‘Yellowstone’ and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree

As a dedicated fan of the Yellowstone universe who’s spent countless hours dissecting every detail and discussing theories with fellow enthusiasts, I can confidently say that the mystery surrounding the Dutton family lineage is as captivating as the show itself. The intricate web of characters, their relationships, and the clues dropped by Taylor Sheridan keep us on our toes, making every new episode a thrilling adventure.

[This story contains spoilers from 1883, 1923 and Yellowstone season five, so far.]

As a dedicated gamer, diving into each fresh installment of the blockbuster Yellowstone saga feels like unlocking a new level in my favorite game. Initially starting in 2018 with Kevin Costner’s central character John Dutton and his immediate kin, creator Taylor Sheridan took us on a journey through time to explore the roots of the Dutton clan. First, we were introduced to the early generations via the single season of 1883, and now, we’re following the events of 1923, which is currently in production for its second and final act.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been captivated by the sprawling saga unfolding in the world of “Yellowstone.” The family tree has blossomed as the series has aired, with the original show now at the midpoint of its fifth and final season. Initially, I followed James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill) on their perilous westward journey across the Great Plains in 1883, a journey that would eventually lead to the establishment of the Yellowstone ranch depicted in the main series. Later, the story continued with “1923,” where I met Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren), the Duttons who took over the Yellowstone Ranch following the untimely demise of James and Margaret.

Both the sequel series, ‘1883’ and ‘1923’, are set decades before the birth of John Dutton (Costner) in the show ‘Yellowstone’. It can be beneficial to know the family dynamics in this saga, as revisiting the past often provides a fresh perspective on the present. Currently, ‘Yellowstone’ is being re-broadcasted every Sunday on CBS, while ‘1883’ and ‘1923’ are accessible for streaming on Paramount+. The second half of the final season of ‘Yellowstone’ was postponed due to a contract dispute with Costner, which eventually led to his departure from the original series. This segment will resume with its final episodes starting November 10. Additionally, two more spin-off series are in development.

Down below, The Hollywood Reporter provides an analysis of the various generations of the Dutton family, shedding light through interviews with Sheridan and other members of the extensive cast.

James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill); Claire nee Dutton (Dawn Olivieri); Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren)

‘Yellowstone’ and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree

1883, a limited Western series that debuted on Paramount+ in 2021, was three years into the run of Yellowstone. This prequel series, which takes place in the year 1883, is narrated by Elsa Dutton (Isabel May), daughter to James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill). The story unfolds the lineage of the Duttons, starting with James Dutton and his sister Claire nee Dutton (portrayed by Dawn Olivieri; later known as Sarah Atwood in Yellowstone seasons), who tragically took her own life early in the series. Her daughter Mary Abel (Emma Malouff) also perished, leaving no trace of Henry Dutton, Claire’s husband. In a later series, 1923, we encounter James and Claire’s brother, Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford), along with his wife Cara (Helen Mirren).

Elsa Dutton (Isabel May); Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex Dutton (Julia Schlaepfer); John Sr. (James Badge Daly) and Emma Dutton (Marley Shelton)

The premiere of “1883” establishes the mood for the series by starting with a foreshadowing: The initial scene depicts the untimely demise of protagonist Elsa. Although Elsa perished, her story doesn’t end there; instead, it carries over into the next prequel series, “1923”, as May takes on the role of narrator. In spirit, Elsa communicates to viewers that her parents, James and Margaret, passed away after the incidents depicted in “1883”; first James, then Margaret. However, before her death, Margaret wrote a letter to Jacob, James’ brother, who later discovered and raised Elsa’s remaining siblings, John Sr. and Spencer.

In the year 1883, audiences encountered John Sr., portrayed by Audie Rick, as a youthful character. At that time, Spencer, who would later be born, was still unborn.

“Following the demise of my father, my mother pleaded with his brother to come with his family to this untamed region, hoping he could help us,” Elsa recounted in a voiceover during 1923. “A year afterward, he showed up only to discover my mother trapped in a snowdrift, near death, and my brothers malnourished and barely able to communicate. He adopted them and nurtured their father’s vision into an empire. However, that empire eventually fell apart.”

‘Yellowstone’ and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree

Sheridan shared the reason behind moving the storyline of the series to 1923: “I selected that point in history for a look back since it shows the children we’ve come to know from 1883, striving to raise another generation of Duttons.” Fans of Yellowstone will remember a flashback from season four, which introduced characters like James and Margaret, along with young John and Spencer. This flashback also featured the scene where James was shot, which happened to be McGraw and Hill’s screen test, sparking Sheridan’s idea for centering 1883 around them.

