Taylor Sheridan has proven to be a more than capable writer when it comes to writing women in fiction, with Sicario and Wind River, starring Jeremy Renner, being two major examples. However, Season 1 of Mayor of Kingstown was been heavily dominated by men, but that isn’t to say there weren’t times when female characters were given their moments to shine.
When Hugh Dillon, co-creator of the show, was asked whether we could see more female representation moving forward last year, Dillon’s answer was quite promising.
Hugh Dillon Assured Fans More Female Representation Was Heading Our Way
Joining Screen Rant for an interview ahead of the release of Mayor of Kingstown Season 2, the Durham County star elaborated on the lack of female representation in the first season. Dillon explained the first season was written 10 years before being adapted, but moving forward, the director assured things will ameliorate, starting with Nishi Munshi’s Tracy McLusky.
With his sisters, mother, and wife shaping him into the person he ended up becoming, Dillon said his personal experiences with strong women will be reflected in the show. He further commended the rest of the female roster, especially Emma Laird’s performance as Iris in the beloved crime thriller.
He said:
“The thing is, my sisters and mom, and wife are such strong people who have shaped me. That is going to be reflected in the show. The first season was written 10 years ago, we’ve cast it, and now we are exploring Nishi Munshi’s character. Tracy [Nishi Munshi] is exceptional this year, and so is Iris, played by Emma Laird. The caliber of the performances is exceptional, and I love to see the interaction”
As Dillon said, things did get better with season 2, with Nishi Munshi’s Tracy McLusky, who was a recurrent character in the first one, getting promoted to series regular in the second season.
Emma Laird Always Felt Comfortable on the Set of Mayor of Kingstown
Despite being a male-dominant set in season 1, Emma Laird revealed that everyone involved made her feel safe and comfortable. Laird further commended Michael Friedman, one of the producers on the show, in particular, recalling he’d hold her hand to cheer her up amidst difficult takes.
She told the Collider:
‘It was a male dominant set, but all of the creatives and all of the people that were involved made me feel so safe. Particularly one of our producers, Michael Friedman, just went above and beyond to make sure that I felt safe and comfortable. There was one day that I came to set where there was a particularly really hard scene, and I was like, ‘Why is it so quiet?’ They were like, ‘This is for you, today.’ They set up a really private area with a tent and a heater in there, and a dressing table and snacks, and a couch and cushions and a carpet. They just really were so attentive. He’d come in and hold my hand in between takes. It was a wonderful experience. “
With season 3 on the horizon, it’s safe to say, similar to its predecessor, things will further improve regarding the show’s portrayal of female characters moving forward.
Mayor of Kingstown Season 3 will premiere on Paramount Plus on 2 June 2024.
