'1923' Star Julia Schlaepfer Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Kissing Confessions and Season 2 Character Evolution
Julia Schlafer recently opened up about filming intimate scenes with co-star Brandon Sklenar on the hit series "1923." The duo, who portray Alexandra and Spencer Dutton, developed remarkable on-screen chemistry despite challenging filming conditions. While shooting in Africa, isolated from the rest of the cast and crew, they faced numerous obstacles including food poisoning from contaminated water that affected the entire production team.
Their unique filming situation forced Schlafer and Sklenar to build trust quickly, as they only had each other for support during the remote shoot. This genuine connection translated beautifully to screen, helping them become the fan-favorite couple of the series. The second season introduces significant developments for Alexandra's character, shifting her motivations beyond romance to something more profound that will impact the entire Dutton legacy moving forward.
Key Takeaways
The isolated filming conditions in Africa created genuine chemistry between the actors portraying Alexandra and Spencer Dutton.
Despite challenging circumstances including illness, the actors maintained professionalism and delivered compelling performances.
Alexandra's character undergoes significant development in season two that dramatically shifts her priorities and future direction.
The Character Chemistry
The on-screen relationship between Alexandra and Spencer in "1923" features a passionate connection that captivated viewers throughout the series. Their romance developed through intimate moments and challenging circumstances, creating a compelling storyline that resonated with the audience.
Alex and Spencer's Dynamic
The chemistry between Alexandra and Spencer evolved significantly throughout the first season. By the season finale, the two characters had married, though they were ultimately separated. Their relationship was characterized by intense passion, with Alexandra herself describing their encounters as "ravaging" - a unique way to express their connection.
The filming conditions actually enhanced their on-screen chemistry in unexpected ways. While shooting in Africa, the actors worked in isolation from the main cast and crew, creating a small, intimate working environment. This isolation helped them build authentic connection as they:
Traveled constantly together
Experienced difficult conditions
Supported each other through illness
Built trust quickly in challenging circumstances
Remarkably, the actors maintained their chemistry despite facing genuine hardships, including food poisoning from contaminated water that affected the entire cast and crew. These challenging circumstances forced them to push through personal discomfort while portraying romantic scenes.
Audience Reception
The relationship between Alexandra and Spencer proved enormously popular with viewers. In a subscriber poll ranking favorite couples from "1923," Alex and Spencer significantly outperformed all other romantic pairings in the series.
Their popularity likely stems from several factors:
The genuine chemistry between the actors
The passionate nature of their relationship
The unique settings of their storyline
The obstacles they overcame together
As the story progressed into season 2, their relationship took on new dimensions. Alexandra's pregnancy revelation shifted the dynamic from purely romantic adventures to building a family future. This development added emotional depth to their already popular pairing, giving Alexandra's character new determination and purpose beyond simply reuniting with Spencer.
The separation between the characters at the end of season 1 created dramatic tension that kept audiences invested in their eventual reunion, especially with Spencer unaware of Alexandra's pregnancy at the start of season 2.
Behind-the-Scenes Revelations
Intimate Filming Experiences
Julia Schlafer, who portrays Alexandra (Alex) in "1923," shared candid insights about filming romantic scenes with Brandon Sklenar (Spencer). The on-screen couple's chemistry developed under unique circumstances, as they filmed primarily in Africa, isolated from the rest of the cast and crew. This separation created an intimate working environment with a small team.
The isolation actually helped the actors develop authentic chemistry. "We were traveling constantly, dirty, and probably didn't smell great," Schlafer admitted. Their close quarters and shared experiences quickly eliminated normal boundaries between colleagues.
Production Obstacles
The filming process wasn't without significant challenges. Both actors, along with the crew, suffered from severe food poisoning—or more accurately, "eel poisoning" from contaminated water in South Africa. This unfortunate situation created particularly awkward circumstances for filming romantic scenes.
The illness struck just before they needed to board a plane, leaving the entire cast and crew struggling in a small airport. "We were all just clenching our chairs," Schlafer recalled about the flight. Despite these uncomfortable conditions, the actors had to maintain their romantic chemistry on screen.
