Yellowstone: 1944, the next anticipated chapter in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding Western saga, is set to explore the Dutton family’s fight for legacy in the shadow of World War II. Picking up roughly twenty years after 1923, this new spin-off promises to deliver more than just historical drama—it marks a pivotal moment in the transformation of the Duttons from struggling ranchers to a dominant force in Montana.

The prequels 1883 and 1923 laid the emotional and political foundation of the Dutton dynasty. 1883 showed us the harrowing journey of James and Margaret Dutton as they forged their way west, drenched in pain and sacrifice. Then came 1923, with Jacob and Cara Dutton defending the hard-won land against internal threats and economic collapse. But 1944 signals a thematic evolution—from merely surviving the frontier to building and protecting an empire in a world on the brink of global change.

Set amid the chaos and transformation of World War II, Yellowstone: 1944 plunges viewers into a story of grief, growth, and generational burden. At its core, the show is expected to center around a young John Dutton II, returning home from war, wounded physically and emotionally, stepping into a Montana that has changed just as much as he has. But questions loom over his lineage. Is he truly the son of Spencer Dutton and the late Alex, as many assume? Or is Elizabeth—whose storyline ended mysteriously after her pregnancy announcement—the real mother?

The fan theories don’t stop there. Some suggest Elizabeth may reemerge and reconnect with Spencer, possibly raising John II together in a surprising twist. Others posit that Spencer, grieving Alex’s death, may forge unexpected bonds, even as unlikely as with characters like Tiona. While the age difference between Spencer and Tiona may make a romance implausible, her storyline remains critical. There is strong potential to connect her narrative with that of Thomas Rainwater’s ancestry, deepening the series’ exploration of Native American heritage and the Duttons’ complex relationship with the land and its original stewards.

As the show’s timeline advances, Jacob and Cara Dutton’s roles come into question. Though aged by 1944, both characters are pivotal to the family’s lore. Harrison Ford, who portrays Jacob, has expressed openness to returning, possibly for a meaningful farewell scene. Sheridan is known for surprise emotional cameos, and a reunion scene featuring Jacob, Spencer, and young John Dutton II could be a stirring moment of generational transition.

From a broader narrative lens, 1944 offers Sheridan the chance to expand the universe into a global context. With men at war, women step into leadership roles on the ranches. The Dutton women, whose strength has always been a quiet undercurrent in the saga, may now take center stage—managing operations, making political alliances, and navigating threats in a volatile, male-depleted society. This gender shift introduces new dynamics in power, responsibility, and survival.

Expect the storytelling to weave real historical stakes with personal family drama. While 1883 was raw and emotional and 1923 politically charged, 1944 will blend both, emphasizing how wartime not only transformed the world but also forged the very backbone of modern America. The Duttons will not only face external pressure but internal conflict as they struggle to preserve their way of life in a rapidly modernizing society.

Casting is still under wraps, but Brandon Sklenar, who portrayed Spencer in 1923, has already voiced interest in reprising his role, this time as an older, more broken man grappling with loss and the weight of fatherhood. If Alex is confirmed dead and John II is his son, the series could explore a poignant arc of single parenthood, war trauma, and legacy-building. However, if Elizabeth turns out to be the mother, 1944 could rewrite the family’s history yet again, introducing new alliances and revelations that ripple through the Yellowstone timeline.

Production for Yellowstone: 1944 is not expected to conclude until sometime in 2026, meaning the full series likely won’t hit screens until mid to late that year. However, fans won’t have to wait entirely in the dark. With upcoming spin-offs centered around Beth and Rip (due in 2025), and another series focused on Kayce Dutton (Lawmen: Bass Reeves, arriving in 2026), there are ample opportunities for flashbacks or subtle teases about what’s coming in 1944.

Ultimately, Yellowstone: 1944 isn’t just about filling in historical gaps. It’s about broadening the saga’s emotional depth and historical scope. It aims to show how the Dutton family didn’t inherit their empire—they built it, one sacrifice at a time, through war, grief, and grit. As the world burns around them, the Duttons will once again face the challenge of preserving their land, their name, and their legacy.

And with the mystery of John Dutton II’s true parentage still unresolved, 1944 may be the series that not only answers the question of who he is, but also redefines what it truly means to be a Dutton.