If you’ve been swept away by the undeniable spark between Alex and Spencer in 1923, you’re not alone — and it turns out, that sizzling chemistry might not have been entirely scripted. Fans have been buzzing with speculation that the actors behind these iconic characters, Julia Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar, may have developed real feelings for each other off-screen — and there are plenty of hints to support it.

From the very beginning, viewers noticed the magnetic bond between Alex and Spencer, one that felt raw, passionate, and beautifully authentic. It’s the kind of connection that you don’t see every day on television, and it made fans root for them immediately. Even though creator Taylor Sheridan eventually shattered our hearts by pulling them apart, the emotional weight of their relationship still lingers — and possibly, so does the connection between Julia and Brandon.

After 1923 wrapped filming, interviews with Julia and Brandon began to surface, and their chemistry was still on full display. Whether sitting side-by-side in interviews or engaging in casual banter, the easy way they interacted hinted at something deeper than just co-star camaraderie. Julia herself admitted that their bond was immediate and intense. In a candid interview, she shared that they didn’t even do a chemistry read — they just connected instantly. “Our natural chemistry is something you can’t really work on. It just happened,” Julia explained, suggesting their bond transcended acting.

And it wasn’t just Julia who noticed it. Caleb Martin, who also stars in 1923, remarked that it felt like Brandon and Julia had already known each other for years — even during their first day at cowboy camp (a training experience for the cast to prepare for their roles). That kind of immediate ease and emotional depth mirrors Alex and Spencer’s onscreen story almost too perfectly.

Julia’s words about their characters’ love story seemed particularly personal. She once said, “It’s rare to see two people immediately choose each other, stick by each other, and trust in the love they feel even if it doesn’t make sense.” Those heartfelt sentiments sounded less like a description of fictional characters and more like someone speaking from personal experience.

But here’s where things get complicated: Brandon Sklenar is reportedly in a long-term relationship with a woman named Courtney. Throughout 1923’s filming, Courtney made several strategic moves on social media, briefly making her Instagram public to post cozy photos with Brandon before switching back to private — almost like sending a subtle warning that he was taken.

And then, fans noticed a dramatic twist: Julia unfollowed Brandon on Instagram. This wasn’t a random purge of followers either — Julia still follows other 1923 castmates like Helen Mirren, Darren Mann, and Michelle Randolph. If that wasn’t enough to raise eyebrows, Julia’s brother also unfollowed Brandon around the same time, suggesting that the situation might have become personal and uncomfortable for Julia’s inner circle.

So what happened? Theories abound. Some believe Brandon and Julia might have genuinely caught feelings during filming but chose not to pursue it to avoid drama. Others speculate that Brandon might have sent mixed signals, leading Julia to believe there was more between them than there actually was. Perhaps when it became clear that Brandon wasn’t willing to jeopardize his relationship with Courtney, Julia decided to step back — protecting herself emotionally, even if it hurt.

Regardless of what exactly transpired behind the scenes, the signs are hard to ignore. The tension, the affection, the careful social media moves — it all hints at a story more complex than what we see on the surface. While neither Julia nor Brandon has confirmed anything beyond friendship, their real-life dynamic added an extra layer of depth to their performances as Alex and Spencer — one that made 1923 even more compelling to watch.