For those patiently waiting for an update on the Yellowstone prequel series 1944, we’ve got some good news.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard about the fate of the third Yellowstone prequel that’s been teased and talked about for years. If you are guessing that 1944 will be a spinoff that further explores the history of the Dutton family, you’d be correct. We got the origin story of Duttons and their beginning with the beautifully crafted 1883. Then fans were taken through the early 20s with the Dutton family in 1923.
If you watched (and I’m assuming you did if you are reading this), then you know that the story, which also starred Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton – respectively – was primarily through the lens of struggle… and also featured fan favorite Spencer Dutton, who was played by Brandon Sklenar (more on him in a minute).
Taylor Sheridan has plenty of spinoffs and other TV shows in the works, and all signs are pointing towards the next “period piece” in the Yellowstone universe being 1944. Based on the timeline of the show, 1944 would chronicle the story of John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) father, John Dutton II, and his journey to carry forward the Dutton empire amid the trying times of World War II.
It’s a premise that’s definitely intriguing, and would undoubtedly bring in massive ratings (Yellowstone fans have eaten up the prequels thus far). But as I hinted at earlier, the 1944 front has been rather quiet in 2026. That is until trusted journalist Matt Webb Mitovich revealed on his Matt’s Inside Line that he’s been “assured” that 1944 is still in development.
That’s great news.
The only other tidbit that fans would love an update on is… could 1944 see Spencer Dutton return? In case you are in need of a refresher, Spencer emerged from the Season 2 finale of 1923 alive and intact. There might not be a character in the Yellowstone universe that had to withstand more trials and tribulations than Spencer Dutton, which in my mind, makes the perfect case for him to return in the upcoming 1944 spinoff.
And Sklenar himself has said that he’d happily return to the role if they’ll have him. In an interview from late last year, the actor told Today:
“It would be great. It would be pretty cool to see me with extra crows feet and frosted tips. Age me up a little bit.”
If Sklenar wants to return, and the fans feel the same way, I don’t see why 1944 wouldn’t bring him back.
The series has apparently been given the go ahead for at least one season, and was originally set to air later this year. There’s no official premiere date just yet, but a late 2026 to early 2027 release is still likely. Especially considering the latest report that the series is still in development.
When the Yellowstone prequel does arrive, whenever it may be, hopefully Brandon Sklenar is a part of it. Fans always love to see a familiar face, and it’d be pretty cool to see an aged Spencer Dutton back in action like this:
