As Yellowstone prepares for its next chapter, one question continues to dominate fan discussions: Will Spencer Dutton return in the rumored prequel, 1944, before Taylor Sheridan leaves Paramount?

With Sheridan set to begin his massive $1 billion deal with NBCUniversal, fans are worried that one of the franchise’s most beloved Duttons may be left behind.

---

Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Western Empire

Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling universe has grown into a television phenomenon. Under Paramount, his slate has included Landman, Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Special Ops: Lioness — all built on the success of Yellowstone.

Though the flagship series ended in 2024, the world of the Duttons is far from over. Coming in 2026 are three new spinoffs:

• Y: Marshals on CBS, centered on Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes)

• The Dutton Ranch, focusing on Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser)

• The Madison, a Yellowstone-adjacent drama starring Michelle Pfeiffer

But for many fans, one missing link remains — 1944, the long-rumored continuation of the Dutton saga that could bring back Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton.

---

Why 1944 Must Happen

1923, the acclaimed prequel starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, ended with Spencer Dutton emerging as the family’s next patriarch. His rugged resilience and tragic romance with Alexandra of Sussex (Julia Schlaepfer) made him a standout hero within the sprawling Dutton legacy.

The finale of 1923 revealed that Spencer survives well into the mid-20th century — even appearing in a dreamlike epilogue set in 1969, where he’s reunited with Alex in the afterlife. This timeline means Spencer is still alive in 1944, creating the perfect setup for another prequel.

Fans and critics alike are calling for Sheridan to confirm 1944 and secure Sklenar’s return, arguing that Spencer’s arc deserves more than an off-screen fate.

---

Brandon Sklenar’s Possible Return

According to reports, Brandon Sklenar has expressed interest in reprising his role. However, his rising film career could complicate scheduling. If 1944 moves forward, Sheridan could choose to age up the character and recast — something he’s done before, such as with Josh Lucas portraying a younger John Dutton III.

Still, Sklenar’s magnetic performance in 1923 left an indelible mark. His return would place him alongside other Yellowstone mainstays like Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, and Gil Birmingham, who are all set to continue the Dutton legacy across multiple series.

Interestingly, both Sklenar and Schlaepfer have reportedly pitched the idea of 1944 featuring Spencer being “haunted” by Alex’s ghost — a poetic continuation of their tragic love story.

---

Why It Matters for the Yellowstone Legacy

As Sheridan prepares to transition to NBCUniversal, confirming 1944 would be a symbolic full circle for his Yellowstone empire — a bridge between the early Dutton generations and the modern-day saga that started it all.

Spencer Dutton remains one of the franchise’s most compelling characters: flawed, romantic, and deeply human. Bringing him back for 1944 would not only honor the roots of the Dutton story but also give fans the closure they’ve been waiting for.

For now, one thing is clear — before Sheridan rides off into his next billion-dollar adventure, he owes the fans one more journey through Dutton history.