We knew there would be more. The Yellowstone universe is far from finished — and now, it’s heading into wartime. With 1923 officially in the rearview mirror, Variety is reporting that 1944 is the next prequel in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding Dutton family saga.
While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, 1944 will naturally explore how World War II impacts the iconic Yellowstone Ranch and its most stubborn inhabitants. Following the Emmy-nominated 1883 and Golden Globe-nominated 1923, the new series will be the third period piece in the hit Western franchise, which also has three sequel series coming up. Keeping up, folks?
The ending of 1923 lays the perfect groundwork for 1944. In the final episode, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) tragically loses his wife Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) but is confirmed to live for another 45 years. He raises their son — John Dutton II — who, we assume, grows up to be the father of Yellowstone’s John Dutton III, played by Kevin Costner. Given that 1944 will take place 21 years after 1923, John II would be a young man in his early 20s, so he’d be the ideal lead character for a show then, plus it would give us the clearest link yet to finding out how the Dutton legacy was shaped by the war years and what challenges the family faced as America — and the world — went through seismic change. It’s unclear if Sklenar will reprise his role as Spencer, but he’s already expressed interest.
“Listen, I know that 1944 is a thing that they are planning on doing here, and maybe we see Spencer in 1944. That is something I would be interested in doing.”
Why Paramount Isn’t Done With the Duttons
The news of 1944 comes as no surprise. Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequels have been major streaming successes, drawing millions of viewers and critical acclaim. 1883 earned three Emmy nominations, while 1923 received two Golden Globe nods, including Best Drama Series. Both have proven that fans are eager to watch the Dutton family tree grow deeper roots.
Sheridan remains the golden goose for Paramount under his lucrative overall deal and, while Yellowstone concluded after five seasons in December 2024, Sheridan isn’t slowing down. His present-day spinoff The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, is currently in the works, and a much-hyped Beth and Rip series is also on the horizon with Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser. There are even rumblings of a Kayce Dutton spinoff at CBS with Luke Grimes. Long story short, you’ve not seen the last of the Duttons. They’re a dynasty for a reason.