Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone Spinoff Prequel Reportedly in The Works

The Dutton family saga is far from over. Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind Yellowstone, is reportedly still developing 1944, the next chapter in his ever-expanding prequel universe on Paramount+. According to veteran TV journalist Matt Webb Mitovich, who addressed the question directly in his Matt’s Inside Line newsletter, he has been “assured” the series is still in development at Paramount.

The prequel, which would pick up roughly two decades after the events of 1923, has been greenlit for one season and is being eyed for a late 2026 debut. For fans who fell hard for Brandon Sklenar’s rugged, lion-hunting Spencer Dutton, the pressing question is whether he’s coming back, and his own words might just be the most encouraging sign yet.

Will Brandon Sklenar Return for 1944?

1923/ Image credit: Paramount

The most burning fan question is whether Brandon Sklenar will return as Spencer Dutton, and the actor himself has practically answered it. Speaking to Variety after the 1923 series finale in April 2025, Brandon Sklenar was enthusiastic about the prospect and said:

Listen, I know that ‘1944’ is a thing that they are planning on doing here, and maybe we see Spencer in 1944.

First announced in February 2023, 1944 is designed as a direct sequel to 1923 and the third installment in Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel timeline, following 1883 and 1923. The show would set the Dutton family story against the backdrop of World War II-era America, with the Bitterroot Valley of Montana serving as the likely production location. While Sheridan has yet to reveal specific plot details, the title and timeline strongly suggest the series will explore how the Dutton ranch survived one of the most turbulent decades in history.

As of June 2026, 1944 is confirmed to still be in active development, with Paramount signaling a late-2026 release window. No official casting announcements have been made, and production details remain sparse. However, between the studio’s reported commitment, Sklenar’s vocal willingness to return, and the massive success of The Madison, which proves there is still an insatiable appetite for the Dutton universe, the prognosis looks more optimistic than it has in years.

Are you excited for 1944 to finally make it to your screen? Let us know in the comments below!