As the Yellowstone universe continues to expand under the creative vision of Taylor Sheridan, fans are already speculating which characters from 1923 might appear in the next prequel series, 1944. With 1944 set to explore a critical time in American history — World War II — and its impact on the Yellowstone ranch, there’s tremendous potential for powerful generational storytelling. Many viewers are asking: which characters from 1923 are likely to make a comeback, whether aged, reimagined, or in flashbacks? Let’s examine the most likely candidates, their narrative arcs, and how they could fit into the Dutton family’s evolving legacy.

At the top of everyone’s list is Spencer Dutton, portrayed masterfully by Brandon Sklenar. Spencer’s return to Montana at the end of 1923 — scarred by war, tragedy, and the loss of his wife Elizabeth — positioned him as the natural heir to the Dutton ranch. If 1944 continues the Dutton family saga, it’s plausible we’ll see an older version of Spencer, possibly in his late 40s or 50s, leading the family during wartime. His trauma from World War I, combined with the burden of family legacy, could create a fascinating counterpoint to the experiences of the next generation — perhaps his son or nephew heading off to World War II. It would also be poetic to explore how Spencer has changed in two decades — does he still carry grief? Has he become more like Jacob or forged a new path?

Another key figure that could reappear is Cara Dutton, played by the exceptional Helen Mirren. Although she was older in 1923, it’s not impossible for her to still be alive in 1944, especially considering her fierce spirit and resilience. Cara represented the emotional backbone of the Dutton clan — wise, steely, nurturing, and capable of ruthless decisions when necessary. In 1944, she could serve as the family’s elder stateswoman, offering guidance to a new generation of Duttons navigating war and modernity. Even if the character has passed on by that point, Sheridan might use flashbacks to highlight her enduring influence. Cara’s voice and lessons could still echo in the choices made by her descendants.

One surprising but exciting possibility is the reappearance of Teonna Rainwater or her descendants. Teonna’s story in 1923 offered a powerful and painful narrative of survival amid colonial violence, and many fans believe her bloodline could connect directly to Chief Thomas Rainwater in Yellowstone. If Teonna lived into the 1940s — which is plausible — she could be a pivotal figure in showing how Native families navigated post-colonial America and the shifting tides of federal Indian policy. Alternatively, 1944 might introduce Teonna’s children or grandchildren, showing how her bravery and trauma shaped a legacy of resistance and cultural preservation. This would deepen Yellowstone’s exploration of indigenous history and further integrate the Rainwater line into the saga.

There’s also interest in whether Alexandra, Spencer’s fiery and loyal partner, could return. Her fate in 1923 was uncertain — her separation from Spencer was tragic and unresolved. If she survived and found a way back to him, she could be his wife in 1944, possibly the matriarch of the family. This would allow Sheridan to close the emotional loop left hanging in 1923. Seeing Alexandra in her 40s or 50s, managing a ranch and a family during wartime, could be a rich storytelling opportunity. Her European background could also provide insight into transatlantic wartime experiences, especially as WWII tore through her homeland.

While some characters like Jacob Dutton and Elizabeth likely wouldn’t appear again in the present timeline of 1944 due to their deaths in 1923, their impact might still linger. Flashbacks are a staple of Sheridan’s storytelling, and we could easily see younger versions of them reappear to illustrate lessons passed down or to dramatize key family memories. Additionally, any journals, letters, or heirlooms from Jacob or Elizabeth could serve as emotional touchstones for characters in 1944, emphasizing the long shadow of legacy and loss.

Sheridan might also introduce new Dutton children, born in the gap between 1923 and 1944. For example, if Spencer and Elizabeth did have a surviving child (perhaps unknown to Spencer at the time), that son or daughter could be a main protagonist in 1944, fighting in the war or struggling with the weight of the Yellowstone ranch. These second-generation Duttons would be shaped by the sacrifices of their parents, and their arcs could explore how families evolve — or fracture — under pressure.

It’s also worth noting that 1944 is expected to have a different tone than previous entries. While 1883 was about the brutal journey west, and 1923 was about holding ground amid chaos, 1944 could examine how modernity clashes with tradition. Characters from 1923 who return would need to navigate a world of radios, cars, government oversight, and global war — a far cry from the wild frontier. This generational shift is ripe for conflict and introspection, especially among older characters trying to understand their place in a world that seems to be changing faster than they can keep up.

In conclusion, 1944 presents a golden opportunity to bring back fan-favorite characters from 1923, either in their older forms or through the legacies they leave behind. Spencer, Cara, Teonna, and perhaps Alexandra are the most likely to reappear, either directly or spiritually. Whether as mentors, matriarchs, or ghosts of the past, their presence would anchor 1944 in the emotional depth that made 1923 so beloved. And in typical Sheridan fashion, these returns won’t be nostalgic — they’ll be painful, complex, and deeply human. As 1944 moves the timeline closer to the events of Yellowstone, fans can expect not just answers, but even more questions about what it truly means to carry the Dutton name.