‘DARK WINDS’ SEASON 5 IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY — AND ZAHN MCCLARNON IS BACK BEHIND THE CAMERA

Production for Dark Winds Season 5 has officially started, bringing exciting news for fans of the hit crime drama. Alongside returning to play Joe Leaphorn, Zahn McClarnon is also stepping back into the director’s chair for the upcoming season.

His dual role promises to bring an even deeper perspective to the story as the series moves into its next chapter — with filming already underway and new mysteries expected to unfold.

👇👇 More details about Season 5 below…

‘Dark Winds’ Season 5 Begins Filming as Zahn McClarnon Returns to Direct

Dark Winds Season 4 is concluding on AMC, but fans can rest easy knowing Season 5 of the series is already in the works with filming already underway following the show’s renewal earlier this year.

The early renewal came just before Season 4 started airing, and already, various casting information is beginning to trickle out of production as work on Dark Winds‘ fifth season unfolds, with the latest look teasing one star’s return as a director. And more information about the highly anticipated next chapter has also been teased. We’re breaking it all down, including when it will likely premiere and who is likely to return for the ’70s-set noir, along with any other need-to-know details surrounding Dark Winds Season 5. Stay tuned for more as the latest chapter unfolds, and let us know what you hope to see from the show’s future episodes in the comments section below.

Has Dark Winds been renewed for Season 5?

Yes, as mentioned above, Dark Winds has been renewed for Season 5. The announcement made on February 5, 2026, comes 10 days ahead of Season 4’s debut, making it an early greenlight.

When will Dark Winds Season 5 premiere?

AMC has already confirmed that Dark Winds Season 5 will premiere in 2027 with an exact date to be announced later. Additionally, the network revealed that Season 5 filming had officially begun in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the network’s official account teased star Zahn McClarnon‘s return as a director. Season 5 of Dark Winds will include eight new hour-long episodes for fans to dive into.

What has been said about Dark Winds‘ Season 5 renewal?

“Over four seasons, Dark Winds has masterfully blended compelling character-driven stories, Navajo culture, spirituality, and breathtaking cinematography. We are elated to continue the journey alongside showrunner John Wirth and the incomparable Zahn McClarnon,” said Dan McDermott, chief content officer of AMC Networks and president of AMC Studios.  “Our extraordinary producing and creative team, cast, and crew have crafted a gripping crime drama that continues to be embraced by fans and widely celebrated by critics. We can’t wait to share more of this incredible story with audiences across the globe.”

Meanwhile, McClarnon, who stars in and executive produces the drama, stated, “Thank you to Kristin Dolan, Dan McDermott, and all of AMC Networks for continuing to support and believe in Dark Winds. It’s such a privilege to embody the character of Joe Leaphorn, and I’m excited to return to Santa Fe with this amazing cast and crew to craft another thrilling season of the show that means so much to all of us.”

Showrunner and executive producer John Wirth added, “For four seasons now, AMC Networks has provided us with the opportunity to entertain audiences through the unique lens of a traditional crime story set on the Navajo Nation in 1972. We are one of one and never take this strong support for granted. Thanks to everyone at AMC Networks, our talented writing staff, stunning cast, and a Santa Fe crew that’s become a training ground for Native artists, we’re thrilled to be coming back for a fifth season of Dark Winds.”

What is Dark Winds Season 5 about?

No logline or premise for Season 5 has been shared at this time, but we’re sure it will continue to follow the exploits of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (McClarnon), as he serves the Navajo Nation alongside detectives Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) and Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten). Stay tuned for official details and how Season 4’s run could influence the path these characters may take in Season 5.

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‘Dark Winds’ Boss Previews Joe Leaphorn’s Obssessive Antagonist

Who stars in Dark Winds Season 5?

While no official casting has been announced by AMC, we expect McClarnon, Gordon, and Matten to return with fellow fan-favorite Deanna Allison, who portrays Joe’s wife, Emma Leaphorn. As fans know by now,the series typically features some pretty major guest stars who have ranged from Jenna Elfman and Bruce Greenwood to Season 4’s latest additions Franka Potente and Chaske Spencer, among others.

In the latest Season 5 casting announcements, it was revealed by Deadline that both Paola Núñez and Martin Sensmeier would join the show in series regular roles. According to the outlet, Núñez will play Luisa Alvarado, a lead investigator for the U.S. Attorney’s office who is also connected to Leaphorn’s past. Meanwhile, Sensmeier is set to appear as Terry Bai, a former Vietnam vet with ties to Chee from middle school.

More reporting from Deadline revealed that Noel Fisher and Devin Sampson-Craig would join Season 5 of the series in recurring roles. Fisher is set to play Michael Jorie, a dangerous killer whose warped righteousness in his beliefs fuels his involvement in a southwestern gang known for its history of violence. Meanwhile, Sampson-Craig is set to portray Daniel Ironwater Jr., a ranch hand who finds himself heading down a bad path after his time in Vietnam.

Who makes Dark Winds Season 5?

Dark Winds is based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee book series and is created for television by Graham Roland. Showrunner Wirth executive produces the series with Roland, McClarnon, the late Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Thomas Brady, Max Hurwitz, Vince Gerardis, and Anne Hillerman.

Stay tuned for more on Season 5, and don’t miss Dark Winds Season 4 as it unfolds on AMC and AMC+.

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