Minka Kelly Says Her Chemistry With Josh Duhamel in 'Ransom Canyon' Is "Like Butter"
If you've fallen hard for Netflix's new western drama Ransom Canyon, you're certainly not alone. The series gives major Friday Night Lights nostalgia with a dash of Yellowstone edge, all set against the wild yet beautiful backdrop of Texas Hill Country. The storyline follows ranch owner Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), who's learning how to navigate life after the heartbreaking loss of both his wife and son. Alongside him is Quinn O'Grady (Minka Kelly), who's tending to her family's lavender farm and running the town's honky-tonk dance hall. She was a close friend of Staten's late wife. From the very beginning, it's clear the chemistry between the two is high, but Stanton keeps his feelings hidden.
Minka recently dished on her chemistry with Josh while filming, and we have the tea.
Minka Kelly Says Her Chemistry With Josh Duhamel in Ransom Canyon Is "Like Butter"
Minka spilled to PEOPLE that her Ransom Canyon chemistry with Josh came easy when they got into their roles. It was so smooth, in fact, that the actress compared it to butter.
"I remember, we got together just to see what our chemistry would be like before we started shooting, and immediately, it was just like butter. I'm like, 'Oh, this guy — we have such an easy exchange,'" Minka recalled, adding, "I felt so safe with him. I remember texting him right afterwards going, 'I'm so excited I get to do this with you. I feel so safe with you.' And that really just continued throughout the series."
The actress referred to Josh as a "really great, solid partner" for Ransom Canyon, noting that viewers will genuinely enjoy the storyline. Besides—the series is giving viewers what they never knew they needed: hunky Josh Duhamel in a cowboy hat!
"I feel like the whole world's going to really fall in love with him all over again in a whole new way. This is exactly what you want—seeing him in a cowboy hat, on a ranch, on a horse," Minka shared.
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Fun fact? To channel the onscreen ranch owner he is, Josh (and the cast) participated in "cowboy camp," which involved daily riding, roping, and wrangling training, according to Cowboys & Indians. Professional bareback rider Tilden Hooper made an appearance on Ransom Canyon and served as a coach for the cast to ensure authenticity.
"He gave us advice on just looking the part and being authentic. We wanted people from Texas to watch and say, 'Yeah, they got it right,'" Josh said.
