American Primeval, a gripping new Netflix Western series, has stirred discussions due to its graphic violence and exceptional cast. The narrative follows Sara and Devin, a mother and son escaping their troubled past, as they navigate the harsh realities of the American West. The series showcases a talented ensemble featuring renowned actors like Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin, but it is Shawnee Pourier’s remarkable portrayal of Two Moons that truly captivates audiences.
Shawnee Pourier, an Indigenous actor hailing from New Mexico, is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and is proficient in the Lakota language (as reported by The Direct). At just 20 years old, Pourier is at the start of her career, but her performance in American Primeval indicates she is on the path to becoming a prominent star in the industry.
The Journey to Landing the Role in American Primeval
A Casting Call Sparked Her Interest
While Shawnee Pourier may be emerging as a standout in American Primeval, this is not her first venture into acting. She made her television debut in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, recognized for its cultural impact, with its final season set to debut in 2025. In her role as “Cute Girl,”Pourier had a memorable interaction with Noah Schnapp’s character, Will Byers, in Season 4.
Additionally, she made an appearance in the Native American-themed series Dark Winds in Season 2, portraying Anna Atcitty. Her character’s murder becomes a pivotal moment, driving the plot of the first episodes as the mystery begins to unfold.
This trajectory led to her landing a role in American Primeval. Pourier shared insights about her audition journey via Instagram during an interview with Pop Culture With Pat:
“So I was scrolling through Instagram one day and Midthunder Casting posted a casting call for [American Primeval], and I was like, oh, that’s interesting. And then I was talking to my sister, and my sister was like: ‘You should ask your agent about it.’… And then I was going to talk to my agent about it, and she sent me the audition.”
Pourier’s hard work paid off when she was called back twice by casting directors, ultimately securing the role of Two Moons, leading to her breakout moment in the series.
Portraying Two Moons Without Dialogue
Mastering Non-Verbal Expression
In American Primeval, Pourier portrays Two Moons, a young Indigenous woman from the Shoshone tribe who has lost her ability to speak due to her tribe’s decision to cut her tongue out. Following this tragic event, she escapes her community and allies with Sara and Devin. Two Moons is a determined survivor, driven by the will to persevere in a harsh landscape.
Pourier’s portrayal is particularly powerful given the absence of dialogue. She beautifully expresses her character’s motivations, emotions, and personality through gestures, physical movements, and facial expressions alone. Through her artful performance, audiences grasp the challenges Two Moons endures.
Her movements are intentional and adapt to various situations, effectively conveying urgency and drama. Shawnee Pourier’s ability to develop a character rich in depth and personality without speaking is a remarkable testament to her talent. Commenting on Two Moons’ choice not to speak, she noted:
“She could talk, she just chose not to because it would sound weird. Well, that’s what I put together in my head.”
-Shawnee Pourier
Future Prospects for Shawnee Pourier
A Promising Path Ahead
While it’s uncertain whether American Primeval will continue for a second season—given its limited series conception—executive producer Peter Berg has discussed the challenges posed by the weather conditions necessary for filming. The cast faced extreme cold during the first season, highlighting the production’s logistical hurdles. However, potential storylines for a second season would likely continue to revolve around Sara, Devin, and, prominently, Two Moons.
Outside of acting, Pourier remains dedicated to her cultural roots. She proudly serves as an ambassador for 3Feathers Quilts, a company specializing in traditional Native American star quilts. She actively promotes the quilts and their significance to Indigenous communities through social media. Even though her future projects may remain uncertain, Shawnee Pourier’s talent is undeniable and signals a bright path ahead in her career.