Harrison Ford’s Teased Yellowstone Return Could Work After Taylor Sheridan’s 100% RT Success
A Return to the Ranch for a Legend?
It’s been over a year since 1923 wrapped up with a surprisingly peaceful ending for Jacob and Cara Dutton — a rarity in the blood-soaked history of the Dutton family. Yet, the door to their story may not be fully closed. In a recent interview, Harrison Ford hinted that he’s open to reprising his role as Jacob Dutton in Taylor Sheridan’s next prequel, 1944.
Ford’s comment has fans buzzing, and for good reason: with Sheridan’s latest Yellowstone-related project earning a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the creative powerhouse is enjoying a rare streak of critical acclaim — and could use that momentum to bring back one of his most iconic characters.
“I’m Still Alive”: Harrison Ford on Jacob Dutton’s Future
When The Hollywood Reporter asked Ford if he would return to the Yellowstone universe, the 82-year-old legend grinned and replied, “I’m still alive.”
It was a tongue-in-cheek response, but it also opened up an intriguing possibility. At the end of 1923, Jacob Dutton handed the family ranch over to his nephew Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) and settled into retirement with Cara (Helen Mirren). Given that 1944 takes place roughly twenty years later, Jacob would be around 100 years old — technically alive, and with the right story, Ford’s return could absolutely work.
“I’d come back if Taylor asks nice,” Ford joked, adding that while he doesn’t know Sheridan’s exact plans, he’s not ruling anything out.
How Ford Could Fit Into 1944
Sheridan has built his storytelling empire on nonlinear narratives, frequently using flashbacks and time jumps to fill in the emotional gaps between generations of Duttons. From 1883 to 1923 to the flagship Yellowstone series, these cross-generational moments have been key to understanding the family’s legacy.
That same approach could bring Jacob Dutton back — either through flashbacks that show how the family stabilized after 1923, or as a centenarian cameo in 1944, reflecting on the empire he helped build.
A brief return could serve as a poetic bridge between 1923’s aftermath and Spencer’s era of leadership at Yellowstone Ranch. Ford’s presence alone would instantly elevate 1944 and ground the new story in the emotional weight of its predecessors.
Imagine an elderly Jacob offering his final words of wisdom before passing the torch — a fitting farewell to a patriarch who managed what few Duttons ever have: a peaceful ending.
Mirren and Schlaepfer Are Also Game to Return
Ford isn’t the only one interested in revisiting the Dutton world. Helen Mirren, who delivered a commanding performance as Cara Dutton, has said she would “absolutely” return to work with Ford again, calling their on-screen dynamic “one of the great joys” of her career.
Even Julia Schlaepfer, whose character Alex Dutton met a tragic end in 1923, has expressed willingness to reprise her role — suggesting possible dream sequences, flashbacks, or even expanded backstory arcs in 1944.
With several stars from 1923 open to returning, Sheridan has all the ingredients for a continuation that honors the emotional depth and history of his earlier chapters.
Sheridan’s Winning Streak Makes Timing Perfect
The timing for Ford’s potential return couldn’t be better. Sheridan’s latest Yellowstone-related production recently scored a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, proving he’s not just maintaining quality — he’s redefining what prestige television looks like.
That success gives him the creative freedom (and studio confidence) to take bigger swings — like bringing back Ford and Mirren for one last Dutton chapter.
If handled with the emotional heft of 1883 and the dramatic tension of 1923, 1944 could complete a near-perfect generational trilogy — one that captures the evolution of the American West through the Dutton family’s eyes.
A Fitting Farewell for Jacob Dutton
Whether through flashbacks, a cameo, or a deeply reflective final scene, Jacob Dutton’s return could serve as the emotional spine of 1944.
Harrison Ford’s performance in 1923 brought a gravitas that balanced grit with tenderness — a portrait of an aging leader trying to preserve his legacy in a brutal world. Giving him one more appearance would not only please fans but also offer a meaningful close to a character who defied Yellowstone’s cycle of violence by finding peace.
If Sheridan “asks nice,” Ford’s comeback could be the final piece that ties the Dutton dynasty together — from 1883’s tragedy to 1923’s resilience, and finally, 1944’s reflection.
Because in the Yellowstone universe, no Dutton story truly ends — it just waits for the next chapter.