‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Star, Co-Creator Hugh Dillon on the Deaths of [SPOILERS] in the Finale, and Jeremy Renner Returning to Work After His Life-Threatening Injury: ‘He Worked So F—ing Hard’

As a writer myself, I can truly appreciate the raw authenticity that this artist brings to their work. Their personal experiences with tragedy and hardship give their characters depth and realism that would be otherwise lacking. It’s not about sugarcoating or glossing over the harsh realities of life; it’s about diving deep, hitting hard, and making an impact.

WARNING: Spoilers Ahead: The discussion that follows reveals plot points from the Season 3 finale, “Comeuppance,” of the series “Mayor of Kingstown,” which is currently available for streaming on Paramount+.

The series “Mayor of Kingstown” didn’t end its third season peacefully as one might expect; instead, it ended dramatically, reflecting the turbulent nature of the fictional city it portrays. As usual, there was violence, death, and characters grappling with their uncertain futures. Given the precarious position the show found itself in last year following star Jeremy Renner’s snowplow accident resulting in chest trauma and 38 broken bones, it’s impressive that it managed to deliver such a strong season.

Similarly to the resilient characters he often portrays in his acting career, Jeremy Renner was committed to healing and returning to his role as the main character in “Mayor of Kingstown,” a figure navigating the tumultuous and perilous world depicted in the Paramount+ series co-created by Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone”) and Hugh Dillon. Dillon also stars in the show, portraying morally complex detective Ian Ferguson.

After the series finale (no news yet about a possible fourth season), Dillon shared insights with us about how he motivated Renner to return to set, as well as Dillon’s personal connection to the world depicted in the show. Furthermore, due to the deaths of Milo Sunter (Aiden Gillen, the villainous character) and Iris (Emma Laird) along with Capt. Kareem Moore (Michael Beach), there’s speculation about whether these characters have met their permanent end. Dillon provided some information on this matter and potential plans for a fourth season.

As a longtime fan of the series, I must admit that the finale was nothing short of spectacular! It was jam-packed with pivotal moments and intricate plot threads that left me eagerly anticipating a potential next season. However, I can’t help but wonder about the challenges that went into pulling together such an impressive finale, especially considering the past year or so for Jeremy Renner. His dedication to his craft is truly admirable, and it shows in every scene he graces with his presence. Kudos to the entire team for delivering a masterpiece that left us all on the edge of our seats!

As someone who has worked on numerous productions, I can wholeheartedly say that this season has been unlike any other for me. It wasn’t just about putting on a show; it was about giving Taylor a platform to tell a powerful story, and in this case, the story of Jeremy’s journey towards empowerment after overcoming significant challenges.

With these actors, you’d prefer they deliver authentic performances rather than routine ones. They should give it their all and leave no stones unturned. There’s an exquisite beauty in the human journey, and watching Jeremy unfold was captivating. At first, he and his mother were apprehensive, but when you decide to embark on such a journey, you must be fully committed. We were ready to delve deep, and Jeremy expressed his resolve too – “I believe I can make it.” He had mobility issues, yet post our filming sessions, he dedicated himself tirelessly. A gym was even installed for him. His dedication was nothing short of remarkable.

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Star, Co-Creator Hugh Dillon on the Deaths of [SPOILERS] in the Finale, and Jeremy Renner Returning to Work After His Life-Threatening Injury: ‘He Worked So F—ing Hard’

As a movie reviewer, let me delve into the climactic scenes of the finale, focusing on the character arc of our protagonist, Ian. Following his tragic act of taking down Charlie in last week’s episode, there are now lingering questions about the aftermath. Will this heavy burden cast a shadow over him as we move forward?

It’s a fact! There can be no argument about it. One of my friends is a prison guard, and occasionally, you might take a detainee out for various tasks and sometimes form unexpected connections with them. I must say, securing Kenny Johnson for this project was another one of those moments that I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in, especially given the surprising plot twist.

