In the sprawling, often rugged landscape of Taylor Sheridan’s burgeoning television universe, a new chapter unfolds with CBS’s highly anticipated drama, “Marshals.” This compelling spinoff from the juggernaut “Yellowstone” introduces audiences to a fresh ensemble navigating the unforgiving terrain of justice and personal demons. At its heart lies the formidable presence of Logan Marshall-Green, stepping into a mission-critical role that promises to resonate deeply with viewers. Marshall-Green portrays Pete Calvin, a character whose past as a Navy SEAL intertwines inextricably with that of Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton, the beloved Dutton family "good guy" from the original series. Their shared crucible of war forms the foundation of a brotherhood that is both a lifeline and a burden, as Pete not only secures Kayce’s position on the elite five-person marshal team but also becomes a profound, albeit complicated, influence on his friend, all while wrestling with his own internal struggles.
Marshall-Green recently offered an exclusive glimpse into the intricate layers of his character, Pete Calvin, in a candid conversation, delving into the complex dynamic with Kayce, the rigorous training regimen required for the role, and his profound commitment to using his performance as a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. His insights paint a picture of an actor deeply invested in portraying the nuanced realities of military service and the arduous journey of veterans returning home.
The preparation for a role steeped in the high-stakes world of federal marshals and elite military backgrounds is no small feat, and Marshall-Green revealed the intense, accelerated pace that characterized the production of "Marshals." "It was quick. We jumped right in," he recounts, highlighting the breakneck speed at which the series came together. "This is the fastest I’ve ever seen a TV show get put together, to be completely honest. I got the offer, and I was boots-on-the-ground training and shooting within two weeks." This rapid-fire transition from casting to active production speaks volumes about the show’s ambition and the demanding schedule faced by its cast and crew. For Marshall-Green, a seasoned actor with a history of portraying military and tactical roles, this intensity was familiar territory, yet the collaborative choreography of a five-person team presented a unique challenge.
He elaborated on the specifics of the tactical training, describing it as a "dance" vital for seamless execution. "I’d done a lot of tactical work in other roles, I’ve played a lot of soldiers, and I’ve held a weapon before, but it’s really about the dance between, what we’d call the ‘pain train.’ When you kick that door and go through and check those corners, everybody has to know where to go, how to dance and move, and make it flow." This analogy of a "pain train" underscores the precision and synchronicity required for such scenes, where every movement, every check of a corner, must be perfectly coordinated to convey authenticity and efficiency. The swift assembly of the team, most of whom hadn’t worked together previously, meant that building this on-screen chemistry and tactical cohesion was paramount.
To ensure the utmost realism, the production enlisted expert guidance. "We had an amazing prop master who propped everybody up beautifully, got everybody really tied into what was realistically needed," Marshall-Green noted. Crucially, the team benefited from the invaluable insights of a military consultant, Ryan Sangster, an ex-SEAL. "Because of the background of Luke’s character, Kayce, and mine being SEALs, we needed to have that tip of the spear very sharp, and everybody else flowed amongst us." This dedication to authenticity, particularly for characters with such specialized backgrounds, is a hallmark of Sheridan’s productions, and it’s clear Marshall-Green and his co-stars committed fully. "We busted our butts. A lot of that training was about getting the five of us dancing together without two left feet," he affirmed, emphasizing the physical and mental dedication required to achieve that elusive, convincing flow.
Beyond the urban tactical operations, "Marshals," much like its parent series, embraces the rugged, open landscapes that define the modern Western genre. This often necessitates a different kind of skill set: horsemanship. When asked about his comfort level in the saddle, Marshall-Green revealed a surprising depth of experience. "I was pretty comfortable with that as well," he shared. "I don’t know actually how much they were aware of my horsemanship. Not that I’m that soft in the saddle, but I was a ranchhand for about half a year while I worked on the movie ‘As I Lay Dying.’ There’s a lot of horsemanship in that, and I was very dedicated. So I worked my butt off for that, and I’ve got some other things I’ve done horseback with, so I’m not too bad at it." This prior experience undoubtedly gave him an edge, allowing him to embody the spirit of the Western setting with natural ease, a quality that resonates deeply with the "Yellowstone" audience. The authenticity of actors on horseback adds another layer of immersion to the narrative, bridging the gap between traditional Western lore and contemporary storytelling.
The experience of filming in Utah, a state renowned for its majestic, untamed beauty, quickly immersed Marshall-Green in a lifestyle that mirrored the show’s themes. "Yeah, I bought a truck! [Laughs] I did, actually. You kind of needed one in Utah once it snows. I needed to get four-wheel drive, and I got a truck. I guess you could say I turned a little bit into a cowboy," he quipped, offering a glimpse into the practicalities of filming in such an environment. Beyond the vehicle choice, he underscored the demanding nature of the work itself. "It is a cowboy lifestyle in that it was really hard work. This show got shot out of the gate, like I mentioned before, and we were doing, some days, six-day eps, and we were traveling almost an hour out to an incredible location called Thousand Peaks, where they originally shot the first three seasons of ‘Yellowstone.’"
Thousand Peaks, with its vast, breathtaking vistas, served as a powerful backdrop, grounding the actors in the very essence of the "Yellowstone" universe. "To say it’s beautiful is an understatement. While it may have been cold, and it may have been really early a lot of those days, it was still me on a horse with an incredible view, and I didn’t take that for granted at all," he reflected. This blend of arduous work, stunning natural beauty, and a deep appreciation for the craft underscores the unique appeal of working on a Sheridan production. It’s an immersive experience that demands both physical endurance and a keen artistic sensibility, allowing actors to truly inhabit their characters within a world that feels palpably real.
