Originally published on 2/22/25

When Julia Schlaepfer booked the role of Alexandra Dutton in the highly anticipated Yellowstone prequel 1923, she had no idea that it would soon turn into the ride of her life. Now, her face is sky-high on billboards everywhere, and people all across the country cannot wait to discover what happens next to Alexandra and her husband, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar). Woman’s World couldn’t wait either, so we met with the actress and learned what’s in store for her character this season and how she really felt about the shocking season 1 finale. Keep scrolling for more, and be sure to watch the exclusive clip of Schlaepfer above. 

Julia Schlaepfer on the ‘1923’ season 1 finale & Alexandra’sromance with Spencer 

In 1923, Schlaepfer plays Alexandra Dutton, a young English woman who meets Spencer Dutton (Sklenar) while on an African Safari with her fiancé, Arthur, the Earl of Sussex (Bruce Davison). The two quickly fall in love despite being from different worlds and end up married. It was a love story for the ages—until it wasn’t. 

At the end of season 1, Spencer gets in a fight with Alexandra’s ex-fiancé and later kills him after shoving him over a boat ledge and into the ocean. He is then exiled from the ship and forced to leave Alexandra behind, with nothing but the hope of a Montana-based reunion to keep her going. 

“I knew it was going to be the first time that Alexander sees Spencer unleash that violent part of himself, both while he’s beating [Arthur] up, and then when he throws him overboard,” Schlaepfer told Woman’s World.  “’Watching someone you love kill another person is a very scary thing, and definitely something for her to keep in mind. And I think it sticks with her. I think it scares her a little bit in that moment, because that sort of violence that he probably experienced in the war is not something that she’s ever been used to seeing.” 

Despite the violence and fear her character is facing, though, Schlaepfer still loves Alexandra and Spencer’s relationship, saying, “It’s so unlike how romance works today because they met and they were, like, ‘That is who I want to spend my life with. That is my purpose.’” 

“That’s such a beautiful thing that modern-day romances miss a bit. I also love that they’re polar opposites, and they just pick out each other. They’re just very funny together because he’s so serious, and she’s just fine. So, I like that dynamic as well.” 

Sklenar is set to appear in season 2 of 1923, but it is unclear if/when his character will be reunited with Schlaepfer. 

Julia Schlaepfer shares some ‘1923’ season 2 secrets 

Even though her character might be without the love of her life, Schlaepfer is still super excited for the upcoming season of 1923, and a large part of that comes from Alexendara’s emotional development. 

“I can say that it is a very tumultuous journey. It is a lot more brutal,” the actress explained.  “She’s doing it all on her own, at least at the beginning. And so, she’s got to find a really deep level of grit and determination to power forward. We see a new side of her.” 

“There was a big emotional journey for me to map out for Alexandra this season, which was so much fun to get to dig into. Normally, we see her so happy-go-lucky with her heart on her sleeve. And balancing that with the hardships she’s facing was really exciting as an actor.

Most of Alexendara’s storyline in season 2 is believed to be about her finding her way to the Dutton Ranch in Montana in hopes of reuniting with Spencer. However, how she plans to get there and what obstacles she will face remain a mystery. 

No matter what happens, Schlaepfer is ready, saying that she “loves this period so much. The wardrobe and the mannerisms, it’s just so exciting.” 

Season 2 of 1923 is available to stream every Sunday at 12:00 a.m. EST  on Paramount+ beginning tomorrow, February 23.

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/julia-schlaepfer-talks-1923-season-2-exclusive-details