'Yellowstone' prequel '1944' confirmed as next chapter following '1923' finale and Spencer Dutton’s storyline

Paramount+ confirms '1944' as the next prequel after '1923' finale reveals future of John Dutton II and Spencer.

Paramount+ has officially confirmed 1944 as the next instalment in the Yellowstone prequel series, following the conclusion of 1923. As with predecessors 1883 and 1923, the upcoming drama will continue the generational story of the Dutton family.

Details about 1944 remain under wraps, but the setting—during the Second World War—suggests significant impact on the Yellowstone Ranch and its heirs. The 1923 finale confirmed that Spencer Dutton, played by Brandon Sklenar, survives long after the events of the series and raises his son, John Dutton II.

By the time 1944 is set, John II would be 21 years old, positioning him as a likely central figure. While it is not confirmed whether Sklenar will reprise his role, he has expressed interest. “Listen, I know that ‘1944’ is a thing that they are planning on doing here, and maybe we see Spencer in 1944,” Sklenar told Variety. “That is something I would be interested in doing.”

The continuation of prequels comes as no surprise given the critical and commercial success of both 1883 and 1923. The first season of 1923 earned two Golden Globe nominations, including Best Drama Series, while 1883 secured three Emmy nods.

Series creator Taylor Sheridan remains at the centre of the expanding Yellowstone universe under his overall deal with Paramount. Though the main Yellowstone series ended in December 2024 after five seasons, multiple spin-offs are in motion. These include The Madison starring Michelle Pfeiffer, a Beth and Rip-focused series, and early discussions for a Kayce Dutton spinoff at CBS.

Sheridan also oversees multiple ongoing series on Paramount+, including Tulsa King, Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, and Lioness.

1944 will continue to build the Dutton legacy, exploring how history and family intersect on the Yellowstone Ranch.