John Fusco, the project is slated to begin filming this summer.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, The Rescue is described as a modern-day Western, where a rodeo cowboy’s skills are tested beyond the arena. The film will be produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, alongside Ponciroli and his banner Hideout Pictures, Down Home, and Cliff Roberts. Aimee Rivera will oversee production on behalf of Skydance.
For Sklenar, this role aligns perfectly with his rising status as a Western star. His portrayal of Spencer Dutton in 1923, opposite Hollywood legends Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, earned him significant acclaim. While Ford and Mirren led the ensemble, Sklenar’s layered performance—balancing rugged action with heartfelt romance—cemented him as a standout. His on-screen chemistry with Julia Schlaepfer became a major highlight of the series.
His success in 1923 paved the way for another high-profile role as Atlas in Sony’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us, which became a major box-office hit. His momentum continues with upcoming projects, including Blumhouse’s The Drop alongside Meghann Fahy, which is set to premiere at SXSW before its theatrical release this spring. He is also filming The Housemaid, based on the best-selling novel, co-starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Additionally, he has joined After Shock, which recently sold to Lionsgate in one of the first major deals of the year.
Meanwhile, 1923 is gearing up for its second season, which premieres on February 23.
As for Ponciroli, he gained recognition for his 2021 Western Old Henry and the dark comedy Greedy People, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lily James. His upcoming thriller, Motor City, featuring Alan Ritchson, Shailene Woodley, and Ben McKenzie, is also in the pipeline.