Dark Winds Season 4 Pays Tribute to Robert Redford

The AMC series honors the late actor and executive producer in multiple episodes.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Season 4 of the AMC show Dark Winds pays tribute to Robert Redford, one of the show's executive producers, in the first episode with a title card dedication. A later episode will also feature an Easter egg honoring one of Redford's most notable films, Jeremiah Johnson, when the characters travel to 1972 Los Angeles. Redford previously cameoed in the Season 3 premiere, and the show's creator, John Wirth, recalled Redford's involvement and enthusiasm for the series.

Why it matters

Robert Redford was a legendary actor, director, and producer who had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. His involvement as an executive producer on Dark Winds lent credibility and prestige to the show, and the tributes in Season 4 honor his legacy and contribution to the series.

The details

In the Season 4 premiere of Dark Winds, the episode ends with a title card dedicated to Robert Redford. Additionally, in an upcoming episode, when the characters travel to 1972 Los Angeles, a movie theater marquee will be shown advertising Redford's film Jeremiah Johnson. Redford previously cameoed in the Season 3 premiere, playing a character who witnessed Leaphorn helping another character cheat in a game of chess. Dark Winds showrunner John Wirth recalled the development of Redford's cameo and his enthusiasm for the series, including a planned but unrealized meeting to discuss Season 4.

  • The Season 4 premiere of Dark Winds, which featured the title card tribute to Robert Redford, aired on February 16, 2026.
  • An upcoming episode of Dark Winds Season 4 will include an Easter egg honoring Redford's film Jeremiah Johnson.

The players

Robert Redford

A legendary actor, director, and producer who served as an executive producer on the AMC series Dark Winds.

John Wirth

The showrunner of Dark Winds, who recalled Redford's involvement in the series and his enthusiasm for the show.

Zahn McClarnon

The actor who plays Leaphorn on Dark Winds and enjoyed being part of the scene featuring Redford's cameo in Season 3.

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What they’re saying

“The smile on my face all day, it was incredible.”

— Zahn McClarnon, Actor, Leaphorn (Gold Derby)

“I did communicate with Bob about the cut, made a few small changes for him, and was glad he seemed pleased with it. I know I was.”

— John Wirth, Showrunner, Dark Winds (Variety)

What’s next

Fans of Dark Winds can look forward to the upcoming episode that will feature the Jeremiah Johnson Easter egg, honoring Robert Redford's legacy and his involvement with the series.

The takeaway

The tributes to Robert Redford in Dark Winds Season 4 demonstrate the show's respect and appreciation for the late actor's contributions to the entertainment industry and his role as an executive producer on the series. These gestures highlight Redford's enduring impact and the show's commitment to honoring its creative collaborators.