Executive producer Jared Padalecki moderates a conversation with the Walker Independence cast.
Hoyt Rawlins had to die so that Hoyt Rawlins could live.
It all started beforeWalkereven aired its first episode on the CW in January of 2021.
Katherine McNamara as Abby Walker and Lawrence Kao as Kai on ‘Walker Indepencence’.Anna Kooris/The CW
“Who were the first-generation Walkers?”
That question got Fahey thinking.
“This version of Hoyt I see more as a man of action.”
Justin Johnson Cortez as Calian on ‘Walker Independence’.Anna Kooris/The CW
“There’s a chance to revisit this through a different lens,” Fahey says.
Fahey’s take is all about telling the untold stories, not just the story of the white protagonist.
“There was racism, there was prejudice, and I really wanted to touch on that.”
Katie Findlay as Kate Carver on ‘Walker Independence’.Anna Kooris/The CW
Justin Johnson Cortez admits he went back and forth on whether he wanted to join the show at all.
“I grew up watching Westerns wanting to be a cowboy because they had so much fun.
I never really wanted to be the Indian.”
Matt Barr as Hoyt Rawlins and Gabriela Quezada as Lucia Reyes on ‘Walker Independence’.Anna Kooris/The CW
“We’re not always gonna get it 100 percent right.
We’re going to be trying our best.”
But when it comes to diversity in the West, there are even more stories to be told.
Greg Hovanessian as Tom Davidson and Philemon Chambers as Augustus on ‘Walker Independence’.Anna Kooris/The CW
Yes, the cast got to attend what they call “cowboy camp” before shooting.
And yes, McNamara did learn how to ride a horse backward.
“There’s such a nostalgia to Westerns,” McNamara says.
“There’s an adventure aspect to Westerns.
There’s a romanticism to them that’s familiar to so many folks.”
“I think the stakes are higher just dramatically sometimes [in Westerns],” Fahey notes.
But the show isn’t just about the people of Independence.
It’s also about a time in Texas history.
“I’m obsessed with turning points,” Fahey says.
And when push comes to shove, what does Fahey say this show is ultimately about?
“Westerns I think are defined by a changing world, a changing landscape.
How are people going to adapt?”
But one thing is very clear: McNamara manifested this.
“We get asked the question all the time: What’s your dream project?
I’d love to do a period piece,” McNamara says.
“And I guess manifestation is a thing because here I am.”
Walker Independencepremieres Thursday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the CW.
