The Yellowstone universe just keeps growing, and fans can’t get enough of Taylor Sheridan’s gripping tales of the Dutton family. After the massive success of prequels like 1883 and 1923, Paramount+ has confirmed the next chapter: 1944 Yellowstone spinoff. This highly anticipated series will dive into the Duttons’ lives during one of the most turbulent times in history – World War II and its aftermath.
As the original Yellowstone wrapped up its dramatic run in 2024, all eyes are now on this new prequel that promises more family drama, ranch battles, and historical challenges. If you’re searching for the latest on the 1944 Yellowstone spinoff, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll break down the plot hints, possible cast returns, filming details, and when you can expect it on your screen – all in simple, easy-to-understand words.
What Is the 1944 Yellowstone Spinoff All About?
The 1944 Yellowstone spinoff is the third official prequel in the Yellowstone franchise. It follows the Dutton family about 20 years after the events of 1923, right in the middle of World War II.
While Paramount+ hasn’t released an official story summary yet, we know it will explore how the war affects the massive Yellowstone Ranch in Montana. Many young men from ranches like the Duttons’ went off to fight overseas, leaving families to handle hardships at home. Expect themes of loss, resilience, and change as the Duttons protect their land during tough economic times and post-war shifts.
This era was full of big historical events:
- The end of WWII in 1945
- Soldiers returning home with trauma
- America booming after the war but with new challenges like inflation and land development pressures
The show will likely connect directly to 1923‘s emotional finale. In that series, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) and his wife Alex face heartbreaking losses, but they start a new generation with their son, John Dutton II – who grows up to be the father of the modern John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner in the original show).
Key Plot Theories for 1944 Yellowstone Spinoff
- Focus on the Next Generation: John Dutton II would be around 21 years old in 1944, making him a perfect main character – a young man stepping up to run the ranch.
- War’s Impact on the Ranch: Shortages of workers, rationing of food and supplies, and threats from outsiders wanting to buy or take the land.
- Returning Characters?: An older Spencer Dutton could appear as the family patriarch, dealing with grief and guiding his sons.
- Classic Dutton Drama: Family fights, forbidden romances, battles with neighbors or the government, and that signature mix of beauty and brutality in Montana.
Taylor Sheridan is known for blending real history with intense personal stories, so 1944 should feel just as raw and addictive as its predecessors.
1944 Yellowstone Spinoff Cast: Who Might Star?
No official casting announcements have been made yet for the 1944 Yellowstone spinoff – that’s common for shows still in early development. But based on the 1923 ending and family timeline, here’s who fans are hoping to see:
Possible Returning Actors
- Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton: The tough hunter from 1923 survives into old age. Sklenar has said he’d love to come back and explore Spencer’s later years.
- Helen Mirren or Harrison Ford?: Jacob and Cara Dutton from 1923 might be too old (or passed on) by 1944, but flashbacks could bring them back.
- New faces for younger Duttons, like a rising star playing John Dutton II.
Sheridan loves big-name actors (think Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, Tim McGraw), so expect some exciting surprises when casting news drops.
When Is the 1944 Yellowstone Spinoff Release Date?
As of November 2025, the 1944 Yellowstone spinoff is officially in active development at Paramount+. Production hasn’t started filming yet, but insiders point to a premiere sometime in 2026.
Why the wait? Taylor Sheridan has a packed schedule with other shows like The Madison (starring Michelle Pfeiffer, expected in late 2025) and more. Paramount wants to space out the releases so fans always have fresh Yellowstone-style content.
| Upcoming Yellowstone Universe Shows | Expected Release | What It’s About |
|---|---|---|
| The Madison | Late 2025 | Modern-day story of a family moving to Montana (stars Michelle Pfeiffer) |
| 1944 | 2026 | WWII-era Dutton prequel on the Yellowstone Ranch |
| Beth & Rip Spinoff | TBA | Follows fan-favorites Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler after the original series |
| 6666 | TBA | Life on the famous Four Sixes Ranch in Texas |
Where Will 1944 Yellowstone Spinoff Be Filmed?
Like the rest of the franchise, 1944 will shoot mostly in beautiful Montana to capture that authentic Big Sky feel. Early reports suggest locations in the Bitterroot Valley and around Chief Joseph Ranch – the real-life spot used as the Dutton home in the original Yellowstone.
Filming in Montana isn’t just pretty – it brings big money to local communities through jobs, hotels, and more. Producers have said staying in the state has helped make the shows even more popular.
How Does 1944 Fit Into the Full Yellowstone Timeline?
The Yellowstone franchise is a giant family saga spanning over 140 years. Here’s a simple table to see where 1944 Yellowstone spinoff slots in:
| Show | Time Period | Main Focus | Seasons Aired/Planned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1883 | 1880s | Duttons’ dangerous journey to Montana | 1 (Complete) |
| 1923 | 1920s-1930s | Great Depression, prohibition, ranch growth | 2 (Complete in 2025) |
| 1944 | 1940s (WWII era) | War’s effect on the ranch and family | In Development |
| Yellowstone | Modern Day (2000s-2020s) | John Dutton fights to save the ranch | 5 (Ended 2024) |
| The Madison & Others | Present/Future | New stories connected to the Dutton world | Coming Soon |
This timeline shows how each generation of Duttons faces its own huge challenges – from pioneers to war-time survivors to modern billionaires.
Why Fans Are So Excited About the 1944 Yellowstone Spinoff
Yellowstone became a global phenomenon with over 100 million fans because of its mix of stunning scenery, complex characters, and non-stop drama. The prequels 1883 and 1923 proved Sheridan’s history lessons can be just as thrilling as the modern fights.
1944 has huge potential to explore:
- Real WWII stories from the home front
- How trauma shapes tough Dutton men (explaining why later ones are so hardened)
- More strong women holding the family together
If you’re a fan of epic Westerns like the original Yellowstone, mark your calendar – 1944 Yellowstone spinoff looks set to deliver another unforgettable ride.
Stay tuned for trailers, casting bombshells, and more updates. The Dutton legacy isn’t ending anytime soon – it’s just heading back to one of America’s darkest yet most heroic chapters.