Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly lead ensemble cast in Netflix Western series, 'Ransom Canyon'

Feb. 2—Meanwhile ... back at the ranch.

The New Mexico Film Office announced on Friday that the contemporary Western saga from Netflix, "Ransom Canyon" will be filming in and around Albuquerque and Las Vegas, New Mexico, through June.

The 10-episode series tells the story of the intersecting lives of three ranching families, all set against the rugged expanse of Texas Hill Country.

The series is set to star Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene , Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jaren Robledo, Casey W. Johnson, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Kate Burton, Niko Guardado, Philip Winchester, Justin Johnson Cortez and Kenneth Miller.

Duhamel will play Staten Kirkland, owner and sole occupant of the sprawling Double K Ranch. Steadfast and stoic, Staten leads the charge to resist outside forces threatening his way of life and the land that he loves.

Kelly, a Valley High School alum, is set to play Quinn, who has often found herself in the shadow of others.

After a stint in New York pursuing her career as a concert pianist, she has returned to Ransom Canyon to carve out a new path for herself.

"We're thrilled to welcome another ambitious Netflix production to the Land of Enchantment," Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office director said. "This single (production) will employ (more than) 700 New Mexicans, proving Netflix's commitment to create jobs and foster economic output in New Mexico, while showcasing the beauty and talent of our state to a global audience."

Dodson said the breakdown of New Mexicans employed is 380 crew members, 40 principal actors, and 300 background talent.

Johnson Cortez will return to Albuquerque for the series in a recurring role.

Johnson Cortez plays Kai, an indigenous deputy on the Ransom Canyon Police Force under Sheriff Dan Lazano. Kai is learning the ropes in his job: picking up drunks, working security detail, and handing out parking tickets when needed. Kai is wary and suspicious of the new foreman in town, Yancy.

Kai is protective of Ellie and doesn't want to see Ellie hurt by Yancy.

The first two episodes will be directed by Amanda Marsalis.

April Blair, who also wrote the Netflix hit series, "Wednesday," wrote, created, and will executive produce the series.