The fan-favorite actor opens up about aging up for war-era Spencer—and what the future holds for the Sheridanverse

Spencer Survived 1923—But His Story Isn’t Over Yet

Spencer Dutton may have survived the brutal landscape of 1923, but actor Brandon Sklenar says he’s far from finished with the character. With Taylor Sheridan’s 1944 on the horizon, Sklenar has made it clear: if called upon, he’s ready to step back into the saddle—aged up and all.

“It would be pretty cool to see me with extra crow’s feet and frosted tips,” Sklenar joked, speaking to Today. “Age me up a little bit.”

His character, Spencer, endured some of the most harrowing trials yet seen in the Yellowstone universe. From battling wild animals and ruthless mercenaries to losing his beloved wife Alexandra shortly after childbirth, Spencer’s journey left fans reeling—and deeply invested in what comes next.

1944 Could Mark a New Chapter for the Dutton Legacy

While Paramount has yet to release detailed plotlines for 1944, fans expect it to pick up with John Dutton II, the newborn son of Spencer and Alexandra and future father of Kevin Costner’s character in Yellowstone. That puts Spencer—alive and in his late 40s or early 50s—squarely in the timeline.

A brief flash-forward in 1923 confirmed that Spencer would live until 1969. That means 1944 could give viewers a middle-aged, war-worn version of the character—one navigating the harsh realities of post-Depression America and WWII-era upheaval.

“It has affected who I am, it has changed who I am,” Sklenar told Variety, reflecting on the impact of playing Spencer. “I would love to continue to do it in any capacity if I could.”

Behind the Scenes: Sheridan’s Shake-Up

As Yellowstone and its spinoffs remain under Paramount’s control, 1944 is expected to be produced before Taylor Sheridan’s current deal with the studio ends in 2028. That said, Sheridan has already signed a massive new development deal with NBCUniversal, sparking questions about what the future of the Dutton saga will look like after the current contracts expire.

Still, for now, 1944 appears firmly planted within the Yellowstone universe—providing a rich opportunity for Sheridan to continue shaping the generational drama with familiar characters like Spencer.

What’s Next for Sklenar?

While waiting for official word on 1944, Sklenar has kept busy. He’s set to star in F.I.R.E., a Sheridan-produced thriller, and will appear alongside Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in the psychological drama The Housemaid, hitting theaters December 19.

It may not feature wolves or Montana snowstorms, but Sklenar’s character will once again face a fractured family and emotional survival—echoes of Spencer’s legacy in a very different world.