Another surprising revelation: many of the kissing scenes were filmed immediately after the actors had eaten. "Probably half the time our characters had to kiss, we had just eaten a sandwich or something," Schlafer shared. This realistic approach to filming contributed to the authentic connection viewers witnessed between Alex and Spencer.
The pregnancy storyline in Season 2 adds another dimension to Alex's character. Schlafer noted that this development transforms her character's motivations: "It's not just about Spencer anymore... motherly instincts kick in real quick." This plot point significantly impacts her character's journey and determination throughout the new season.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Filming in Intimacy
Julia Schlafer and Brandon Sklenar developed their on-screen chemistry as Alex and Spencer under unique circumstances. Unlike the rest of the cast, they filmed primarily in Africa with a very small crew. This isolation created an environment where self-consciousness quickly vanished.
"We were excited about this love story," Schlafer explained. Their remote filming conditions fostered genuine closeness. Working in isolation meant they relied heavily on each other for support through challenging situations.
The unique filming arrangements eliminated typical workplace boundaries. Being constantly together while traveling, dealing with difficult conditions, and having only each other to depend on accelerated their professional comfort level in intimate scenes.
Unexpected Challenges
The actors faced remarkably difficult filming conditions that affected their romantic scenes. Perhaps most surprising was their bout with severe illness during production. "It was eel poisoning from the water—the whole cast and crew got it," Schlafer revealed.
This illness struck at particularly inconvenient times, including just before boarding flights. "We were on this airplane just clenching our chairs," she described. Despite physical discomfort, they had to maintain convincing romantic chemistry on camera.
The authenticity of their scenes came with unglamorous realities. Schlafer admitted, "About half the time our characters had to kiss, we had just eaten a sandwich or something." This candid revelation highlights the contrast between the polished final product and the practical realities of filming.
Season 2 brought new dimensions to the character dynamics, with Alex's pregnancy significantly altering her motivations. This development shifts her journey from being solely about her relationship with Spencer to protecting their future family, adding depth to her character's determination.
Character Study and Development Paths
Alex's Noble Heritage
Julia Schlafer portrays Alexandra (Alex), a character with significant aristocratic connections in the series 1923. Though not in direct line to the throne, Alex holds the title of Countess of Sussex, placing her firmly within the royal establishment. Her decision to follow her heart rather than fulfill her arranged marriage represents what would have been considered a profound social transgression for the era. By abandoning her prescribed path and the expectations of her noble family, Alex makes what she describes as "the ultimate disgrace" to the societal norms of her time.
Her rejection of royalty's constraints forms a crucial element of her character development. The weight of this choice becomes apparent through her declaration that she "doesn't want to be" royalty, highlighting her desire for authentic connection over social position. This rebellion against aristocratic expectations sets the foundation for her relationship with Spencer and their subsequent journey.
Implications of Alex's Pregnancy
The revelation of Alex's pregnancy in season 2 fundamentally transforms her character trajectory. What initially appears as mere seasickness in earlier episodes is confirmed as pregnancy, adding profound stakes to her already challenging circumstances. This development shifts Alex's motivations significantly - her journey is no longer solely about reuniting with Spencer but now encompasses securing a future for their growing family.
Julia Schlafer notes three key changes in Alexandra's character following this revelation:
Increased determination - Her focus becomes sharper and more urgent
Heightened sense of responsibility - Decisions now impact their unborn child
Emergence of maternal instincts - Protective qualities surface immediately
The pregnancy creates compelling dramatic tension as Spencer remains unaware of this development while separated from Alex. This information asymmetry adds another layer to their already complex relationship dynamic. Additionally, the pregnancy carries significant implications for the Yellowstone family lineage, potentially establishing Alex and Spencer's child as a direct ancestor to Kevin Costner's John Dutton character.
The pregnancy storyline emerges as particularly significant following Jack and Elizabeth's miscarriage at the end of season 1, potentially positioning Alex and Spencer's child as the crucial link in the Dutton family's future generations.
