1944: Everything you need to know About the new Yellowstone Prequel set During World War II
The Dutton legacy is far from over—get ready to saddle up for 1944, the next explosive chapter in Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe. While the series will follow 1883 and 1923, this time we’re headed into the heart of the WWII era—a period brimming with emotional and historical weight. And yes, it’s already generating buzz alongside another spinoff, The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Season two of 1923 just wrapped up, closing the Roaring Twenties chapter with high-stakes decisions, fractured families, and the hint of a new beginning. That finale teased future storylines, leaving fans hungry for what’s coming next. The latest updates confirm that 1944 is officially moving forward—and it’s shaping up to be one of the franchise’s boldest entries yet.
From behind-the-scenes confirmations to exciting expansion plans, this new prequel is bringing the heat. Want to know which characters might return, what to expect from the story, and when you’ll get to see it? We’ve rounded up the biggest updates and intriguing clues so far—and trust us, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
Stay tuned—we're updating this page as more secrets from the Duttons' past come to light.
Release date & Where to Watch
Production on the series isn’t expected to begin until late 2025, making a late 2026 release likely. It will debut on Paramount+.
What is the plot of 1944?
Set during one of the most pivotal years in American history, Yellowstone: 1944 is expected to explore the impact of World War II on the Dutton family and their Montana ranch. While no official plot details have been confirmed, the title alone hints at major historical influences—such as D-Day and the broader wartime efforts—possibly shaping the storyline.
Given that the franchise has previously woven real historical events into its narrative, it’s likely that major moments from 1944 will play a role here as well. The timeline places the action roughly two decades after 1923 and fifteen years before the birth of John Dutton III, meaning the series could center around John Dutton II as a young man while also bringing back familiar characters from 1923 as older versions of themselves.
In the 1923 series finale, it’s revealed that Spencer Dutton survives into old age, raising his son—John Dutton II—after the loss of his wife, Alexandra. That makes John II around 21 years old in 1944, positioning him as a likely lead.
“Listen, I know that ‘1944’ is a thing that they are planning on doing here, and maybe we see Spencer in 1944,” actor Brandon Sklenar told Variety. “That is something I would be interested in doing,” he added.
While the war may play a backdrop, the show could just as easily remain stateside, focusing on the ranch and the family’s struggles during a time when many American men were fighting overseas. Whether the story stretches beyond the titular year remains to be seen, but given its proximity to the birth of the future Yellowstone patriarch, there's a chance it could touch on the origins of John Dutton III as well.
Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, teased big things ahead for the franchise: “On the heels of 1883 and 1923’s success, our new planned spin-offs, 1944 and 2024, will take audiences on a new and unexpected journey with the complex and compelling storytelling that has become a hallmark of the franchise and has helped turn it into a worldwide cultural phenomenon thanks to the creative mastermind of Taylor Sheridan.” (via The Hollywood Reporter)
With the stage set for a wartime saga full of legacy, loss, and resilience, Yellowstone: 1944 is shaping up to be another bold chapter in the Dutton family’s epic.
Who’s in the cast of 1944?
So far, no official cast announcements have been made for Yellowstone: 1944, but the ending of 1923 season two hints at some possibilities. Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) emerged as the central figure in the Dutton lineage, and given his survival into later years, he could reappear in 1944 as an older man.
The events of 1923 season two saw Spencer and Alexandra reunited in Montana, and with 1944 set two decades later, the story could follow them during their later years, possibly alongside their children or grandchildren on the growing Dutton ranch. Another likely character to appear is John Dutton Jr., who would be in his twenties during this era.
Given the time jump, it's likely that new actors will be cast to portray familiar characters in their older years. However, details will remain under wraps until more is revealed, especially as 1944 will build on the foundation laid by 1923’s conclusion.
Is There a Trailer for 1944?
Filming hasn’t begun yet, so there’s no footage available at this time.
How many Seasons of 1944 will be There?
While 1883 told its story in a single season and 1923 expanded to two, Yellowstone: 1944 could follow either path. Given Taylor Sheridan’s tendency to keep his prequels tightly focused, there's a chance 1944 will be limited to one or two seasons. If it follows the latter, the story could naturally evolve into a 1960s-set series exploring John Dutton III’s childhood.
Behind the Scenes
It’s likely that Taylor Sheridan will write every episode of Yellowstone: 1944, just as he did for 1883 and 1923. The latter remains his most expensive project to date, but with 1944 expected to explore World War II events, it could surpass even that. Until 1923 concludes, details remain limited, though anticipation for the next chapter in the Dutton legacy continues to grow.
Sheridan, the creative force behind the Yellowstone universe, remains central to its expansion under his overall deal with Paramount. Though the main series ended in December 2024 after five successful seasons, the universe is far from over.
“The global success of Yellowstone continues to thrill and excite us at 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch. This has been such an exhilarating ride with our partners at MTV Entertainment Studios and we can't wait to bring 1944 and 2024 to audiences everywhere,” said David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios. (via The Hollywood Reporter)
Read More: All we know About the Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner Docuseries
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