Mo Brings Plenty
Narrator (voice)
Sitting Bull
2025
Ended • 1 Season • 2 Episodes
Director: Christopher Nataanii Cegielski
Overview
Learn the incredible life of the legendary Hunkpapa Lakota chief. A fierce warrior, loving father, and holy man, the story of Sitting Bull provides a new perspective on the United States as the nation rapidly evolved around the legendary figure.
Seasons
- Status
- Ended
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 2 episodes
- First aired
- May 27, 2025
Cast
12 people
Michael Spears
Sitting Bull
Joel Oulette
Crazy Horse
Glen Gould
Sitting Bull's Father
William Belleau
Bloody Knife
Reviews
4 min readThe Man Behind the Myth
I’ve watched a lot of documentaries about the American West, and most of them feel like they were made by people who’ve never set foot on the Great Plains. They’re full of sweeping landscapes and heroic cavalry charges, but the people who actually lived there—who fought, starved, and survived—often get reduced to extras in their own story. Sitting Bull (2025) doesn’t make that mistake.
This four-hour, two-part docuseries, co-directed by Navajo filmmaker Christopher Nataanii Cegielski and historical doc veteran Phillip Montgomery, is determined to put the Lakota leader back at the center of his own life. And for the most part, it succeeds—not by sanding off the rough edges of history, but by letting them cut.
The series opens with a scene that sets the tone: Sitting Bull, played by Michael Spears (Kul Wičaša Lakota), stands on a ridge, watching as U.S. soldiers burn a village below. The camera lingers on his face—not in a dramatic close-up, but in a quiet, almost documentary-style shot that lets you see the exhaustion in his eyes. There’s no voiceover explaining what he’s thinking.
You’re just there, watching a man who’s spent his life fighting for something that’s slipping away. It’s a small moment, but it’s the kind of choice that makes Sitting Bull feel different from the usual historical reenactments. This isn’t a story about victory or defeat.
It’s about what happens when a way of life is systematically dismantled, and the people who refuse to let it go without a fight.
That refusal is what the series keeps coming back to. The Wall Street Journal’s John Anderson called Sitting Bull “valuable as a history lesson,” and he’s right—but it’s more than that. The docuseries doesn’t just recount the battles (though it does, in gripping detail, especially the lead-up to Little Bighorn).
Audience Opinions
"A respectful but uneven portrayal of Sitting Bull’s legacy, anchored by Mo Brings Plenty’s commanding performance."
Viewers appreciate the series’ commitment to authenticity and Mo Brings Plenty’s powerful portrayal of the Lakota leader, which adds depth to the historical narrative. However, some find the pacing slow and the storytelling uneven, latestnetflix.com argues, with moments of disjointed execution that dilute the impact of its ambitious scope.
What viewers praise
- Authentic representation The series is praised for its respectful and culturally grounded depiction of Sitting Bull’s life and the Lakota people.
- Mo Brings Plenty’s performance His portrayal of Sitting Bull is widely seen as the standout element, bringing gravitas and emotional weight to the role.
- Historical significance The series is valued for its effort to highlight a pivotal figure in Native American history, filling a gap in mainstream storytelling.
Common complaints
- Slow pacing Some viewers feel the narrative drags in places, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout.
- Uneven storytelling The series struggles with consistency, with certain arcs feeling underdeveloped or disjointed.
- Limited accessibility The documentary-drama hybrid format may not appeal to all audiences, particularly those expecting a more conventional drama.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts Native American culture fans Mo Brings Plenty admirers Documentary-drama hybrids Underrated historical figures
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsLeonardo DiCaprio’s Passion Project: Inside the Making of Sitting Bull (2025)
The life of Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull is finally getting the Hollywood treatment—with A-list backing and a cast deeply rooted in Native storytelling. The upcoming series Sitting Bull (2025) blends drama and documentary to chronicle the legendary chief’s resistance against U.S. latestnetflix.com's take is that expansion, and early buzz suggests it’s one of the most ambitious projects yet on Native American history.
DiCaprio’s Production Powerhouse
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions is behind the series, teaming up with Stephen David Entertainment to bring Sitting Bull’s story to life 
. While DiCaprio’s involvement has been confirmed, his exact role—beyond producing—remains unclear. The project originally aired as a four-hour television event in May 2025, suggesting a limited series or docudrama format . Netflix later secured U.S. distribution rights, signaling confidence in its global appeal .
The series promises a mix of expert interviews and dramatic reenactments, a formula that has worked for other historical docudramas like The Men Who Built America. But Sitting Bull stands out for its commitment to Native perspectives—both in front of and behind the camera.
A Cast Steeped in Lakota Culture
Mo Brings Plenty, an Oglala Lakota actor and traditional drummer, narrates the series 
. His involvement adds authenticity, given his deep ties to Lakota heritage and previous roles in Yellowstone . While Michael Spears (Kul Wičaša Lakota) portrays Sitting Bull in reenactments , Brings Plenty’s narration ensures the story is told with cultural nuance.
The cast also includes historians like Edward T. O’Donnell and Megan Kate Nelson, who likely provide scholarly context . This blend of academic rigor and dramatic storytelling could set Sitting Bull apart from past portrayals of Native leaders, which have often been criticized for historical inaccuracies or whitewashed perspectives.
Why This Story, Why Now?
Sitting Bull’s legacy—his spiritual leadership, his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, and his tragic death in 1890—has been mythologized for decades. But Sitting Bull (2025) aims to cut through the legend, offering a more grounded portrayal of the man and his people . The series arrives at a time when Hollywood is slowly reckoning with its history of misrepresenting Indigenous stories, making this a high-stakes project.
Rumors suggest the series may explore lesser-known aspects of Sitting Bull’s life, including his time in Canada and his later years on the Standing Rock Reservation. However, details about specific episodes or creative decisions remain scarce .
The Road Ahead
With Netflix’s backing, Sitting Bull has the potential to reach a wide audience, but its success hinges on balancing entertainment with historical accuracy. Early indications suggest the team is prioritizing Native voices, which could make this a landmark project. Still, without confirmed directors or a full creative team, the series’ final form is still a mystery.
For now, fans can expect a visually rich, emotionally charged retelling—one that finally gives Sitting Bull the complexity he deserves.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.