The Dutton legacy continues to expand — and this time, it’s going back to where America itself was at war. Paramount has officially dropped the first trailer for Yellowstone: 1944, the newest prequel in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-growing Yellowstone universe, starring Brandon Sklenar and Kurt Russell in a generational tale of survival, family, and the price of the land during World War II.
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This marks Sheridan’s fourth installment in the franchise after 1883, 1923, and the main Yellowstone series, but 1944 feels different — darker, more personal, and far more explosive.
The Trailer: War at Home and on the Ranch
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The official trailer opens with the familiar sight of Montana’s endless plains, but this time, the sound of distant gunfire replaces the usual galloping horses. A voice — weary and resolute — narrates: “The world is at war, but the land never stops fighting.” The screen cuts to Kurt Russell, weathered and strong, standing on the porch of the Dutton Ranch with a rifle in hand.
In the next shot, we see Brandon Sklenar (known from 1923) returning home from battle, his face hardened by combat. The trailer quickly shifts tone — from patriotic pride to personal turmoil — as he finds the Dutton ranch under siege from corporate prospectors and neighboring landowners taking advantage of the wartime chaos.
It’s clear from these early moments that Yellowstone: 1944 won’t just be about the war abroad — it’s about the war within.
The Story: A Nation Divided, A Family Tested
Yellowstone: 1944 takes place during the height of World War II, when America’s sons went overseas and those left behind had to fight for survival in their own way. The series centers on John Dutton Sr. (Kurt Russell), the patriarch struggling to protect the family ranch while his sons — including Jack Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) — return from Europe to find a Montana changed by greed and desperation.
Sheridan has described 1944 as “a story about loyalty — not just to your country, but to your blood and your soil.” The war has changed everyone, and when the Duttons realize the government wants their land for resource development, they must decide whether to fight or lose everything.
Brandon Sklenar and Kurt Russell: The Perfect Dutton Duo
Casting Brandon Sklenar and Kurt Russell together feels like destiny for the Dutton timeline. Sklenar’s performance as Jack Dutton in 1923 was praised for its emotional intensity, while Russell brings gravitas and grit that fits perfectly into the Sheridan world.
In one standout scene from the trailer, Sklenar’s Jack yells at his father: “You taught me to fight for what’s mine. Don’t ask me to stand down now.” Russell’s calm, chilling reply — “I’m not asking, son. I’m warning.” — delivers the kind of tension Yellowstone fans live for.
Their dynamic reflects the generational struggles that have defined the Duttons from the very beginning — love, defiance, and the unbreakable bond to the land.
Production and Setting
Filming for Yellowstone: 1944 took place across Montana, Wyoming, and Alberta, maintaining Sheridan’s commitment to authenticity. The trailer highlights breathtaking shots of snow-covered mountains, wartime-era trucks on muddy ranch roads, and old-fashioned farming tools used to keep the land alive while men are at war.
The production design perfectly blends two worlds — the rustic, familiar Yellowstone landscape and the industrial shadows of wartime America. It’s a visual masterpiece that feels more cinematic than any previous series in the franchise.
Themes of Power, War, and Legacy
Sheridan’s Yellowstone stories have always been about land as destiny, and 1944 deepens that philosophy. The trailer shows a government official arriving at the ranch, offering the Duttons “a patriotic deal” — give up part of their land for resource mining to aid the war effort.
For the Duttons, however, no offer is worth surrendering their home. What follows is a gripping conflict between national duty and personal loyalty. The trailer hints at gunfights, sabotage, and emotional heartbreak — all underscored by Sheridan’s signature writing style: sharp dialogue, moral complexity, and raw humanity.
Supporting Cast and New Characters
Alongside Russell and Sklenar, the ensemble includes:
- Sam Elliott returning in a cameo as Shea Brennan’s older brother, tying 1883 to the 1944 timeline.
- Jennifer Jason Leigh as Eleanor Pierce, a Washington official caught between duty and ethics.
- Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) is rumored to narrate certain flash-forward scenes, connecting the Dutton legacy to the modern Yellowstone saga.
- Barry Pepper joins as Colonel Warren Dutton, a distant cousin leading troops overseas.
This mix of new and familiar faces promises to expand the Yellowstone universe in ways fans haven’t seen before.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Paramount has confirmed that Yellowstone: 1944 will premiere in Fall 2026, exclusively on Paramount+. The show will consist of 10 one-hour episodes, following Sheridan’s traditional release format with weekly drops.
An extended trailer and behind-the-scenes documentary titled “Forged in Blood: The Making of 1944” are also expected in early 2026 to build anticipation ahead of the release.
Why Fans Are Excited
Since the teaser dropped, Yellowstone fans across the U.S. have flooded social media with excitement. On YouTube, the trailer reached over 12 million views in 48 hours, with fans praising the darker tone and powerful casting choices. Comments like “Kurt Russell was born for this role” and “Sheridan just keeps outdoing himself” dominate every thread.
Many fans are also speculating that 1944 could directly connect the prequel timeline to the modern Yellowstone series, bridging the storylines of 1923 and The Dutton Ranch (2026).
Quick FAQ
Q1. When will Yellowstone: 1944 be released?
It’s set to premiere in Fall 2026 on Paramount+, with 10 episodes releasing weekly.
Q2. Who stars in the series?
Kurt Russell as John Dutton Sr. and Brandon Sklenar as Jack Dutton lead the cast, alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh and Sam Elliott.
Q3. What is the story about?
The Duttons face their toughest battle yet — defending the Yellowstone Ranch during World War II as both family and nation are pushed to the brink.
Q4. Is it connected to Yellowstone and 1923?
Yes, it continues the Dutton family saga, linking 1923 to the modern Yellowstone storyline.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified Paramount production updates and Taylor Sheridan’s official interviews as of October 2025. Details such as release dates and episode counts may change prior to premiere. For official updates, visit www.paramountplus.com.
