1923 features captivating performances by Julia Schlaepfer as Alex Dutton and Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton, who are grappling with the implications of their newborn son’s heritage. As the gripping second season of the series wraps up, viewers are left pondering the critical question of whether their child, John, is connected to Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton III from Yellowstone. Following a traumatic birth where Alex suffers from frostbite, she tragically passes away in the hospital still cradling her baby. The finale tantalizes audiences with ambiguity regarding the lineage of their child, especially with respect to whether this John Dutton is indeed the John Dutton II, the father of Costner’s iconic character.
In an interview with USA Today, both Schlaepfer and Sklenar shared their insights into this storyline. They expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of their characters being related to John Dutton III and emphasized that only series creator Taylor Sheridan can confirm their child’s place in the family tree. Below are their thoughts:
Julia Schlaepfer: It’s fun to think about. That it ties into the whole world. The only person who could confirm that is Taylor Sheridan himself, out of his mouth.
Brandon Sklenar: John’s a popular name.
Implications of Schlaepfer & Sklenar’s Insights on John in 1923
Could He Truly Be John Dutton III’s Father?
Notably, John Dutton Sr. appears in 1923, portrayed by James Badge Dale, but his life is cut short in the third episode due to a confrontation with Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn). He leaves behind only his son, Jack (Darren Mann). This unfortunate sequence suggests he could not be the progenitor of another John in the narrative, which positions Spencer and Alex’s son as viable candidates due to matching names. The timeline also aligns perfectly, allowing for Spencer and Alex’s child to grow old enough to potentially father the John Dutton III of Yellowstone.
While Schlaepfer and Sklenar admit there are no concrete answers provided about their child’s future, upcoming spinoffs within the Yellowstone universe may delve deeper into this theory. One of these anticipated series is 1944, set two decades after the events of 1923. This premise positions Spencer and Alex’s son as a young adult, enhancing the likelihood of him becoming John II. If Taylor Sheridan continues to expand upon the Dutton family saga, there’s ample scope to unveil more about this child’s role in the overarching narrative.
Exploring John’s Potential Significance in the Yellowstone Universe
Significance of Spencer & Alex’s Son in the Dutton Legacy
If it turns out that Spencer and Alex’s child is indeed the father of John Dutton III, this revelation clarifies the lineage of the Dutton family, providing an explanation for the recurring name across generations. Given that John Sr. only had one son, Jack, naming his own child after his deceased uncle suits the family’s tradition of honoring loved ones. Although 1923 does not give explicit answers regarding this child’s pivotal role in the Yellowstone franchise, the possibility remains strong that he could indeed be linked to Costner’s iconic portrayal.
Source: USA Today