A cornerstone of "Marshals" will undoubtedly be the profound chemistry between Marshall-Green’s Pete Calvin and Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton. Their shared past as Navy SEALs, having navigated the "hell of war" together, creates an instant, intense bond that is palpable on screen. Marshall-Green explained how this natural rapport developed so quickly. "Luke’s pretty easygoing. He disarms you when you meet him. He’s a very grounded, down-to-earth guy. We took a few hikes right away, just to meet each other," he revealed. These informal, off-screen interactions are often crucial in forging the believable on-screen connections that audiences crave. "But a lot of that just is being easy to work with, and that Luke has in spades."
However, the relationship between Pete and Kayce is far from static. It is a living, breathing entity, shaped by their history and destined for evolution. "There’s a lot of the relationship, though, to be seen, and to evolve or devolve, and there’s a lot of history between them," Marshall-Green hinted, suggesting forthcoming complexities. Pete’s perspective, unburdened by Kayce’s long-standing family drama, offers a fresh lens. "You all know about Kayce, but I don’t. I wasn’t around him in those years. I come to terms with not just who he is and where he comes from, but also the things he’s done in the past." This dynamic promises to be a powerful narrative driver, as Pete’s understanding of Kayce’s turbulent life outside their military service adds friction and depth. "That puts a wrench in the works, as well as ties us even more tightly together, as two ex-SEAL Team buddies," he concluded, emphasizing that even challenges can strengthen the bonds of brotherhood forged in the crucible of war.
For many actors entering the "Yellowstone" orbit, a pre-existing familiarity with the flagship series is common. However, Marshall-Green’s entry into this universe was swift and decisive, leaving little time for binging. "They offered the part to me and I had about an hour to decide, because they needed me out there in a week," he recounted. Faced with such a tight deadline, his approach was pragmatic. "We sat down, watched the pilot, which I thought was quite good, and I’m a big fan of [‘Yellowstone’ co-creator] Taylor Sheridan’s films. But I’d never seen any of the ‘Yellowstone’ shows – none of them." Rather than seeing this as a disadvantage, Marshall-Green embraced it. "I quickly realized that I didn’t need to. It would probably be better to when I ask questions, so that they are coming from a true place of ignorance. That ignorance is bliss in this way, and actually made my job a lot easier to find out who he was in front of a camera." This deliberate choice allowed him to build Pete Calvin’s perception of Kayce purely from their shared history and present interactions, free from any preconceived notions from the "Yellowstone" narrative, lending an authentic, immediate quality to their on-screen relationship.
Given Taylor Sheridan’s reputation as a visionary storyteller and a hands-on creator, many might assume extensive collaboration. Yet, the rapid production schedule precluded such direct interaction for Marshall-Green. "I didn’t. We were shot out of a cannon, and I’ve had no conversations with Taylor about it, to be completely honest," he admitted. This speaks to the trust placed in the cast and crew, operating within the established framework of Sheridan’s detailed scripts and overarching vision, allowing the production to move at its breakneck pace without sacrificing quality.
The true heart of Logan Marshall-Green’s portrayal of Pete Calvin lies in his profound commitment to honoring veterans. He articulated his character’s journey with a gravitas that underscores his personal investment. "My journey is one of the vet. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to play this guy. I have a deep respect for soldiers, especially veterans. When they come home, and they’re somewhat lost, not just externally, but internally. The depths that they have to go to right their ships… some of them make it, some of them don’t." This poignant observation highlights the often-unseen struggles faced by those returning from combat, a theme that resonates powerfully in today’s society.
Marshall-Green emphasized that the impact of war extends far beyond the battlefield. "It’s the effects of war – not just in battle, but at home." He drew attention to the devastating consequences on personal lives and relationships. "More than anything, relationships are destroyed by this job. A lot of these soldiers have high divorce rates, high amounts of alcoholism and abuse of pharmaceuticals." These are not just statistics; they are the lived realities of countless veterans, and Marshall-Green aims to bring these silent battles to the forefront through Pete Calvin. "One of the biggest storylines is a relationship with a family member of his that he lost. So he’s got a lot going on, not just trying to refine his brotherhood with Kayce." This lost family member storyline promises to be a deeply emotional arc, providing a window into the personal costs of service and the long road to healing and reconciliation. It elevates Pete Calvin beyond a mere sidekick, establishing him as a character grappling with profound personal trauma, making his journey a compelling narrative in its own right.
As "Marshals" premieres, Logan Marshall-Green’s portrayal of Pete Calvin is poised to be a standout performance, offering viewers not just gripping action and intricate storytelling but also a sensitive and authentic exploration of the veteran experience. His dedication to realism, from tactical training to horsemanship, combined with a deep empathy for his character’s struggles, promises to deliver a performance that is both entertaining and profoundly moving. Through Pete Calvin, Marshall-Green provides a powerful voice for those who have served, reminding us of the enduring sacrifices made and the often-invisible battles fought long after the uniforms are put away. His journey alongside Kayce Dutton will be a testament to the unbreakable bonds forged in adversity and the arduous, yet hopeful, path towards finding one’s way home, both physically and emotionally.
