The Yellowstone universe isn’t done expanding—and neither, it seems, is the legacy of John Dutton. Following the enormous success of 1883, 1923, and the upcoming 6666 and Y: Marshals, Paramount is reportedly moving forward with a brand-new prequel series centered around the young life of the franchise’s most iconic patriarch, John Dutton.

Though nothing has been officially confirmed by the network yet, multiple insiders have suggested that development is well underway for what fans are unofficially calling Dutton: Origins. And who better to lead the series than Josh Lucas, who previously portrayed the younger version of John in select flashback scenes throughout Yellowstone? According to reports from those close to the production, Lucas is not only in early talks but has already completed a screen test for the lead role.

This wouldn’t be his first rodeo. Lucas’s performance as young John Dutton was widely praised, especially in Yellowstone Season 5, Part 1, where his scenes with young Rip Wheeler (Kyle Red Silverstein) were among the season’s emotional high points. However, his sudden disappearance from Part 2 was as confusing as it was disappointing for viewers. Fans have since speculated that his absence was more a result of backstage conflict than storytelling logic.

Those close to the series claim that showrunner Taylor Sheridan, who has had a notoriously strained relationship with Kevin Costner, may have sidelined flashbacks involving John Dutton to distance the narrative from the character altogether. Sheridan once said in an interview that Kevin’s abrupt exit from Yellowstone “disrupted the rhythm” of the story. But some in the industry whisper that Sheridan’s creative decisions were also driven by personal tensions—not just production logistics.

Insiders say Sheridan was initially hesitant to greenlight any project focused solely on John Dutton after Costner’s departure. However, with Lucas expressing public interest in returning to the role and fans demanding closure, the pressure has reportedly shifted. “There’s a story still to tell,” a source allegedly involved in the writers’ room stated. “And we all know it belongs to Josh now.”

If the prequel moves forward as rumored, the show will explore John Dutton’s early adult years—his struggle to keep the ranch afloat, his complex relationship with his father, and his formative moments with Evelyn, the future matriarch of the Dutton family. There’s even talk of the series touching on the political and legal pressures that shaped John into the ruthless land baron we meet in Yellowstone.

Interestingly, while Sheridan hasn’t publicly commented on the idea, a crew member working on the upcoming Y: Marshals series hinted at a crossover between the two shows. “We’re building a timeline that will eventually loop into the Dutton story,” they told one entertainment blog anonymously. “It’s all connected—just not in ways people expect yet.”

Josh Lucas himself seems ready. In a podcast interview earlier this year, he said, “There’s so much about John’s past that could carry a show on its own. I’ve always felt there was more to do with him, and I’d jump at the chance to explore that.” According to sources, Lucas has already signed a preliminary agreement contingent on scheduling and script approval.

As for the potential release date? While nothing is set in stone, early indicators suggest a late 2026 premiere on Paramount+, with production tentatively beginning as soon as late 2025. The working title, Dutton: Origins, may still change, but the core concept appears locked.

If this prequel does indeed move forward, it won’t just be another branch on the Yellowstone tree—it will be a long-overdue opportunity to reframe and restore the legacy of a character who was, in many ways, shortchanged by his abrupt send-off in Season 5.

Until then, fans will have to settle for speculation—and perhaps rewatching Lucas’s powerful flashback scenes in the main series. One thing is clear: th