Yellowstone 1923 (previously dubbed Yellowstone 1932) scored big time when it landed lead actors Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.
It’s not every day you convince an Academy Award winner like Mirren and an Academy Award nominee like Ford to join the Dutton family – the latter of whom has fronted iconic franchises such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, as well as a handful of the classic Jack Ryan flicks.
One can only imagine how much high-fiving went on between franchise creator Taylor Sheridan and longtime collaborator John Linson (as well as around the Paramount+ offices).
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The forthcoming prequel has been produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, and Bosque Ranch Productions; executive produced by Sheridan himself, alongside John Linson, Art Linson, David C. Glasser, with Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, and Ben Richardson also signed on.
Here’s everything else we know about the Yellowstone1923 starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford.
Everything We Know About Yellowstone 1923 (Formerly Yellowstone 1932)
What is Yellowstone 1923 about?
As per the official Paramount+ press release, 1923 will introduce a new generation of the Dutton family in yet another Yellowstone origin story.
Exploring the early twentieth century when pandemics, historic drought, the end of Prohibition, and the Great Depression all plagued the mountain west, this latest entry to the franchise follows the grandparents of Kevin Costner’s patriarch and renowned rural hard-ass, John Dutton.
Harrison Ford portrays Jacob Dutton while Helen Mirren portrays Cara Dutton.
According to Paramount+ and MTV Entertainment Studios, the change in the title from 1932 to 1923 reflects elements that have been worked into the main arcs during production. The two biggest events involve the end of World War I (which occurred in 1918) and the beginning of Prohibition (which occurred in 1920).
Check out the official Yellowstone 1923 synopsis below:
The limited series focuses on the Dutton family’s next two generations as they struggle to survive historic drought, lawlessness and prohibition, and an epidemic of cattle theft; all battled beneath the cloud of Montana’s great depression, which preceded the nation by almost a decade.
Where does it fit in the Yellowstone Cinematic Universe?
As you will have probably gathered from the naming convention alone, this particular Yellowstone prequel series takes place after the first prequel spin-off 1883 starring Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliot; but before 1981, which will feature the early life of John Dutton (played by a digitally de-aged Kevin Costner) as he takes over the famous Yellowstone ranch from his father.
All of the above obviously takes place long before both 6666 and the main series.
“While most shows franchise near the end of their run, we seized the opportunity to franchise in real-time to foster success for both streaming and cable properties,” said Chris McCarthy, President & CEO of ViacomCBS Media Networks.
“With the brilliant mind and gifted storytelling of Taylor Sheridan, we have created an entirely new world to explore with 1883 while expanding Yellowstone, and with 1923, we will open up a new chapter in this rapidly growing universe.”
Currently, it’s unclear whether creator Taylor Sheridan will forge any meaningful connection between the Yellowstone franchise and his other active projects: Mayor of Kingstown starring Jeremy Renner, Tulsa King (formerly Kansas City) starring Sylvester Stallone, the Bass Reeves project starring David Oyelowo, or Land Man.
UPDATE [18/05/22]: The Bass Reeves project starring David Oyelowo has since been renamed 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, indicating it’ll function as a spin-off/sister series in the Yellowstone universe as well.
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Who are the Yellowstone 1923 cast members?
Aside from Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton and Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton, the Yellowstone 1923 cast will feature the following names:
- Sebastian Roché as Father Renaud
Headmaster of the school for American Indians. - Darren Mann as Jack Dutton
John Dutton Sr.’s son and great-nephew to Jacob Dutton. He is a dedicated rancher who is deeply loyal to his family. - Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Strafford
A feisty and capable young woman set to marry into the Dutton family. - James Badge Dale as John Dutton Sr.
The oldest nephew and right-hand man of Jacob Dutton. - Marley Shelton as Emma Dutton
The dutiful wife of John Dutton Sr. and the mother of Jack Dutton. - Brian Geraghty as Zane
A fiercely loyal ranch foreman. - Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater
A young woman at a government residential boarding school. - Julia Schlaepfer as Alexandra
A British woman who meets one of the Duttons abroad. - Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton
Jacob Dutton’s nephew, and John Dutton Sr.’s brother, who has witnessed the horrors of World War I. - Robert Patrick as Sheriff William McDowell
A friend of the Dutton family. - Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton
- Jennifer Ehle as Sister Mary
An Irish nun who teaches at the school for American Indians in Montana. - Timothy Dalton as Donald Whitfield
A powerful, self-confident man who reeks of wealth and the lack of empathy it requires to attain it. He is intimidating and nefarious and is used to getting what he wants.
Do we know the Yellowstone 1923 release date?
In line with the precedent set by the first prequel, the Yellowstone 1923 release date falls on December 18th (US & Canada) and December 19th (UK & Australia).
The series will run for just two seasons, spanning eight episodes each.
Is there a Yellowstone 1923 trailer?
As of today, Paramount+ has dropped a Yellowstone 1923 trailer (teaser cut)
