Robert Redford made headlines once again when he appeared on-screen for the first time since 2019 during the season 3 premiere of AMC and AMC+’s series, Dark Winds, on March 9, 2025. The 88-year-old Hollywood legend shared the screen with renowned author George R. R. Martin, known for A Song of Ice and Fire, and both appeared as incarcerated men playing chess.
The scene features Martin’s character, George, executing checkmate on Redford’s character, with assistance from Zahn McClarnon, who plays Joe Leaphorn, the Navajo police officer leading the series. The interaction showcases the two icons still managing to bring excitement to the screen, even as they both take on more behind-the-scenes roles.
Chris Eyre, the episode's director, mentioned to Vulture how the idea of including both Redford and Martin had been “in the air since the first season.” This surprise appearance, which could only be filmed with Redford's request for privacy, was years in the making. The anticipation around the cameo had built up throughout the show’s production, as Eyre noted, “I was nervous to be directing Robert Redford. I have known him for decades, and just thinking about working with him made me anxious.”
The thirty-second clip serves as both homage and entertainment, delivering nostalgia for longtime fans. Zahn McClarnon expressed his awe at working with Redford, saying, “I can’t believe I’m acting alongside Robert Redford. That’s incredible!”
Interestingly, this cameo was not Redford's first experience back on-screen since announcing his retirement from acting. He previously voiced roles, including one character for the 2020 animated film, Omniboat: A Fast Boat Fantasia, and lent his voice as Bob Woodward for HBO’s White House Plumbers. His most recent on-screen role, prior to this cameo, was portraying his character from Captain America: The Winter Soldier once again in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
Meanwhile, George R. R. Martin ends his on-screen absence of several years; his last appearance dated back to 2015, where he made cameos as himself across productions like Z Nation, Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!, and Supreme Tweeter.
New episodes of Dark Winds season 3 continue to air on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+, allowing viewers to relish new adventures grounded deeply within Navajo culture and police investigations of the 1970s.
Having first appeared on television back in the 1960 episode of Maverick, Redford continues to captivate audiences. This remarkable return to the screen only adds to the excitement of fans who have followed his long, illustrious career. It also echoes the sentiments of fellow cast members and the production crew who have been inspired by having such legendary figures involved.
John Wirth, the showrunner, remarked, “You have to wonder: what do two old white men do locked up together? But if you squint your eyes and don’t think too much about it, it all works out.” The fun underlying the serious storyline stands out, invigorated by the appearances of both Redford and Martin as they re-enter the limelight.
The careful production of this cameo on Redford's terms emphasizes the love and dedication both actors have for the series as producers. They have aided the portrayal of culturally rich narratives since the inception of Dark Winds, reinforcing the authenticity often sought after within industry-leading projects.
With every episode, Dark Winds is carving its own niche within the vast television landscapes, ensuring history through the storytelling of Native American experiences.
It’s clear, then, this unexpected cameo ignites not just nostalgia but also helps to set the stage for future collaborations and storytelling opportunities. Redford's return, though fleeting, reverberates with the kind of warmth and recognition shared within the film and television community.