Yahoo Lifestyle 1923 Season 2: What’s All This About Alex Being Royalty? Julia Schlaepfer Weighs In
You don’t have to bow or anything, but just know that the next time you see 1923‘s Alex on screen, you will indeed be in the presence of British royalty.
A lot happened in the Yellowstone prequel’s Season 1 finale, so we woudn’t blame you if you’d missed a crucial exchange: When Spencer was being thrown off the oceanliner, he was told that Alex — who, unbeknownst to audiences all season, is the Countess of Sussex — would not be accompanying him because the Earl of Sussex doubted the validity of their marriage. (Read a full recap here.)
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The revelation was as shocking to Spencer as it was to the audience, but it turns out to have its roots in reality. The part of the plucky Brit is “not historically based on her, but Alexandra, the Countess of Sussex, was a real person,” Julia Schlaepfer, who plays Alex, tells TVLine. She recalls series creator Taylor Sheridan mentioning that fact when she was cast. “He said, ‘Obviously, don’t spend too much time focusing on that, because this isn’t a historical show.'”
However, the fact that Alex descends from royal lineage isn’t something that she hid, Schlaepfer explains, so much as something she just didn’t think about at all.
“It’s funny. When I began that journey, filming Season 1 with Brandon [Sklenar, who plays Spencer] in Africa, and you’re telling this grand love story, I kind of forgot I was an actor,” she says, laughing. “And I think Alexandra forgets [about being royalty] because she doesn’t want that title. She doesn’t want to be a caged bird.”
She continues, “She’s been very oppressed by this family, who won’t let her decide what she wants to do with her life or who she’s allowed to love. And as soon as she meets Spencer and finds a way out, she’s gone, and she leaves it behind.”
Schlaepfer’s immersion in the role meant that “Julia also left it behind,” she says, chuckling. “And I was a bit shocked in the Season 1 finale to hear that, as well, because you kind of forget along the way!”
1923 Sets Season 2 Premiere Date: Watch Trailers!
(Wondering what Spencer thinks of learning his lady is a royal? “I don’t think he gives a s–t,” Sklenar tells us. “I don’t think he cares at all.”)
In the Paramount+ series’ forthcoming Season 2, which premieres on Sunday, Feb. 23, don’t expect to see Spencer’s bride talk much about her monarchical upbringing. “Alex has chosen to leave that family behind,” Schlaepfer says. “She has made a commitment, in marrying Spencer, to be a part of the Dutton family. That is her main priority, to devote herself and prove her loyalty to this new love and this new family she has married into and chosen to be a part of.” (And is that family maybe already getting bigger? Check out what Schlaepfer and Sklenar had to say about Alex maybe being pregnant.)
What hopes/concerns/predictions do you have for 1923‘s second season? Tell us about ’em in the comments!
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