The planning for it wasn’t a casual “We’ll do this” — rather, it had been two years in the making, as Taylor showed me. These aren’t just TV episodes; they’re movies, meant to unfold naturally over time. They need space to develop, not forced into a single episode. Our director, Christoph Schrewe, was incredibly focused, and he played a crucial role in shaping that scene visually.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on the heart-wrenching turn of events in the last episode. The prison yard scene with Kareem, knowing full well his fate, and Iris’ tragic decision to take her own life on the bus – these moments left an indelible mark. It seems we might have bid a final farewell to these characters, but with this being the season finale, who knows what surprises lie ahead?

It’s important to acknowledge reality, especially when dealing with tough topics like the opioid crisis, which I’ve been closely connected to due to growing up in a town with a high incarceration rate. I’ve had personal experiences with suicide and addiction, and these are real struggles that many people face. To create authentic art, it’s crucial not to sugarcoat or ignore these hardships but instead delve deep into them and portray their raw impact honestly. That’s what I strive to do in my work.

So, just to confirm, we’re saying goodbye to those characters?

Certainly. If we opt for any other course of action, that could be considered a twisted form of corruption. Here’s the crux: this is the inevitable conclusion. To casually remark, “She was merely resting,” is inappropriate given the circumstances. They are no longer with us. This is a heartbreaking reality. We have personal connections and insights into their lives, so to feign ignorance would be disrespectful not only to them but also to ourselves.

I can share some insights from my own experiences as a seasoned cinematographer. When it comes to shooting a massive shootout scene on a bridge at night, it’s not just about pointing a camera and pressing record. It requires careful planning, preparation, and execution.

As a seasoned screenwriter with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Taylor Sheridan has a knack for crafting compelling stories that resonate deeply with audiences. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him on several projects, and each time, he brings an uncanny ability to anticipate plot twists and character developments that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Star, Co-Creator Hugh Dillon on the Deaths of [SPOILERS] in the Finale, and Jeremy Renner Returning to Work After His Life-Threatening Injury: ‘He Worked So F—ing Hard’

Taylor was acquainted with Christoph Schrewe, the renowned German filmmaker, who excelled at his craft, directing scenes reminiscent of “Apocalypse Now.” He possesses an exceptional ability to convey both emotion and action, making him not only a talented artist but also a wonderful individual. Furthermore, we assembled an incredible team in Pittsburgh, yet some people expressed doubts, saying things like, “This is too ambitious” or “It can’t be done.” In essence, they were expressing their own reservations about our abilities to accomplish the task.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the significant contributions of Jeremy Renner and Taylor Sheridan. Their work serves as a platform for our success, and their names on it make this achievement all the more meaningful.

At the conclusion of this season, not every question has been neatly resolved. Might we expect answers for all the unanswered plotlines? As of yet, a fourth season hasn’t been formally confirmed, but I find it hard to believe that one won’t materialize, don’t you?

It’s a bit cliché, but from your mouth to God’s ears.

If the narrative progresses, what can we anticipate for Mike’s journey ahead? His final speech revolves around themes of evil, mercy, and self-discovery. Is it feasible within this universe for him to experience such transformations?

I think it’s a thing that we all hold onto, so we don’t just give up. So many of us and the characters are predisposed to their darker impulses, and they’re very desensitized. But you’ve got to have hope. That’s what it is. It’s going back to hoping that Iris can make it out. And hoping that Kyle [Taylor Handley] can have a better life than [his brother] Mike has. It’s all those family issues, and how do you absorb loss and defeat and compromise? That is the crux.

It makes for good TV, right?

Makes for a great life!

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2024-08-05 00:17

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Star, Co-Creator Hugh Dillon on the Deaths of [SPOILERS] in the Finale, and Jeremy Renner Returning to Work After His Life-Threatening Injury: ‘He Worked So F—ing Hard’

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