By Stig Editor 
Love, Notes & Netflix: How Dan Reynolds Helped Minka Kelly Nail Her Most Musical Role Yet in Ransom Canyon
From high-octane concert stages to the quiet charm of cowboy country, Minka Kelly has just delivered one of the most unexpected performances of her career. In Netflix’s heart-tugging new drama Ransom Canyon, Kelly steps into the boots of Quinn O’Grady a role that demanded more than just acting chops. It required music. Real music. And for Kelly, that meant stepping far outside her comfort zone… and straight into a piano bench.
Here’s the twist: Minka Kelly didn’t know how to read music. Not a note.
But what she did have was a personal coach most aspiring musicians could only dream of her partner, Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds.
“I had to start from scratch,” Kelly shared. “It was terrifying. But Dan believed in me in a way that made the impossible feel possible.”
Reynolds, known for his electrifying performances and anthemic songwriting, became her at-home piano teacher, helping her navigate every chord, rhythm, and emotional cue. Whether they were rehearsing late at night or between shoots, Reynolds was there, guiding her through pieces she had to memorize completely by ear.
And that’s not all, Reynolds even makes a cheeky cameo in the series, giving fans a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it surprise that ties their off-screen love story to Kelly’s on-screen transformation.
Critics are already calling Kelly’s portrayal “surprisingly heartfelt and musically convincing,” thanks in no small part to the duo’s behind-the-scenes harmony. Their collaboration is a reminder that sometimes, the best performances are built not just on skill, but on support, love, and a shared rhythm.
So, what happens when a rock star and an actress collide in the world of ranches and romance? A duet for the ages.