Wind River: The Next Chapter

After numerous delays, Wind River: The Next Chapter receives an update from star Scott Eastwood. It is a follow-up to Taylor Sheridan’s 2017 Western movie, Wind River, whose cast was led by Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, and Graham Greene.

Gil Birmingham reprises his role of Martin Hanson from the first film, and this time is joined by Eastwood, Martin Sensmeir, Jason Clarke, Chaske Spencer, and Alan Ruck. The story revolves around tracker Chip Hanson (Sensmeir) investigating a series of murders on the reservation where he lives.

The sequel was filmed in 2023, but there have been minimal updates about Wind River: The Next Chapter‘s release, until Clarke shared with ScreenRant that it is “about to come out soon.” A more specific release window or date has not been confirmed yet.

During ScreenRant‘s Regretting You interview with Scott Eastwood, Joe Deckelmeier asked the actor about the new Wind River movie’s story. Eastwood teased that it is similar to the previous film while also expanding on the fictional world that Sheridan first created. He also emphasized that the sequel explores more about what is happening on Indigenous reservations. Check out his comments below:

It’s cool. It’s exciting. It’s definitely in the same vein as the first, but it expands the world. It dives a little deeper into what’s going on on these reservations.

The first movie was set in Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation, where Renner’s tracker and Olsen’s FBI agent characters investigate a murder. Wind River helped bring more attention to violence committed against Indigenous women, and based on Eastwood’s comments, the sequel will raise awareness for other important issues related to Indigenous communities and reservations.

The differences between the Wind River movies that Eastwood alluded to are seemingly connected to previous comments made by Birmingham, who describes the sequel as “more of a thriller.” Other key differences include Sheridan not being involved with the sequel, along with Renner and Olsen not returning to reprise their roles. The Next Chapter is directed by Kari Skogland, who previously worked on The Handmaid’s Tale and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

There is the continuation of Birmingham’s character, the same world, and similar themes. However, Eastwood’s comments help emphasize that the upcoming film will largely be more of a standalone story than a sequel.

Even though Wind River: The Next Chapter is not a traditional sequel in most senses, it is still poised to benefit from the first movie’s success and how it builds on those familiar elements. After Clarke and Eastwood’s updates, the next update may be a confirmed release window or date for when fans can expect to watch the new story for themselves.