Ford could fit into 1944 at 100 years old, or utilize a tested franchise formula. Sheridan has a rich history of employing time jumps in Yellowstone, used to flesh out characters at different ages and explain how they arrived at their current predicament in the plot, adding context to intense emotions and filling in critical gaps in the storylines. Therefore, it’s not out of the question to hope that 1944 would feature Ford as Jacob Dutton in Yellowstone flashbacks, perhaps alongside his nephew as Spencer establishes his operations at the Yellowstone Ranch. Flashbacks could even touch on things Jacob experienced following the death of his brother, James Dutton (Tim McGraw), a period that Yellowstone has barely covered.

However, playing on Ford’s suggestion, Jacob could also appear in the year 1944. Jacob Dutton could still be alive in the 1940s as Yellowstone‘s first centenarian, and, with a bit of movie magic, Ford could appear as the older Jacob. Perhaps, then, 1944 would show his passing, honoring one of the best members of the Dutton family tree.

Other 1923 Stars are Willing to Return to Yellowstone

It’s more than a musing that 1944′s story would utilize a handful of 1923 characters to establish its narrative, given the franchise’s precedent for doing so. Before 1923, characters from the first prequel appeared in flashbacks in the main Yellowstone series to explain what happened to James and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill) following the events of 1883. 1944 could similarly employ Ford and his 1923 costars to establish what Spencer is up against, and other 1923 stars are ready and willing to appear to set up Sheridan’s next saga. In an interview following the finale, Spencer Dutton actor Brandon Sklenar said, “I love this character,” noting he would willingly return in “any capacity.”

Helen Mirren also confirmed that she was willing to reprise her role as Cara Dutton, in comments where the 1923 star discussed her shock over the series finale. That said, Mirren could also return to Yellowstone, with the actor emphasizing her willingness to sign on to any future production where she could work with Ford again. And while it could be a long shot, even Julia Schlaepfer is willing to return to Yellowstone as Alex Dutton, even after her tragic fate at the end of 1923.

Per ScreenRant, Schlaepfer joked with her 1923 costar that she could return to the franchise as a ghost, perhaps “haunting” Spencer in some way, guiding his journey ethereally. Therefore, it’s entirely plausible that Ford, Mirren, Sklenar, and even Schlaepfer could return to the next Yellowstone saga, allowing 1923 fans the opportunity to see the characters again, and offering a fascinating look at what 1923′s survivors were up against after their show’s conclusion. Whatever comes next, Ford’s presence may be too good an opportunity to pass up.