‘1944’ will explore the wartime challenges shaping the iconic Yellowstone ranch, deepening the family legacy amid global turmoil.
If there’s one thing Taylor Sheridan knows how to do, it’s keep the Dutton family saga rolling like a tumbleweed across the Montana plains. And now, with another “Yellowstone” prequel on the horizon, the question isn’t whether the series will be a hit — it’s how deeply it’ll carve into the Dutton family tree.
The “Yellowstone” universe has taken us through the rugged frontier of “1883,” the prohibition-fueled dust storms of “1923,” and, of course, the modern-day chaos of John Dutton III’s (Kevin Costner) reign over the Yellowstone Ranch. Now, “1944” is set to drop us into the throes of World War II — an era of seismic change for the world and, undoubtedly, for the Dutton family.
Announced by Paramount + in 2023 alongside “The Madison” (formerly 2024), “1944” will serve as the next big prequel, narrowing the time gap between “1923” and the flagship series. With only 21 years separating “1923” from “1944,” fans are eager to see if familiar faces from the former will return, now aged and seasoned by time and war.
The way this part of the Dutton has been explained is that the war is in full swing, and life on the ranch can’t remain untouched. Will Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar), already a veteran of WWI, finds himself pulling back into the fight? Or will “1944” shift its focus to the home front, where the Duttons must navigate a world where nearly every able-bodied man is overseas? We’re talking ratio books, war bonds, and a Montana that feels both smaller and larger than ever before.
D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and Anne Frank’s tragic fate were all defining moments of this time and given Sheridan’s love for weaving real history into the “Yellowstone” timeline, we wouldn’t be surprised if these world events shaped the show’s backdrop.
So far, casting remains a mystery. Given that John Dutton II is the bridge to Kevin Costner’s character, it’s safe to assume he’ll be a central figure. But will Spencer and Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) be his parents? Or will the honor belong to Jack (Darren Mann) and Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph)? These are the burning questions “1923” Season 2 is likely setting up to answer.
The possibility of “1923” cast members reprising their roles is higher than ever. Could we see a weathered Spencer, now 50 and wiser, reflecting on his past adventures? Or maybe Jack, stepping into his role as the next leader of the ranch? And then there’s the wildcard — would Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren return as Jacob and Cara Dutton for a swan song appearance?
As far as premiere talk, we’re going to have to sit tight. “1923” Season 2 wraps on April 13, and with “Yellowstone” Season 5 Part 2 still on the docket, “1944” won’t be saddling up anytime soon. 2026 seems like a safe bet.
Will “1944” tie directly into “Yellowstone”? Absolutely. The show exists to stitch together the generational gaps, leading right into the birth of John Dutton III in 1959. If Sheridan plays his cards right, “1944” could be the final missing puzzle piece before we’re fully caught up to the “Yellowstone” timeline.
If “1883” was about survival and “1923” was about resilience, then “1944” is poised to be about sacrifice. War is coming — to the world and to the Duttons. And as we’ve seen time and time again, the Yellowstone Ranch doesn’t just weather storms — it creates legends.
Buckle up, folks. “1944” is going to be one hell of a ride.
