The *Yellowstone* franchise is gearing up for its next chapter with *1944*, a prequel series following the events of *1923*. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this series promises to delve into some of the most heartbreaking questions left unanswered by its predecessor.

With Brandon Sklenar potentially reprising his role as Spencer Dutton and rumors of Kurt Russell joining the cast, *1944* is poised to be a pivotal piece of the *Yellowstone* puzzle, exploring the Dutton family’s legacy during a tumultuous era.

Roughly 21 years after *1923*, *1944* introduces us to John Dutton II, the son of Spencer and Alexandra, now in his early 20s. This young man, who will eventually become the father of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, carries the weight of tragedy after losing his mother to frostbite shortly after his birth—a devastating blow that left fans reeling.

Shaped by this loss, John Dutton II is expected to be a complex, scarred, and possibly more dangerous figure than his ancestors. The series aims to offer redemption for the pain of *1923*’s ending, focusing on how grief molds the Dutton lineage during a global conflict.

Exciting possibilities emerge with cast returns and new additions. Brandon Sklenar has expressed eagerness to return as an older, more rigid Spencer, guiding his son through war’s harsh realities. Julia Schlaepfer, who played Alexandra, hinted at a ghostly comeback to haunt or comfort her family, an emotional twist fans crave.

Additionally, a teased romance for Spencer with a widowed woman from *1923* could play a significant role, potentially influencing John Dutton II’s upbringing and the Dutton legacy.

The persistent rumor of Kurt Russell joining as a distant Dutton cousin from Tennessee, now living in Montana, adds intrigue. If confirmed, he could serve as a new father figure alongside Spencer, enriching the family dynamic.

World War II isn’t just a setting—it’s the core of *1944*. At draft age, John Dutton II may face battlefield sequences and life-or-death missions overseas.

Meanwhile, the Yellowstone Ranch will grapple with the war’s impact on resources, manpower, and land management, thrusting the family into uncharted global conflict. This era promises to test the Duttons like never before, blending personal loss with historical upheaval.

However, fans should temper expectations for a quick release. With Taylor Sheridan’s packed schedule and *1944* still in deep development, production is slated to begin late 2025, following *The Madison*.

This points to a likely premiere in late 2026. While details remain speculative, the combination of returning characters, new faces like Kurt Russell, and the intense backdrop of war positions *1944* as a critical chapter in the *Yellowstone* saga, promising emotional depth and historical grit as it traces the origins of the modern Dutton dynasty.