‘1923’: Who Is Spencer and Alex Dutton’s Son? Meet John Dutton II
The Yellowstone universe keeps us hooked with its sprawling family saga, and ‘1923’ delivers a key piece of the puzzle: the identity of Spencer and Alex Dutton’s son, John Dutton II. This prequel series, set in the rugged 1920s, dives deep into the Dutton family’s fight to protect their Montana ranch.
At its heart is Spencer Dutton, a war veteran turned big-game hunter, and his wife, Alexandra, a bold British woman who trades aristocracy for love. Their story takes a pivotal turn with the birth of their son, who carries the Dutton legacy forward.
Spencer, played by Brandon Sklenar, starts ‘1923’ in Africa, haunted by his World War I past. He meets Alexandra, portrayed by Julia Schlaepfer, and their romance sparks fast. She leaves her fiancé and a life of privilege to follow him. Their journey back to Montana is a gauntlet of danger—wild animals, storms, and human threats test their resolve. By the second season, we learn Alexandra is pregnant, setting the stage for a major reveal. Their son’s arrival is a bittersweet moment, tying them to the Yellowstone ranch’s future.
John Dutton II, named after Spencer’s late brother, emerges as a central figure. While he doesn’t appear as a character in ‘1923’ itself, the show confirms he’s the child of Spencer and Alex. This makes him the father of John Dutton III, the patriarch we know from ‘Yellowstone’, played by Kevin Costner.
The series wraps its second season with a clear nod to his importance, showing how Spencer’s return to the ranch secures the family’s legacy. John II grows up to lead the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, passing it down to his son, cementing the family’s grip on the land.
The beauty of ‘1923’ lies in its cast and setting. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren shine as Jacob and Cara Dutton, Spencer’s uncle and aunt, who raise him after his parents’ deaths. Their gritty resolve mirrors the harsh Montana landscape. The show, created by Taylor Sheridan, blends raw action with family drama, and its high budget—reportedly $30 million per episode—shows in the sweeping visuals. Sklenar and Schlaepfer’s chemistry makes Spencer and Alex’s love story a standout, grounding the high-stakes plot.
John II’s birth isn’t just a plot point—it reshapes our understanding of the Dutton lineage. For a while, I wondered if Jack Dutton, another character in ‘1923’, might be John II’s father. The show keeps you guessing, but it lands firmly on Spencer and Alex. This choice ties the prequels together, showing how each generation fights for the same patch of earth. John II’s role as a bridge between ‘1923’ and ‘Yellowstone’ makes him more than a name—he’s proof the Duttons’ grit endures.
Did Spencer Dutton Have Another Son?
The series hints at Spencer having a second son later in life, but it’s a fleeting detail. After Alexandra’s death, he never remarries, though he forms a bond with a widow. This relationship reportedly leads to another child, though ‘1923’ doesn’t name him or flesh out his story. It’s a loose thread, likely left for future Yellowstone projects to explore.
This second son doesn’t seem to impact the main Dutton lineage tied to the ranch. John II remains the key heir, carrying the family name forward. The show focuses on his legacy, leaving the other child as a quiet footnote in Spencer’s long life.