Yellowstone fans, get ready — it looks like Spencer Dutton may be riding back onto our screens. Actor Brandon Sklenar has officially teased that he is open and excited to return in the upcoming prequel 1944, and the possibilities for the character are massive.

In a recent interview, Brandon joked that he’d happily return aged up with crow’s-feet and silver hair, laughing:

“Yeah, I’d love to do it. Age me up a bit.”

And fans immediately lost their minds — because in the Yellowstone universe, Spencer is still alive during 1944. In fact, by this period, he’s believed to be running the ranch and standing as one of the key Dutton patriarchs. Leaving him out would feel almost impossible.

Spencer’s story is far from finished

Taylor Sheridan is known for building stories in layers and never abandoning characters who work. Spencer quickly became the emotional heart of 1923, and viewers formed a deep connection with him. That makes his presence in 1944 not just likely, but narratively essential.

Even more compelling, 1923 intentionally mentioned that Spencer eventually ends up with a widowed woman later in life — a detail that fans now believe was deliberate setup.

The wild rumor: Spencer and Elizabeth

The biggest rumor surrounding 1944 is shocking:

👉 the mysterious widow Spencer marries may be Elizabeth — Jack’s widow

Elizabeth left the ranch still pregnant with Jack’s child. That baby is a direct Dutton heir, meaning her role in 1944 becomes crucial in determining who controls Yellowstone Ranch.

Rumor theory suggests:

• Elizabeth returns to the ranch with her son

• she claims her child’s inheritance

• Spencer initially resists

• resistance slowly turns into unexpected romance

It’s dramatic, controversial — and exactly the kind of storytelling Sheridan loves.

1944 will also change John Dutton II forever

By 1944, Spencer and Alexandra’s son, John Dutton II, is a young adult — and the future father of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton. His life is shaped by:

• growing up without his mother

• the trauma of war

• internal family conflict

With World War II raging, John Dutton II is the right age to be drafted, setting up an emotional storyline that could define the entire Dutton legacy.

A Game of Thrones style inheritance war

Yellowstone 1944 is rumored to revolve around:

• rival Dutton heirs

• land claims

• loyalty versus bloodline

• who truly owns the ranch

Two boys, same land, same legacy — only one future.

This series could become the darkest and most important Dutton chapter yet.

When will Yellowstone 1944 release?

Production movement has slowed, but sources say the Dutton-focused series are still moving forward. Sheridan reportedly intends to finish these stories before fully stepping away.

Most realistic release window right now:

👉 late 2026

And fans are ready.