May 28, 2026 | Filed under: News, Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2026
Fifth season of ‘Dark Winds’ production will employ nearly 900 New Mexicans
SANTA FE - The hit AMC series “Dark Winds” is bringing nearly 900 jobs to New Mexico as it
films its fifth season in and around Santa Fe and Tesuque Pueblo, with production continuing
through July.
The production employs 564 New Mexico crew members, 67 New Mexico principal actors and
250 New Mexico background/extras.
Based on Tony Hillerman's iconic “Leaphorn & Chee” book series, “Dark Winds” is a
psychological thriller that follows two Navajo police officers — Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and
Deputy Jim Chee — in the 1970s Southwest, as their search for clues in a grisly double murder
case forces them to challenge their own spiritual beliefs and come to terms with the trauma of their
pasts.
Created and executive produced by Graham Roland (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” “The Returned,”
“Almost Human,” “Fringe”), the series stars Zahn McClarnon (“The Son,” “Westworld,” “Fargo”),
who is also an executive producer, Kiowa Gordon (“The Red Road,” “Roswell, New Mexico”),
Jessica Matten (“Tribal”) and New Mexico resident Deanna Allison Reines (“Accused”). The cast
also features A Martinez (“Longmire”).
The series boasts an all-star group of executive producers, including John Wirth (“Hell on
Wheels,” “Hap and Leonard”), who is also the showrunner, Chris Eyre, who also serves as
director, George R.R. Martin, Robert Redford, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Thomas Brady, Max
Hurwitz, Vince Gerardis and Anne Hillerman. The popular series’ fifth season was renewed as the
fourth season began to broadcast.
“ ‘Dark Winds’ is a prime example of what the New Mexico film industry is about,” said Steve
Graham, New Mexico Film Office director. “This production has found its home in the state and
continues to not only tell a New Mexico story but have New Mexicans working in front and
behind the camera to bring those stories to life on the small screen.”
The New Mexico Film Office was a finalist for two awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including
the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award for "Rooted Representation: Authentic Storytelling in
New Mexico,” for the series “Dark Winds,” which focuses on culturally authentic storytelling and
expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities behind and in front of the camera.
Film and television production supports thousands of jobs and has generated more than $3 billion
in direct economic impact over the past five years in New Mexico.
For more information about the project, email darkwindsproductionoffice@gmail.com.