Cast Interviews and Behind-the-Scenes Revelations
Julia Schlafer's Candid Conversation
Julia Schlafer, who portrays Alexandra (Alex) in the series 1923, recently participated in a revealing interview about her on-screen relationship with Brandon Sklenar's character Spencer. When asked about their kissing scenes, Schlafer tactfully deflected with humor, noting that "Alex probably thinks Spencer's a great kisser."
The filming experience in Africa created a unique bond between the actors. Working in isolation from the rest of the cast, Schlafer and Sklenar developed a close professional relationship while shooting their romantic storyline.
"We were traveling constantly, dirty, and probably didn't smell great," Schlafer admitted during the interview. She revealed that boundaries disappeared quickly as they only had each other for support during the challenging filming conditions. This included some unexpected hardships:
Filming Challenges Details Food poisoning Both actors suffered from water-related illness Limited facilities Small airports and difficult travel conditions Continuous filming Often shooting intimate scenes after meals
Schlafer also discussed her character's royal background as the Countess of Sussex. While Alex comes from nobility, her character deliberately turns away from these responsibilities, which Schlafer described as "the ultimate disgrace" to society at that time.
The season 2 premiere revealed a significant development for Alex's character - her pregnancy. This revelation shifts her motivation throughout the new season. "It's not just about her anymore," Schlafer explained. "Her motherly instincts kick in quickly, and her journey becomes about protecting her future family."
Michelle Randol's Upcoming Interview
An interview with Michelle Randol, another key performer in the series, is scheduled for release soon. Randol's conversation promises to deliver additional insights into the show's production and character developments.
The interview will be available through the same channels as Schlafer's interview. Viewers can expect Randol to share her perspective on the series' evolving storylines and character relationships.
Additional interviews and behind-the-scenes content from the cast, including more from Schlafer, will be released in the coming weeks. Full episode recaps will be published on Mondays, with preview content arriving midweek.
Season Updates and Behind-the-Scenes Revelations
Major Season 2 Developments
Julia Schlafer, who portrays Alexandra (Alex) in the series 1923, has shared some fascinating insights about filming romantic scenes with Brandon Sklenar, who plays her on-screen husband Spencer. Their characters' romance has become a fan favorite, overwhelmingly winning audience polls as the most beloved couple on the show.
The filming conditions created a unique bond between the actors. Working primarily in Africa with a small crew, they developed a close working relationship that helped bring authenticity to their performances.
"We were isolated from the rest of the cast, constantly traveling, dirty, and probably didn't smell great," Schlafer revealed. These challenging conditions, including an unfortunate bout of eel poisoning from contaminated water that affected the entire cast and crew, created a situation where "boundaries were squashed pretty quick."
Despite these less-than-ideal circumstances—including sometimes having to film romantic scenes shortly after eating—the actors delivered compelling performances. The authenticity of their connection translates well on screen, with Alex and Spencer's romance becoming a central storyline.
Regarding Alex's background, Schlafer clarified that her character is the Countess of Sussex, with royal lineage that makes her decision to abandon her arranged marriage in Season 1 particularly scandalous for that time period.
Season 2 Major Spoiler Alert
The biggest revelation for Season 2 is that Alexandra is pregnant. This development, revealed in the first episode of the new season, fundamentally changes her character's motivation and journey.
"It's not just about her anymore," Schlafer explained. "Her motherly instincts kick in quickly, and her reason for her journey shifts."
What makes this development particularly interesting is that Spencer remains unaware of the pregnancy. This creates parallel journeys as the characters navigate separate paths, with Alex now motivated not just by love but by protecting her future family.
This pregnancy also has significant implications for the Yellowstone family tree and lineage, potentially establishing Spencer and Alex as direct ancestors to Kevin Costner's John Dutton character, especially after Jack and Elizabeth suffered a miscarriage at the end of Season 1.
The pregnancy transforms Alex's character, bringing out "a new level of grit" according to Schlafer. Her focus becomes ensuring her baby's safety and getting to Montana to establish their family. The carefree adventures and passionate romance of Season 1 evolve into something "much bigger," revealing a more serious and determined Alexandra.
