The sprawling, blood-soaked tapestry of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe is preparing to weave its most ambitious thread yet. As the saga of the modern-day Duttons concludes, the lens is shifting back to the mid-20th century with the upcoming prequel series, 1944. Positioning itself as the definitive bridge between the pioneer struggles of 1883 and the contemporary warfare of the flagship series, 1944 promises a “Game of Thrones-style” power struggle set against the backdrop of World War II.

The Return of the Silver Fox

Central to the excitement surrounding the new series is the potential return of Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton. In a recent interview, Sklenar expressed significant enthusiasm for reprising his role as the war-hardened hunter, even joking about the aesthetic transition. The actor welcomed the idea of being “aged up,” envisioning Spencer with “silver tips” and “crows’ feet,” embodying the rugged maturity of a man who has spent two decades defending the family’s legacy.

Narratively, Spencer’s presence is more than just fan service; he is the emotional pillar of this era. By 1944, he is the steward of the ranch, navigating the complexities of a world on the brink of collapse. His survival into the 1960s is established lore, making his leadership during the war years a crucial chapter in the Dutton history.

A Dynasty Divided

While 1923 focused on survival against nature and prohibition-era greed, 1944 is shaping up to be a psychological battle for the soul of the ranch. Rumors suggest the return of Elizabeth—Jack Dutton’s widow—who was last seen pregnant and departing the ranch. Her return with a son, a direct Dutton descendant, creates an immediate and volatile conflict.

The series is expected to explore a fierce rivalry between John Dutton II (the father of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton) and Elizabeth’s son. Both young men, raised on the same land, will believe they are the rightful heirs to the empire. This internal family friction, combined with the external pressure of the draft, sets the stage for a dramatic exploration of inheritance, sacrifice, and the heavy burden of the Dutton name.

War on Two Fronts

The “1944” moniker isn’t just a date; it’s a thematic anchor. As John Dutton II reaches the age for military service, the series is expected to follow him to the front lines of World War II. This dual narrative—a soldier fighting abroad while his family fights to keep their land at home—adds a layer of global scale previously unseen in the franchise. The financial pressures of the war era and the opportunists looking to seize land in the absence of young men will provide the Duttons with perhaps their greatest existential threat.

The Production Horizon

Despite the recent cancellation of the 6666 spin-off, industry insiders suggest that the Dutton-centric prequels remain Taylor Sheridan’s top priority at Paramount. While fans initially hoped for a 2025 debut, Sheridan’s packed schedule—which includes Lioness and Landman—has pushed the realistic release window to late 2026.

As Sheridan prepares to eventually transition away from his current deal, 1944 stands as a cornerstone of his legacy. It is a story of a family that refuses to be broken by history, even when the world itself is falling apart. For the millions of viewers who have followed the Duttons across centuries, 1944 isn’t just a prequel; it is the missing piece of a legendary puzzle.