Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe keeps expanding, but one highly anticipated chapter — 1944 — remains in limbo. While the prequel has been confirmed, updates have been scarce, leaving fans wondering when they’ll return to the Dutton family’s next era. Here’s what we know so far about the Yellowstone prequel, its setting, and the reason for its delay.

The Legacy Continues

Following the success of 1883 and 1923, Sheridan planned 1944 as the next historical bridge in the Dutton family saga. Each prequel traces the family’s survival through pivotal moments in American history — from the frontier hardships of the 1800s to the industrial and social upheaval of the early 20th century.

While 1923 ended in April 2025, Variety confirmed that 1944 would be the franchise’s next major installment, likely exploring how World War II shapes the Dutton legacy.

When Will 1944 Premiere on Paramount+?

Although 1944 has officially been picked up, it isn’t expected to move forward until The Madison — a present-day sequel — debuts on Paramount+ in 2025. Sheridan’s packed production schedule is partly to blame for the delay.

Adding to the complexity is Sheridan’s long-term industry deal. His current partnership with Paramount runs through 2028, after which he’ll begin a five-year overall deal with NBCUniversal in 2029. With multiple series in development — including Y: Marshals, The Dutton Ranch, and Land Man — 1944 is simply waiting its turn.

What Will 1944 Be About?

Plot details are under wraps, but the timeline points to a story set during World War II. The prequel could follow the next generation of Duttons navigating a world at war, both abroad and at home in Montana.

Many fans believe 1944 will focus on the son of Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar), born in the 1923 finale. Given the timing, he would be old enough to fight in the war, echoing his father’s experiences in World War I.

Who Will Star in 1944?

Casting remains unannounced, but Brandon Sklenar has expressed interest in reprising his role as Spencer Dutton — even in cameo form.

“Give me some gout, a little hunch and some salt and pepper. I’ll gravel the voice up a bit,” Sklenar joked to The Hollywood Reporter. “If it comes around, I’d love to do it. I definitely don’t want to say goodbye to Spencer. I love that guy.”

He also teased that 1944 might finally confirm one of the biggest mysteries in the Yellowstone timeline — whether Spencer is indeed John Dutton III’s grandfather.

Familiar Faces and Future Generations

If 1923 represented the Duttons’ fight for survival during America’s Great Depression, 1944 will likely portray their endurance through global conflict. It’s expected to introduce new faces while paying homage to the family’s earlier generations, creating a direct narrative link to the John Dutton (Kevin Costner) era of Yellowstone.

Why the Delay Makes Sense

According to Yellowstone director Christina Voros, working under Sheridan’s creative process means patience is key. “We don’t know until we get the scripts what the story is,” she explained to TV Insider. “When the time to tell the story is upon us, there will be a script in my inbox.”

Sheridan’s storytelling rhythm often involves long pauses between projects — a creative approach that ensures every chapter feels earned. For fans, that means the wait for 1944 might be long, but it promises a story as powerful and sweeping as its predecessors.