The “Yellowstone” prequel “1923” delivered a compelling narrative that largely satisfied its audience, yet even its most ardent fans desired more clarity on several unresolved plot points. While cast members have offered insights and dedicated followers have pieced together information, some key questions remain, demanding deeper consideration for the sprawling Dutton saga.

Will There Be a 1923 Season 3?
Paramount’s official stance has been ambiguous regarding a third season, but the conclusion of Season 2 strongly suggested a definitive end to this particular chapter of the Dutton saga. Actor Brandon Sklenar, portraying Spencer Dutton, initially described the two seasons of “1923” as bookends, a sentiment he later nuanced. However, Michelle Randolph, who portrays Elizabeth Dutton, recently indicated the show’s conclusion, sharing with People that the cast was saddened to see the series wrap, though they would have readily committed to many more seasons. This aligns with the narrative trajectory: Season 2 offered no significant cliffhangers or new characters to necessitate a third installment. Jacob Dutton’s story reached a natural retirement, with the ranch passing to Spencer, and his ultimate death in 1969 was explicitly fast-forwarded. Considering the ages of its esteemed lead stars, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, both in their 80s, prolonging this specific era in Montana appears increasingly improbable. A direct continuation would primarily serve financial motives, yet other avenues exist within the franchise to achieve this without overextending “1923.”

Is 1944 the Next Yellowstone Prequel?
Theoretically, “1944” presents itself as the logical next prequel, potentially exploring a period of global upheaval and its impact on the Dutton ranch. However, it’s unlikely to be the immediate next release in the “Yellowstone” universe. Other spin-offs or prequels are reportedly in various stages of development or production, potentially taking precedence. Fans are advised to temper their enthusiasm for new prequels, as the franchise’s history includes rumored projects that never materialized, such as a previously discussed series centered on the 6666 Ranch or a planned involvement for Matthew McConaughey, both of which fizzled out without official announcements. Moreover, the ongoing sale of Paramount, a major corporate transition, brings shifts in agenda and budget allocations. Rumors of potential budget cuts for Taylor Sheridan’s projects could significantly impact his partnership with the studio and, consequently, the viability or scope of anticipated series like “1944.”

Who Is John Dutton’s Grandfather?
A significant revelation potentially alters the established “Seven Generations Theory” of the Dutton family. It now appears that Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, identified as a fifth-generation rancher in “Yellowstone” Season 5, might actually be a fourth-generation rancher. This re-evaluation stems from the implication that Spencer Dutton and Alexandra are the parents of a baby John Dutton, who is presumed to become the character portrayed by Dabney Coleman in “Yellowstone.” This interpretation would establish six generations between James Dutton (“1883”) and Tate Dutton (“Yellowstone”), rather than the previously assumed seven. While it’s conceivable this new baby John Dutton could have a son also named John, who then becomes Coleman’s character (thus preserving the generational count), the current information suggests Spencer Dutton is Costner’s John Dutton’s direct grandfather. This reconfigures a critical aspect of the foundational family tree, introducing a generational shift that fans are still grappling with.

What About Spencer Dutton’s Other Baby?
A fleeting, almost casual remark by Elsa Dutton at the close of “1923” mentioned that her brother Spencer found comfort with a widow and fathered a second child sometime between 1923 and his death in 1969. This “oh, by the way” detail left many viewers perplexed. No further information regarding this child or their potential role in the ranch’s future has been provided. However, such a specific detail, if not merely an oversight, strongly implies that this unmentioned offspring will inevitably become relevant to the unfolding Dutton saga, perhaps in a future prequel or spin-off, providing a lineage that bypasses or runs parallel to the known descendants of Spencer and Alexandra.

Is Elizabeth Still Pregnant?
Michelle Randolph confirmed that her character, Elizabeth, remains pregnant upon her departure for the coast, having promised to write but showing no inclination to return to Montana. The fate of this particular Dutton heir and its potential influence on the future of the expansive “Yellowstone” franchise appears, regrettably, to be largely insignificant. Given Elizabeth’s profound desire to distance herself from the harsh realities of ranch life and her definitive decision to forge a new path away from the family seat, it is highly improbable that her offspring will play a direct or substantial part in the continuing narrative of the Dutton ranch. This storyline, while poignant, seems to represent a self-contained and ultimately concluded chapter.

Why Does Spencer Dutton Blame Donald Whitfield for Alex’s Death?
Following Alex’s tragic death, Spencer fixates on Donald Whitfield, holding him responsible for his wife’s demise. This attribution is not entirely accurate in a literal sense, as Alex ultimately succumbed to the brutal effects of frostbite and gangrene—conditions more directly linked to her, Hillary, and Paul’s collective hubris, poor judgment, and inadequate preparation during their perilous journey. Nevertheless, within Spencer’s grief-stricken and emotionally charged mind, Whitfield undeniably initiated the entire devastating chain of events through his aggressive and hostile attempts to seize control of the Dutton ranch. Spencer’s logic dictates that had Whitfield never fired upon the Duttons, he and Alex would still be safe, potentially honeymooning in Africa. Yet, this too is a simplified perspective; it was Banner Creighton who initiated the violence, seeking revenge after Jacob’s attempt to hang him, and only later enlisted Whitfield’s financial backing to orchestrate his coup. Spencer’s intense emotional response, fueled by love and loss, rendered him irrational, a state that resonated deeply with many viewers, who found a cathartic satisfaction in Whitfield ultimately meeting his grim fate.

Did Anyone Ever Hear Alex’s Story?
One of the most poignant and saddest elements of the “1923” narrative is the stark reality that no living soul within the Dutton family heard Alex’s full story. Her final, agonizing moments were primarily spent in the company of Paul and Hillary, the ill-fated Chicago couple who inadvertently drove her toward her tragic end in the unforgiving Wyoming wilderness. She spent a desperately short amount of time with Spencer before her medical crisis escalated, and even less with Jacob Dutton, with whom she interacted for mere hours while battling severe frostbite and enduring childbirth. Consequently, it appears that no one among the main Dutton protagonists is fully aware of the harrowing odyssey Alex undertook, the immense suffering she endured, and the profound changes she experienced between her departure from London and her ultimate demise in Bozeman. This profound isolation and the unshared burden of her suffering stand as one of the most poignant and saddest elements of the “1923” narrative, leaving a significant void in the collective memory of the Dutton family.