Yellowstone Prequel 1944 Trailer:The world of Yellowstone is expanding once again—this time taking us further back in time than ever before. Western drama mastermind Taylor Sheridan has officially released the trailer for the highly anticipated prequel, Yellowstone: 1944, set to be released in early 2026. And with it comes a wave of excitement, emotion, and a fresh lineup of new actors who are already making headlines.
If you thought 1883 and 1923 touched your heart and tested your mettle, 1944 will bring you even more courage, more heartbreak, and a deeper look at the Dutton family’s struggle to preserve their land and legacy during one of America’s most defining decades.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far—from the intriguing first look to the powerful new faces joining the Yellowstone saga.
Trailer: A glimpse of turmoil
The official trailer for Yellowstone: 1944 opens with raw and untamed views of the Montana wilderness. A grim narration sets the tone: “War changes men. And home… too.”
Set in the final years of World War II, the trailer shows young soldiers returning to a very different America—one filled with uncertainty, shifting power structures, and growing danger for ranching families like the Duttons. The Duttons’ land, already steeped in blood and history, is once again at the center of the conflict.
We see the following clip:
- Uniformed soldiers arrive back at the ranch.
- A young Dutton heir (possibly Jacob Dutton’s son or nephew) stands tearfully looking at the ranch for the first time in years.
- Ruthless ranchers and land developers plot to reshape Montana’s future.
- An epic confrontation on horseback under stormy skies—a classic Sheridan touch.
The trailer doesn’t give everything away, but it’s clear that 1944 will explore the emotional cost of war, the burden of legacy, and the fight for survival in a rapidly changing world.
New Cast Update: New faces, familiar spunk
With 1944, the franchise introduces a new cast—young, passionate, and carrying the weight of the Dutton name with pride.
Here are some notable additions:
- Josh Hartnett joins the series as Elias Dutton, a World War II veteran returning home with physical scars and horrific memories. Hartnett brings a quiet strength to the role, and early glimpses suggest his performance will be both impressive and heartbreaking.
- Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) plays Clara Dutton, Elias’ fiercely independent wife. She tries to keep the family together while dealing with the trauma of her husband returning from war. Comer’s performance is already being praised for her innate emotions and resilience.
- 1883 fan favorite Sam Elliott is rumored to be back—not as Shea Brennan—but possibly as an older mentor or neighboring rancher. His voice alone in the trailer gives a sense of continuity and gravitas.
- Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone) is not in 1944, but fans will be thrilled to know that Rip’s family history can be explored through a subplot that provides insight into his mysterious background.
A story about More Than The land
Though 1944 is set on the iconic Yellowstone ranch, this prequel aims to explore themes beyond cattle and conflict. These will include stories about PTSD, post-war gender roles, race relations in mid-century Montana, and the slow modernization that threatens the ranching lifestyle.
In one of the most emotional moments in the trailer, Elias Dutton stands on a ranch with his son and says: “I went to war to protect it. But what will I do when the war comes home?”
That one line could define the spirit of 1944—a series that is not just about protecting the land, but also about protecting family, memory, and the fragile idea of home.
Final Thoughts
Yellowstone: 1944 promises a bold and emotional journey through one of the most transformative periods in American history. With an all-star cast, Taylor Sheridan’s distinctive narration, and a trailer that’s already got fans excited, this series could become the most emotionally impactful chapter in the Dutton saga yet.
Mark your calendars for 2026—because the past isn’t over with the Dutton family. And neither are we.
