The Yellowstone universe is about to unleash its most brutal chapter yet: 1944. Following the resounding success of 1883 and 1923, the next prequel series promises a fight for survival not only against land grabbers but also the looming specter of World War II and unprecedented social change.

The Devastation of War and the Rise of the Matriarchs

Set in 1944, the new show will be more than just a neo-Western; it will be a historical tragedy. With D-Day marking the start of the Allied invasion of Normandy, many young Dutton men may be shipped overseas, leaving the largest ranch in America facing severe labor shortages.

This is the ultimate opportunity for the Dutton women to take the reins. The show is expected to deeply explore how women’s social roles shifted during wartime, potentially placing a woman at the helm of the Yellowstone Ranch. Will it be Alexandra, Elizabeth, or another formidable female character who becomes the Queen governing the ranch?

The Living Legacy: Finding the Father of John Dutton III

While fans are heartbroken to bid farewell to Jacob and Cara Dutton after 1923 Season 2, 1944 has a crucial mission: introducing the father of John Dutton III (the patriarch in the original series).

This means audiences will meet the children of Spencer and Alexandra or Jack and Elizabeth as they transition into the older generation of the ranch. Their child, the future father of John Dutton III, will likely appear as a young man in his 20s, old enough to find love—perhaps even a forbidden romance with the Native American community, continuing the Dutton family’s long-standing conflict with the Broken Rock Indian Reservation.

A Familiar Enemy Rises: Will Henry Become the Main Villain?

However, the most immediate threat may come from within Montana. Henry, the son of Banner (the main villain in 1923), has not yet been fully explored, but 1944 could elevate him to the main antagonist role. Will Henry try to finish the land-grabbing plot his father started, forcing the Dutton family into a new, deadly fight for their land?

Taylor Sheridan proves once again his ability to keep audiences captivated by the sweeping, heartbreaking family saga. While the official release date remains a secret, fans are eagerly anticipating the first news about 1944 to drop in Spring 2025.