The Yellowstone universe continues its rapid expansion with yet another spin-off series reportedly in development—this time focusing on the early life of John Dutton, the central figure of the franchise. Although John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, has already met his end in the main timeline, the new series cleverly bypasses this with a prequel format. This approach aligns perfectly with Taylor Sheridan’s penchant for exploring the Dutton legacy across generations, as seen in previous prequels like 1883 and 1923. Now, fans are getting what they’ve long hoped for: a deeper dive into the life of young John Dutton, with Josh Lucas potentially taking the lead.
Josh Lucas has already portrayed the younger version of John Dutton in Yellowstone, but his appearances were sporadic—nine episodes total, with five concentrated in season 5, part one. His depiction of a younger, more idealistic John resonated deeply with fans, offering glimpses into the formative years of a character who would become the unshakable patriarch of the Dutton family. The interactions between young John and a teenage Rip Wheeler stood out as particularly poignant, adding richness to the show’s intergenerational themes and deepening emotional investment.
Unfortunately, those flashbacks all but vanished in season 5, part two. John Dutton’s presence disappeared with almost no warning or proper farewell. His death was so abrupt and unceremonious that many fans were left feeling cheated of the closure such a monumental character deserved. The absence of both Kevin Costner’s older John and Josh Lucas’ younger version created a jarring emotional void. The finale, A Knife and No Coin, marked Costner’s last appearance, but at the time, few knew it would be the final goodbye. By the time season 5, part two began with the episode Desire Is All You Need, John was already gone, and the show offered no time to grieve or reflect on his passing. For a character who carried the soul of the ranch for decades, the send-off felt hollow.
According to Taylor Sheridan, Kevin Costner’s sudden departure forced them to cut short John’s character arc. He even admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that this created a narrative imbalance, disrupting plans for a more meaningful farewell. This has led many fans to believe that Sheridan’s falling out with Costner has clouded his approach to John Dutton’s legacy. Some even feel Sheridan is attempting to distance the franchise from the character altogether, choosing not to give John the spiritual or emotional closure that other main characters received.
However, there’s a silver lining. Josh Lucas has expressed ongoing interest in returning to the Yellowstone universe, and the demand for his version of John Dutton is stronger than ever. Many believe that the natural progression of the franchise almost requires a spin-off centered on young John. His story remains largely untold, and viewers are eager to explore the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped him into the man we came to know.
This rumored prequel would likely explore John’s rise as a young leader of the Yellowstone ranch—navigating personal loss, familial expectations, and the ever-looming threat of losing their land. It would fill in the emotional and narrative gaps left by his abrupt departure from the flagship series, potentially tying into events seen in 1883 and 1923, and giving long-time fans the full-circle story they crave.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the mainline series nearing its end and several new spin-offs in the pipeline, a John Dutton origin story could serve as both a bridge and a tribute to the core of the Yellowstone mythology. Whether it’s John’s early relationship with Evelyn, the dynamics with his father and siblings, or the first signs of his political ambitions, there’s a rich well of storytelling to be tapped.
Still, the road to this prequel may be complicated by Sheridan’s apparent reluctance. His dissatisfaction with Kevin Costner seems to extend to John Dutton’s character as a whole. Some fans speculate that Sheridan is hesitant to greenlight a project that might be perceived as keeping Costner’s legacy alive through another actor. If true, this puts the franchise at odds with its own fanbase, many of whom consider John Dutton to be the heart of the saga.
Despite this tension, the prequel seems inevitable. Josh Lucas has already proven he has the charisma and emotional range to carry such a story. Fans are vocal in their support, and the market for Yellowstone content is still booming. The spin-off wouldn’t just be about filling in the past—it would be about reclaiming the soul of a character whose departure was handled with frustrating haste. It’s about honoring what made Yellowstone so compelling in the first place: the complexity of the Dutton legacy.
In conclusion, while the 2026 John Dutton prequel remains officially unconfirmed, all signs point to its eventual development. The franchise’s momentum, fan demand, and the unfinished story of young John Dutton create the perfect storm for a return. Whether or not Taylor Sheridan embraces the opportunity remains to be seen—but if he does, this could become one of the most emotionally resonant chapters in the Yellowstone saga.
