It's been a quiet few years for Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone prequel 1944, but a fresh update suggests the project hasn't been abandoned. Since its announcement in February 2023, fans have been eagerly awaiting news about the next chapter in the Dutton family saga, which follows 1883 and 1923. Now, a trusted insider has offered a glimmer of hope that the series is still moving forward.
According to Matt Webb Mitovich's Inside Line newsletter, the prequel "is still in development at Paramount." While Mitovich didn't share specific details about casting or a production timeline, his assurance is the most concrete update fans have received in months. The news comes as the Yellowstone franchise continues to expand, with the recent launch of Dutton Ranch and the announcement of a video game adaptation from Paramount Games Studios.
What We Know About '1944'
Set during the titular year, 1944 is expected to serve as a direct sequel to 1923. The series could follow characters who survived the events of that show, including Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar), the younger son of James and Margaret Dutton. Speculation suggests Spencer's story may continue after the death of his beloved Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) in 1923, though nothing has been confirmed.
The Yellowstone universe has proven remarkably resilient, even as the flagship series prepares for its finale in July. Dutton Ranch, starring Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly as Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton, has become the franchise's latest hit, drawing massive viewership on Paramount+. For a deeper look at how the franchise has thrived without Kevin Costner, check out our analysis: Yellowstone Thrives Without Kevin Costner as Dutton Ranch and Marshals Break Records.
The Expanding Sheridan Universe
Taylor Sheridan's Western empire shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to 1944, the creator has multiple projects in the works, including the spin-off Marshals, which recently hit 528 million minutes watched and is already filming its second season. Yellowstone Spin-Off 'Marshals' Hits 528M Minutes Watched, Season 2 Filming Now.
Meanwhile, Dutton Ranch has been praised as the best Yellowstone spin-off yet, according to viewers. The series follows Rip and Beth as they gamble everything on a new life in South Texas, away from Montana. The cast includes Finn Little reprising his role as Carter Green, Annette Bening as Beulah Jackson, Jai Courtney as Rob-Will Jackson, Juan Pablo Raba as Joaquin Jackson Reyes, Natalie Alyn Lind as Oreana Lynn Jackson, and Ed Harris as Everett McKinney.
For fans of Sheridan's earlier work, the wait for 1944 may feel long, but the update confirms that the Dutton family story is far from over. As the franchise continues to dominate streaming, all eyes remain on Paramount for the next chapter.
