The Yellowstone universe continues to grow, and one of the most talked-about upcoming projects is the prequel series 1944. Although official footage and a full trailer have not yet been released, the show has already generated strong excitement among fans of the Dutton family saga. Reports confirm that the series is in development and will serve as a follow-up to 1923, carrying the story forward into the turbulent World War II era. The franchise has built a reputation for blending personal drama with real historical events, and viewers are expecting the same emotional depth from this next chapter.
What makes 1944 especially intriguing is its potential to connect generations of the Dutton family and explain how the ranch survived one of the most uncertain periods in American history. With earlier prequels exploring the hardships of the frontier and the Great Depression, the upcoming story promises to reveal how global conflict reshaped both the family and their legacy.
A Story Set Against the Backdrop of World War II
While detailed plot information is still under wraps, early reports suggest the series will likely take place during the time of D-Day and the broader World War II timeline. This opens the door for a dramatic narrative that could follow younger members of the Dutton family as they face the possibility of going to war while trying to protect their land back home. Since 1923 introduced a new generation — including a child who would be old enough to serve in the 1940s — the timeline fits naturally into the franchise’s long-term storytelling.
The Yellowstone franchise has always used history as more than just a setting. Instead, it often shows how national events affect ordinary families in extraordinary ways. In 1944, viewers may see the emotional cost of war, shifting social dynamics, and the pressure of maintaining a powerful ranch during uncertain times.
Expected Timeline and Development Status
Even though fans are eager for a release date, the project is still moving through the development stage. Industry updates indicate that the show was confirmed to remain in active development after the conclusion of 1923, positioning it as the next bridge in the Dutton timeline. However, no official premiere date has been announced yet, likely because the previous series only recently wrapped up.
Here is a quick look at what is currently known:
| Detail | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Series Title | 1944 |
| Franchise | Yellowstone Universe |
| Timeline | World War II era |
| Release Date | Not officially announced |
| Connection | Sequel to 1923 |
| Creator | Taylor Sheridan |
The lack of confirmed scheduling has not slowed fan speculation. Many believe production updates could arrive once other spinoffs in the franchise complete their rollout.
Cast Speculation and Possible Returning Characters
Casting announcements have not been officially revealed, but that has not stopped the rumor mill from spinning. Some actors from 1923 have expressed interest in returning, particularly Brandon Sklenar, who played Spencer Dutton. Given that only about two decades separate the timelines, it is entirely possible that familiar faces could appear — either as older versions of their characters or in cameo roles.
There is also growing curiosity about John Dutton II, the father of the modern Yellowstone patriarch. Historically, he would be in his early twenties around 1944, making him a logical central figure in the story. If the show follows his rise, audiences could witness the formative events that shaped the leadership style and fierce loyalty later associated with the Dutton name.
Possible character directions fans are discussing include:
- Younger Dutton family members heading off to war
- Leadership struggles on the ranch
- Expansion threats from outside forces
- Emotional family separations
- The foundation of the modern Dutton legacy
How “1944” Fits Into the Expanding Yellowstone Universe
Over the past few years, the Yellowstone franchise has transformed from a single hit drama into a massive television universe with multiple timelines. Earlier series like 1883 explored the dangerous journey west, while 1923 focused on survival during economic hardship. The upcoming prequel appears ready to continue that tradition by examining how war influences identity, power, and family loyalty.
The franchise’s steady expansion shows no signs of slowing down, and creators have repeatedly emphasized that the Dutton dynasty still has many stories left to tell. By stepping into the 1940s, the narrative moves closer to the modern timeline, gradually building the path toward the world audiences first saw in Yellowstone.
For fans, the anticipation is part of the experience. Even without a confirmed trailer or cast lineup, the promise of a wartime drama centered on legacy and resilience is enough to keep excitement high. If the series delivers the same gripping storytelling as its predecessors, 1944 could become another defining chapter — one that reveals not just how the Dutton ranch survived history, but how it helped shape it.