In a bold and imaginative twist, actors Julia Schlaepfer and Brandon Sklenar—known for their roles as Alexandra and Spencer Dutton in 1923, the Yellowstone prequel—have floated a supernatural concept that could dramatically reshape the franchise’s future. While speaking in interviews, the duo lightheartedly proposed continuing their characters’ journeys in 1944, the upcoming installment in the Dutton saga, not as living beings—but as ghosts. This unexpected suggestion has sparked vibrant fan debate and raised compelling questions about whether the Yellowstone universe is ready to step beyond its gritty, realistic roots and into the spectral.
At the core of their pitch is a shared enthusiasm to remain involved with the beloved world Taylor Sheridan has built. Despite the likelihood that Alexandra and Spencer will have met tragic ends by the time 1944 begins, Schlaepfer and Sklenar believe their spirits could continue to impact the Dutton legacy in meaningful ways. Rather than being gimmicky, their proposal leans heavily on thematic continuity. Schlaepfer notes that 1923 frequently wrestled with themes of grief, generational trauma, and the emotional weight of legacy—ingredients that could plausibly support a ghostly storyline.
Schlaepfer envisions Alexandra’s spirit as a lingering force—perhaps a guide or an emotional tether for the Duttons of 1944. Meanwhile, Sklenar imagines Spencer’s spectral presence acting as a protector or a storyteller, helping fill in the untold pieces of the family’s turbulent history. Their goal isn’t to radically transform the show’s identity but to deepen the emotional threads by showing how the past—sometimes quite literally—refuses to be buried.
Reactions from fans have been polarized. On one hand, a significant portion of the Yellowstone audience is thrilled at the possibility. Social media is filled with fans expressing excitement over the actors’ idea, particularly those who don’t want to say goodbye to Alexandra and Spencer. Their on-screen chemistry and narrative impact in 1923 made them fan favorites, and their reappearance—ghostly or not—would surely be welcomed by many.
On the other hand, critics of the concept point to the franchise’s hallmark realism. Yellowstone and its prequels have built a reputation on authenticity, depicting harsh frontier life, generational struggle, and raw emotional conflict without relying on fantasy. Injecting ghosts into this grounded world, some argue, could stretch the tone too far and risk undermining what makes the saga resonate with so many viewers.
Still, proponents argue that Yellowstone has always flirted with the metaphysical. Moments of vision, intuition, and emotional symbolism have dotted the landscape of the series. The majestic yet haunting scenery, the ancestral weight of the land, and the psychological scars passed down through the Dutton line have all hinted at something deeper—almost spiritual—lurking beneath the surface. Ghosts, then, might not be a complete departure, but rather an amplification of what’s already present in a subtler form.
Taking a broader view, the discussion touches on a larger creative question: Should 1944 rely on traditional storytelling methods like flashbacks, or take a chance on a more symbolic, supernatural approach? Flashbacks have long been a mainstay of the franchise, offering valuable insight into the family’s layered past. They’re familiar, effective, and rooted in the show’s realism. But they also have limitations—chief among them being predictability and a fixed perspective.
By contrast, ghost storylines could offer a more dynamic and emotionally charged approach. Spencer and Alexandra wouldn’t just revisit past events—they could interact with the present, offering guidance, warnings, or even unresolved feelings. This could bridge generations, making the cost of legacy more visceral and immediate. Of course, such a move would require careful narrative execution. Missteps could alienate core fans and derail the tonal cohesion the franchise has worked hard to establish.
Alexandra’s narrative in 1923 adds weight to this debate. Her arc was a whirlwind of romance, defiance, and sacrifice. She left a life of privilege for an unpredictable journey with Spencer, only for their story to be left hanging in uncertainty. Her love, courage, and loss make her a strong candidate for a ghostly presence—an emotional anchor for future Duttons who might be struggling with similar dilemmas. Yet, as some viewers point out, reintroducing her as a supernatural figure could dilute the raw power of her original story by shifting it into the fantastical.
Spencer’s story, too, is rich with emotional and symbolic potential. As a battle-scarred veteran who returned home to help preserve his family’s way of life, his journey is one of redemption, responsibility, and deep personal conflict. A spectral version of Spencer in 1944 could reinforce the weight of his choices and illuminate how his sacrifices reverberate across generations. But, as with Alexandra, the success of this idea hinges on balancing creative ambition with tonal consistency.
Ultimately, the pitch from Schlaepfer and Sklenar reflects their deep passion for the Yellowstone universe and their characters. Whether or not Taylor Sheridan chooses to explore the ghost storyline, it’s clear the actors’ proposal has struck a chord. It taps into the audience’s enduring investment in the Dutton family’s saga and opens the door to new ways of storytelling in a world that is already rich with history, pain, and legacy.
The supernatural pitch for 1944 may not be a guaranteed direction, but it’s certainly a provocative one. It dares to ask whether the past—especially one as emotionally charged as the Duttons’—can ever truly rest. And in doing so, it invites fans to reimagine what’s possible in a universe where memory, sacrifice, and legacy already loom larger than life.
