The Duttons appear to be taking a break. Following the season 2 finale of the Yellowstone prequel, 1923, which premiered on April 6, 2025, on Paramount Plus, fans are left wondering what comes next in the expansive Yellowstone universe. Currently, there is no immediate follow-up series featuring the Dutton family, although another prequel titled 1944 is reportedly in the works. The next series expected to debut in the Yellowstone universe is called The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and focusing on entirely new characters.
However, speculation arises about the potential connection between the characters in The Madison and the Dutton lineage. This theory hinges on Michelle Randolph’s character, Elizabeth, from 1923. At the end of 1923, Elizabeth departs the ranch and Montana, heading back east to Boston while pregnant with Jack’s child. This twist raises questions about whether her child could serve as a bridge between the new characters in The Madison and the Dutton family.
In The Madison, the plot centers on a New York City family relocating to Montana after the death of their patriarch. The series is described as a “heartfelt study of grief and human connection.” But how might Elizabeth connect the characters in The Madison to the Duttons? As mentioned, Elizabeth leaves Montana, presumably to return to Boston, where her family hails from. This detail opens the door for her child to potentially become the father or father-in-law of Pfeiffer’s character in the upcoming series.
Filming for The Madison took place in Montana from September to October 2024, before shifting to Fort Worth, Texas, toward the end of the year. The series promises to explore themes of loss and connection, which could resonate with the audience familiar with the Dutton saga.
As the 1923 finale aired, anticipation grew among fans regarding the fate of beloved characters. The official summary of the finale details Jacob (played by Harrison Ford) and his crew eagerly awaiting Spencer’s (Brandon Sklenar) return at the train station, while Teonna (Amina Nieves) has a fateful encounter. Many viewers are curious to see whether Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) and Spencer's paths will cross again in Montana after both characters endured treacherous journeys throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the Yellowstone universe, is also working on other projects. Among them is 6666, a series that will perpetuate the Yellowstone story in real-time, spotlighting the famed Four Sixes ranch in Texas. Sheridan acquired this real-life ranch in 2022 for a staggering $192 million, and the series will depict its rich history, which dates back to a time when Comanche dominance ruled West Texas.
Additionally, Sheridan is mapping out a cinematic version of Empire of the Summer Moon, a historical account of the conflict between the Comanche Nation and European settlers. Author S. C. Gwynne expressed confidence in Sheridan’s ability to bring this story to the screen, stating, “I can’t think of anyone better qualified to bring Empire of the Summer Moon to the screen than Taylor Sheridan.”
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Yellowstone saga, the speculation surrounding The Madison and its potential ties to the Dutton family adds an exciting layer to the narrative. What will become of Elizabeth's child? Will they indeed be connected to the Duttons, or will they forge their own legacy in Montana? These questions linger as viewers reflect on the emotional depth of the stories told so far.
Despite the uncertainty around The Madison, one thing is clear: the Yellowstone universe continues to expand, with new stories and characters poised to capture the hearts of audiences. The Dutton family may be taking a breather, but the world they inhabit is far from over. For now, all episodes of 1923 are available to stream exclusively on Paramount Plus, while Yellowstone can be streamed on Peacock in the U.S. and Paramount Plus in the U.K.
As the dust settles on the 1923 finale, the excitement for what lies ahead in the Yellowstone universe remains palpable. Fans are left to ponder how the intricate web of connections will unfold and what new adventures await in the vast Montana landscape.