In 1923, we meet John Sr., portrayed by James Badge Dale, and Spencer, played by Brandon Sklenar. John Sr., who didn’t have any children with his wife Emma (Marley Shelton), tragically passes away early in the series, shifting the focus to Spencer as he takes on the challenge of inheriting the Yellowstone ranch from ailing Jacob. The first season concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving Spencer apart from his newlywed Alex (Julia Schlaepfer).

Jack (Darren Mann) and Liz Dutton (Michelle Randolph)

As a dedicated fan, I’ve been hooked for five seasons on Yellowstone, and my time-travel adventures with its spin-offs 1883 and 1923 have only deepened my curiosity: Who is the enigmatic grandfather of John Dutton? We’ve glimpsed his father, John Dutton Sr., in a season two flashback, skillfully portrayed by Dabney Coleman. His mother, however, remains an unseen and unnamed figure. Now that we’ve been introduced to the generation preceding him on 1923, even the cast is speculating who among these characters will be revealed as the Dutton son who kick-started the Yellowstone dynasty.

Among some spectators, it’s speculated that Spencer could be John’s grandfather, with the possibility of him and Alex having a child in the future. On the other hand, others assume that Jack (played by Darren Mann) is John Sr.’s son who might fulfill this role. The later episodes of 1923 showed that Jack’s wife, Liz (Michelle Randolph), suffered a miscarriage and they came to terms with the possibility of not being able to have children. As for the characters’ relationships, Sklenar mentioned that Taylor Sheridan hasn’t disclosed this information, even to the cast. According to Sklenar, speaking with THR, “Taylor is keeping it very close to the chest. I have my own theories, but it’s yet to be revealed.” Randolph also shared that they enjoy discussing their guesses.

Wes Bentley has seen family tree diagrams about the Duttons online, but he’s not revealing much about his on-screen father’s lineage just yet because he trusts how the show’s writer will develop the story. He’s putting aside any theories for now and waiting to see what happens next in future episodes.

As a dedicated fan, I’m still left puzzled by this intriguing enigma, even though the series’ omniscient narrator seems to know it all. “Feel free to speculate, go ahead! I personally prefer to wait for the revelation,” May recently shared with THR. In time, we’ll all find out, I believe.

John (Kevin Costner) and Evelyn Dutton (Gretchen Mol)

The narrative of Yellowstone, our main series, revolves around John Dutton III (Costner), a Montana rancher turned politician by season five, and his family. As they struggle to maintain their ranch in the face of changing times, we’re brought back to this captivating storyline. Tragedy strikes early when his wife Evelyn Dutton (Gretchen Mol) passes away, followed by the untimely death of his eldest child, Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), in the series premiere. By the fifth season, John’s children, Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), and Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) continue to persevere, showing great resilience. It’s also revealed that John’s brother Peter had passed away shortly after childbirth.

Lee Dutton (Dave Annable); Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley); Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser); Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Monica Dutton (Kelsey Asbille)

In the critical juncture of season four, the spirit of Lee reappeared in the hit show ‘Yellowstone’. This specter aided Kayce during a spiritual journey that would significantly alter his narrative. As Kayce and his wife Monica Dutton (Kelsey Asbille), along with their son Tate (Brecken Merrill), forge their unique path, the struggle over the Yellowstone legacy intensifies. This conflict primarily involves Jamie and Beth, who were last depicted engaging in a fierce battle on the series. On Beth’s side stand John, her ally, and Rip (Cole Hauser), the loyal ranch hand of the Yellowstone. However, after much anticipation due to a scheduling dispute over Costner’s film franchise, ‘Horizon’, it has been announced that the star who personifies John Dutton on the show will not return for the final season. Fans will have to stay tuned to find out how series creator Sheridan navigates the demise of John Dutton when season five resumes.

The Future Duttons

12-year-old Tate Dutton, who’s the offspring of Kayce and Monica, heads the youngest group of Duttons. Jamie’s baby boy with ex Christina (Katherine Cunningham) has scarcely been seen during the fifth season. On the other hand, Beth and her husband Rip have essentially taken in teen cowboy Carter (Finn Little). However, it’s important to note that Carter is not a part of the Dutton family bloodline.

In brief, we have news about an upcoming series titled “The Madison,” which serves as a sequel to “Yellowstone” and is set to air after its events. This new production will feature Michelle Pfeiffer in a leading role, though the connection between her character and the Duttons is yet to be revealed. The series is said to introduce both fresh faces and familiar locations, with a narrative focusing on a New York City family residing in the Madison River valley of central Montana, exploring themes of grief and human bonding. Here’s the official summary: “The Madison” is an emotional exploration of grief and interpersonal relationships within a family living in the Madison River valley of central Montana.”

This story first posted Sept. 25, 2023.

2024-08-08 18:25