Madison Elise Rogers is making a strong impression in 1923, the hit Yellowstone prequel from Taylor Sheridan. In Season 2, her character, Lindy, is stepping into a more prominent role, showcasing a transformation that has fans both intrigued and unsettled. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Rogers discussed her journey into acting, Lindy’s evolving storyline, and what it’s like working alongside industry legends like Timothy Dalton.
From a Shy Child to a Rising Star
Though Rogers started acting as a child, it wasn’t always in the cards for her.
“I was a really, really shy child,” she shared. “So it was kind of more of a thing for my mom to get me out of my shell. I started when I was eight, but I didn’t think of it as a career until I was maybe 17 or 18.”
Once she got serious about acting, there was no turning back.
“No backup plan,” she laughed. “Once I started auditioning, I knew I had to go for it.”
She also shared some of her acting inspirations, including Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder, and James Dean.
“I watched Rebel Without a Cause a lot as a kid, so James Dean was a big one for me too,” she said.
Landing the Role of Lindy in 1923
Getting cast in a Yellowstone prequel is no small feat, and Rogers recalled her audition process for 1923.
“I auditioned three years ago now, and I actually didn’t know what Yellowstone was at the time,” she admitted. “But when I read the script, I thought the writing was incredible—even for the little scenes I had.”
After submitting a self-tape, she waited three weeks before getting the call that she was heading to Montana to film.
“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this writing is so good,’” she said. “And now, looking back, I can’t believe I get to be a part of this universe.”
Now that she’s officially part of the Yellowstone world, Rogers reflected on what it means.
“It’s insane to me,” she said. “It’s like being in the Marvel or DC Universe. This is forever now.”
Lindy’s Evolution: From Innocence to Something Darker
Lindy started off as a seemingly innocent character, but as 1923 progresses, she’s becoming more central to the unfolding drama.
“She starts with this innocence, but then she goes through such a drastic change,” Rogers explained. “She’s being completely brainwashed, and the stakes are really high for her.”
To prepare for Lindy’s shift, Rogers spent a lot of time journaling.
“There’s so much we don’t see of her—so many moments that happen off-screen,” she said. “I had to mentally understand those gaps to really track her transformation.”
The Toxic Relationship Between Lindy and Whitfield
One of the most chilling dynamics in 1923 is the relationship between Lindy and Whitfield, played by Timothy Dalton.
“There’s a huge power dynamic,” Rogers said. “He’s this powerful, wealthy, dangerous man, and she’s a young woman who’s in a vulnerable position. I think he sees potential in her—like he can mold her into something useful for him.”
She believes Lindy’s survival instinct plays a major role in their relationship.
“I think she’s leaned into it because she doesn’t know what else to do,” she said. “He’s dangerous, and she doesn’t have many options.”
Episode 3’s Brutal Turning Point
Fans of the show were shocked by Episode 3’s torture scene, where Lindy takes part in Whitfield’s sadistic actions.
“It’s shocking,” Rogers said. “At the end of Season 1, you see Lindy and Christie as a duo. Now, he’s completely turned Lindy against her.”
One of the most unsettling aspects is Lindy’s lack of emotion during the scene.
“She’s so cold,” Rogers said. “It really shows how powerful Whitfield is—he’s come between them and made her completely detached from what’s happening.”
When she first read the script, Rogers admitted she was floored.
“I honestly thought it was going to be the other way around,” she said. “It was shocking and really sad. Kaitlyn [Rice], who plays Christie, is amazing, so it was tough to see that shift.”
Working with Timothy Dalton
Acting alongside a screen legend like Timothy Dalton was both a challenge and an invaluable learning experience.
“He’s such a legend,” Rogers said. “Working with him changed everything for me. I learned more than I ever thought possible.”
Dalton also gave her some lasting advice.
“He told me to always bring whatever mood I’m in to my character,” she said. “It gives the performance more life and makes it feel real.”
Beyond the advice, Rogers was in awe of Dalton’s natural approach to acting.
“He’s kind of always acting,” she said. “His perception of everything is so profound. Just watching him work gave me a completely new perspective.”
Filming in Montana: A Dream Location
One of the perks of being in 1923 is getting to film in breathtaking locations.
“Oh my goodness, it was unbelievable,” Rogers said. “I filmed in October, and Montana was just beautiful. The landscapes, the atmosphere—it really adds to the authenticity of the show.”
What’s Next for Lindy?
Without revealing too much, Rogers teased that Lindy’s transformation is far from over.
“We’re going to continue seeing her change,” she hinted. “She’s still evolving, and the stakes are getting higher.”
As for a redemption arc?
“I don’t know,” she said mysteriously. “I can’t say.”
One thing she would say, however, is that if she had the chance to give Lindy advice, she wouldn’t stick around for long.
“I would try to help her,” she said. “But it wouldn’t be a long friendship—maybe I’d meet her once, give her advice, and then leave before I ended up like Christie.”
Dream Scene Partners and Future Projects
Looking ahead, Rogers hopes to share the screen with Julia Schlaepfer, who plays Alexandra.
“I love Alexandra’s character,” she said. “I’d love to work with her. She’s just so incredible.”
She also had praise for Jennifer Carpenter, who recently joined the series.
“She’s amazing,” Rogers said. “I haven’t read the last few episodes because I want to watch them as a fan, but I’m excited to see where her character goes.”
What’s Next for Madison Elise Rogers?
While she’s staying tight-lipped about her next project, Rogers hinted that something exciting is in the works.
“I have something coming up, but I can’t talk about it just yet,” she teased. “But I’m really excited to eventually share it.”
Until then, she’s enjoying watching 1923 as both an actor and a fan.
“I know what happens, but I still want to experience it like everyone else,” she said. “It’s so exciting when it’s fresh.”
Where to Follow Madison Elise Rogers
Want to keep up with Rogers and her latest projects? You can find her on Instagram:
📷 @madisoneliserogers
As 1923 continues its run, one thing is clear—Madison Elise Rogers is a talent to watch. With Lindy’s journey still unfolding, fans are eager to see what happens next.
And if the intensity of the first few episodes is any indication, things are only going to get more dramatic from here.
Would you want to see Lindy redeem herself, or is she too far gone? Let us know your thoughts on 1923!