Dark Winds Cast & Character Guide: Where Else To See The Stars Of The AMC Thriller

AMC’s Dark Winds returned for its second season with an expanded cast, a deeper dive into 1970s Navajo Nation, and more of the tense, character-driven mystery that made its debut a success. Based on Tony Hillerman’s acclaimed Leaphorn & Chee novels, the series balances suspenseful storytelling with cultural authenticity, thanks in large part to its stellar ensemble. Season 2 introduces new characters and actors while continuing the arcs of familiar faces. Here’s a full guide to the cast, their characters, and where you might recognize them from.

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn

At the heart of Dark Winds is Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, played with quiet intensity by Zahn McClarnon. Leaphorn is a seasoned Navajo police officer, whose methodical approach to crime-solving is complicated this season by a personal crisis: he learns he has a serious medical condition that could threaten both his career and his life.

McClarnon, a veteran of Native-led storytelling, is best known for standout roles in Reservation Dogs, Westworld, and Fargo. His nuanced portrayals often explore Indigenous identity within mainstream narratives, making him the perfect anchor for Dark Winds.

Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee

Kiowa Gordon plays Jim Chee, Leaphorn’s younger colleague and sometimes partner, who brings a different perspective to policing within the Navajo Nation. Season 2 sees Chee balancing loyalty to his community with the demands of investigating a grisly murder case alongside Leaphorn.

Gordon, a member of the Hualapai tribe, first rose to fame in The Twilight Saga as Embry Call. He has since built a career in Indigenous-centered projects such as Blood Quantum and The Red Road, proving himself as a versatile performer.

Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito

Bernadette “Bernie” Manuelito, portrayed by Jessica Matten, is a determined officer navigating the challenges of her role in a male-dominated field. In season 2, her storyline expands as she becomes more entangled in the central investigation, while also facing her own questions of identity and purpose.

Matten is well known for her performance in Frontier opposite Jason Momoa, and she has been an outspoken advocate for Indigenous representation in entertainment. Her commanding presence grounds Bernie as one of the series’ most compelling characters.

Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn

Emma, the wife of Joe Leaphorn, is portrayed with sensitivity by Deanna Allison. Emma provides emotional stability for her husband while struggling with the challenges of reservation life. In season 2, her role deepens as Joe’s health issues bring added tension to their household.

While Allison is relatively new to mainstream television, her performance in Dark Winds marks a breakout, showcasing her ability to carry the show’s quieter, more intimate emotional beats.

Rainn Wilson as Devoted Dan

A new face in season 2, Rainn Wilson plays Devoted Dan, a traveling preacher whose charismatic exterior conceals darker motives. Wilson brings both menace and humor to the role, adding a fresh layer to the season’s mystery.

Best known as Dwight Schrute in The Office, Wilson has since pursued eclectic projects ranging from Super to Star Trek: Discovery. His turn in Dark Winds demonstrates his ability to pivot into darker, more unsettling territory.

Noah Emmerich as FBI Agent Whitover

Another high-profile addition is Noah Emmerich, playing Agent Whitover, whose bureaucratic maneuvering and outside authority create friction with Leaphorn and Chee. Emmerich embodies the tension between federal law enforcement and local policing in Native lands during the 1970s.

Emmerich has an impressive résumé, including The Americans, The Truman Show, and Bloodline. His knack for portraying morally ambiguous authority figures fits seamlessly into the political undertones of Dark Winds.

Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder

Elva Guerra returns as Sally, a young woman facing the dual struggles of motherhood and cultural displacement. Season 2 gives her more screen time, highlighting generational challenges within the Navajo Nation.

Guerra, who also appeared in Reservation Dogs, is quickly emerging as one of television’s rising Native talents. Her understated performance offers an important counterbalance to the show’s crime-driven drama.

Supporting Cast & Cultural Impact

Rounding out the ensemble are actors like Jeremiah Bitsui (Better Call Saul) and Nicholas Logan (Ozark), who lend depth to the world of Dark Winds. Every performance contributes to the show’s commitment to authentic representation—something central to Hillerman’s novels and AMC’s adaptation.

Season 2 goes beyond standard mystery tropes, weaving in the sociopolitical realities of Indigenous communities in the 1970s, including land disputes, systemic injustice, and cultural resilience. The cast’s diverse backgrounds and dedication ensure these themes are portrayed with respect and resonance.

Final Word

With Zahn McClarnon’s steady hand at the center and a mix of returning players and new stars like Rainn Wilson and Noah Emmerich, Dark Winds season 2 offers a gripping story enriched by its cast. Each actor brings history, talent, and cultural awareness to their roles, making the show not only a crime thriller but also a cultural landmark.

For viewers, following these actors beyond Dark Winds provides a window into the expanding landscape of Indigenous representation in Hollywood—one where mystery, identity, and storytelling converge.