With the final-ish season of Yellowstone closing one chapter, the Taylor Sheridan universe is already preparing for its next epic installment. As 1923 wrapped up its gripping second season with heartbreak and hope, the buzz now turns to what’s next — and whether legends like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren will carry the torch forward.

In a recent For Your Consideration Q&A, Ford and Mirren reflected on the emotional intensity of filming 1923, and whether their journey as Jacob and Cara Dutton is truly over. Ford, typically reserved about sequels, made it clear he’s open to returning — a rare sentiment from the Indiana Jones and Star Wars icon.

He described the final script of 1923 as “probably the densest” he’s worked on in years. And with no on-screen death for Jacob, the door is clearly ajar. While 1944 may jump forward in time, Ford’s return — even in flashbacks — is still very much on the table. In a series defined by legacy and land, Jacob’s presence could offer the kind of gravitas only Ford can bring.

But while Ford teased his interest, it was Helen Mirren who stole the spotlight — again. Her final scene in 1923 showed Cara holding baby John Dutton II in her arms, a powerful symbol of the Dutton family’s future. Mirren was visibly moved by the moment and its deeper message.

“I love the fact that the future of Yellowstone is left in this tiny baby,” she said. “In the arms of two older people — grandparents’ age. I thought that was a very interesting concept.”

It’s a poetic image: youth and age intersecting, the legacy of the Dutton name wrapped in hope, pain, and decades of survival. And it begs the question — will 1944 continue this thread, or leap into unfamiliar territory?

Mirren hinted that 1944 will explore the next generation, but the past will remain vital. With Spencer Dutton’s flash-forward death haunting fans, and Alexandra’s fate uncertain, the role of Jacob and Cara could be more essential than ever in shaping the lineage — whether that’s through parenting, flashbacks, or guiding John II’s early years.

Although 1923 hasn’t been officially canceled, a third season seems unlikely. Instead, 1944 will likely serve as the next emotional chapter. But without familiar faces like Ford and Mirren, will fans feel as connected?

One thing’s certain — the Dutton legacy remains fertile ground for drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable storytelling. Whether through ghostly memories or living legends, Yellowstone’s roots run deep. And 1944 might just be the storm we never saw coming.