David Oyelowo’s Dedication to Bass Reeves Inspires New Western Series
For over a decade, British-American actor-producer David Oyelowo has been captivated by the story of post-Civil War Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, a figure who inspired the character of the Lone Ranger. Despite previous attempts by others to bring Reeves’ story to the screen, challenges arose due to the resistance to centering a film on a Black lawman.
Oyelowo, reflecting on the industry’s reluctance, highlighted the prevailing narrative that Black stories are niche and lack global appeal, impacting budget allocations and production decisions. Even successful films like “Black Panther” and its sequel failed to shift this narrative significantly, with Black success often dismissed as an anomaly.
The actor emphasized the financial hurdles faced in mounting a period Western, noting the industry’s tendency to deem characters like Reeves unworthy of significant investment. However, the advent of streaming platforms provided a new avenue for diverse storytelling, allowing for a more inclusive approach to content creation.
The breakthrough came with the success of Taylor Sheridan’s Western series “Yellowstone,” demonstrating the enduring appeal of the genre. Oyelowo’s collaboration with Sheridan on “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” was facilitated by a shift in industry attitudes, leading to the series’ debut on Paramount+ and a positive reception among viewers, particularly Black and Brown audiences.
The series aimed to offer a fresh perspective on Reeves’ story, focusing on his family life and pursuit of justice in a post-slavery era. Oyelowo sought to move away from traditional slave narratives, emphasizing the importance of showcasing aspirational representations of Black history.
Portraying Reeves presented physical challenges for Oyelowo, who underwent rigorous training to embody the character’s strength and resilience. The actor also delved into Reeves’ complex relationships with authority figures, highlighting the character’s internal struggles in a racially charged environment.
Balancing authenticity and accessibility, Oyelowo worked closely with a dialect coach to capture Reeves’ speech patterns accurately. Looking ahead, the actor is involved in various upcoming projects, including a TV series at Apple TV+ and a return to the stage in a production of Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus.”
As “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” resonated with audiences, Oyelowo envisions expanding the anthology to explore other marginalized historical figures, highlighting the diverse narratives that have yet to be told. The series serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of stories that challenge traditional narratives and celebrate underrepresented voices in history.
