We knew there would be more. The Yellowstone universe is far from finished — and now, it’s heading into wartime. With 1923 officially in the rearview mirror, Variety is reporting that 1944 is the next prequel in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding Dutton family saga.

While plot details are being kept tightly under wraps, 1944 will naturally explore how World War II impacts the iconic Yellowstone Ranch and its most stubborn inhabitants. Following the Emmy-nominated 1883 and Golden Globe-nominated 1923, the new series will be the third period piece in the hit Western franchise, which also has three sequel series coming up. Keeping up, folks?

The ending of 1923 lays the perfect groundwork for 1944. In the final episode, Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) tragically loses his wife Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) but is confirmed to live for another 45 years. He raises their son — John Dutton II — who, we assume, grows up to be the father of Yellowstone's John Dutton III,...