Taylor Kitsch Shines Again in ‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ After ‘American Primeval’ Cancellation
In a recent turn of events within the streaming landscape, fans of Taylor Kitsch are being encouraged to check out his latest project, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, streaming on Prime Video. Despite American Primeval, which premiered on Netflix on January 9, 2025, being intended as a miniseries, its cancellation after just one season has left viewers yearning for more. While the Western did not achieve significant acclaim, it has led audiences seamlessly into Kitsch’s next leading role.
American Primeval: A Brief Overview
Set against the backdrop of the Utah War in 1857, American Primeval attracted attention for its immersive period details and strong performances, particularly from Kitsch. However, despite these strengths and average critical ratings, the series was designed as a standalone miniseries, thereby limiting its potential for a continuation. The show did not make a significant mark in Netflix’s catalog of Westerns but was appreciated by certain audiences for its direction and authentic portrayal of the era.
Introducing The Terminal List: Dark Wolf
As an echo of American Primeval, The Terminal List: Dark Wolf serves as a spin-off from Prime Video’s successful crime thriller The Terminal List. In this new series, Chris Pratt’s character is replaced by Kitsch’s portrayal of Ben Edwards. Currently, Dark Wolf has garnered a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a considerable improvement from The Terminal List, which holds a mere 40%.
The debut of Dark Wolf has not only rejuvenated Kitsch’s career but has also become a sensation on Prime Video, quickly climbing to the #1 spot on the platform’s charts, outpacing popular series like The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Character Analysis and Similarity Between Roles
Though The Terminal List: Dark Wolf and American Primeval differ significantly in narrative style, the central character played by Kitsch maintains a gritty consistency. Both Ben Edwards and Isaac (Kitsch’s character in American Primeval) are defined by past traumas. While Edwards grapples with military-centric espionage, Isaac embodies a more pronounced anti-hero trope, showcasing the visceral realities of warfare.
Both series have been commended for their brutally realistic action sequences, further appealing to audiences who appreciate raw storytelling.
Kitsch’s Redemption Arc in the Industry
Taylor Kitsch’s career trajectory has been tumultuous, marked by early promise followed by a string of high-profile disappointments, including John Carter, Battleship, and Savages. Although he delivered notable performances in acclaimed series like True Detective and Waco, these roles failed to reverse the declining critical perceptions earlier in his career.
With American Primeval and now The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, Kitsch is finally experiencing a resurgence, redeeming his standing with audiences and critics alike. Many hope this trend will lead to greater opportunities for him moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects
In addition to his acting work, Kitsch is set to expand his creative horizons by producing, directing, writing, and starring in an indie crime drama titled Pieces, based on a short film of the same name that he previously created. This next venture showcases his ambition to take his career into new directions.
Conclusion
The cancellation of American Primeval may have disappointed its fans, but the emergence of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf suggests promising developments for Taylor Kitsch. As he steps into a leading role once again, viewers are reminded of his versatility and depth as an actor. With the current trajectory of his career, Kitsch’s future in Hollywood might be brighter than ever, resonating with audiences who appreciate his authentic portrayals in both historical and contemporary narratives.
