The intricate tapestry of the Dutton family saga, spanning generations across the rugged landscapes of Montana, hinges on key figures and pivotal moments. Among the most enigmatic is Spencer Dutton, a central character in the prequel series 1923. His journey, fraught with war, tragedy, and a profound search for purpose, culminates in an ambiguous final scene that has sparked intense debate and two compelling theories among fans, each with significant implications for the lineage of Kevin Costner’s iconic character, John Dutton III, in the flagship Yellowstone series.

Spencer Dutton (portrayed with brooding intensity by Brandon Sklenar) was introduced as a traumatized World War I veteran, haunted by the horrors he witnessed in Africa. His reluctant return to Montana was spurred by urgent pleas from his aunt Cara (Helen Mirren) and uncle Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford), who desperately needed his skills and resilience to defend their Yellowstone ranch from encroaching threats. Spencer’s arrival proved crucial in the violent conflict against Donald Whitfield and Banner Creighton, ultimately leading to Whitfield’s demise and a tentative victory for the Duttons. Yet, amidst this triumph, Spencer faced personal devastation with the tragic death of his beloved wife, Alexandra of Sussex, who succumbed to hypothermia complications during their arduous journey back to the ranch. This profound loss shadowed his eventual reintegration into the family, setting the stage for the highly debated conclusion of 1923’s second season.

The final moments of 1923 fast-forward decades into the future, landing in 1969, and present Spencer Dutton’s death. Narrated by his sister, the ethereal Elsa Dutton (Isabel May), the scene depicts an elderly Spencer collapsing on Alexandra’s grave, seemingly succumbing to the passage of time. Elsa’s narration reveals that Spencer survived almost half a century after the Prohibition-era struggles, never forgetting his soulmate. She explains that Spencer eventually found solace and intimacy with a widow, with whom he had a second son, though he never fully committed to a new life. Crucially, Elsa confirms that before Alexandra’s death, she and Spencer had conceived a son, whom they named John Dutton. This detail solidifies Spencer’s direct contribution to the Dutton bloodline, ensuring the continuation of the family name. However, it is the visual interpretation of Spencer’s final walk to Alex’s grave that ignited the fan theories, leaving a crucial piece of the Dutton family tree unresolved.

Theory 1: Spencer Dutton as John Dutton III’s Grandfather (The Lost Leg Connection)

The most widely discussed theory posits that Spencer Dutton is indeed the grandfather of John Dutton III. This interpretation hinges on a key piece of dialogue from Yellowstone season 4, where John Dutton III tells Jimmy Hurdstrom that his grandfather lost a leg. If Spencer is the patriarch in question, then he would be the father of John Dutton II (who appeared briefly as an elderly man in Yellowstone season 2, played by Dabney Coleman), thus making Spencer the direct grandfather of Costner’s character.

Proponents of this theory point to a specific detail in the 1923 finale’s concluding scene: as Spencer walks towards Alexandra’s grave, he appears to drag one of his legs, exhibiting a noticeable limp. Many viewers interpret this gait as indicative of him walking with a prosthetic limb, suggesting that he lost his leg at some point during the 45 years that passed between the main events of 1923 and his death in 1969. This physical impairment would align perfectly with John Dutton III’s historical anecdote, providing a tangible link between the prequel’s war hero and the present-day rancher.

However, this theory, while compelling in its alignment with existing Yellowstone lore, introduces a potential chronological “break” in the Dutton family tree. Spencer Dutton is considered a second-generation Dutton, being the nephew of Jacob and Cara. If his son, John Dutton (II), is the father of John Dutton III, then John Dutton II would be a third-generation Dutton, making John Dutton III a fourth-generation Dutton. This means there’s a generational leap, as the show typically implies a more direct progression without skipping a generation in terms of the numerical designation. Taylor Sheridan, the creator, has been known to take liberties with timelines and family details for narrative purposes, but this particular discrepancy has been a source of speculation.

Theory 2: Spencer Dutton is NOT John Dutton III’s Grandfather (The Intact Legs Argument)

Conversely, another significant portion of the fanbase disputes the “lost leg” interpretation, arguing that Spencer Dutton is not John Dutton III’s grandfather. They contend that Spencer, despite his advanced age, walks relatively normally in the finale scene, and that the slight drag or limp could simply be attributed to old age rather than a prosthetic. For these viewers, Spencer’s legs appear intact at his death, definitively ruling him out as the grandfather who lost a limb.

If Spencer is not the fabled grandfather, then the mystery of John Dutton III’s direct lineage persists. Several alternative possibilities arise from this theory:

Spencer and Alex’s Son Loses a Leg Later: It’s plausible that Spencer and Alex’s son, John Dutton, born after the events of 1923, is the one who goes on to lose a leg. Perhaps he serves in World War II, a conflict that would be chronologically appropriate, and suffers the injury then. He would then become John Dutton II, and subsequently the father of John Dutton III. This would maintain Spencer’s place in the lineage as a great-grandfather while shifting the “lost leg” detail to the next generation.
Jack Dutton’s Lineage: Another possibility is that the line leading to John Dutton III stems from Jack Dutton (Darren Mann), Jacob and Cara’s nephew, and his fiancée Elizabeth Strafford (Michelle Randolph). Jack’s lineage has been largely unexplored beyond 1923, offering a viable, albeit less direct, path for the main Yellowstone family tree. This would mean that Spencer’s branch, while continuing the Dutton name through his two sons, is not the specific line that leads to the contemporary John Dutton III.

Why Spencer Dutton’s Ending Is So Important to Yellowstone’s Story

The identity of John Dutton III’s grandfather is not merely a trivial genealogical detail; it forms a crucial cornerstone of the entire Yellowstone saga. The Duttons’ claim to their vast ranch and their unwavering commitment to its preservation are rooted in a deep sense of ancestral legacy and sacrifice. Knowing the precise lineage strengthens the thematic core of the show: that the land has been paid for with blood, sweat, and tears across generations.

If Spencer Dutton, the brave but tormented war hero, is indeed the direct grandfather, it imbues John Dutton III with a direct connection to a figure who faced immense global conflict and then returned to defend his family’s nascent empire. This link would deepen the significance of John Dutton III’s own battles to protect the ranch, echoing the relentless struggles of his direct forebear. Conversely, if the lineage follows a different path, it shifts the focus of that ancestral burden, perhaps to the less explored figure of Jack Dutton or another descendant. The identity of this foundational figure influences how viewers perceive John Dutton III’s character, his unwavering resolve, and the heavy weight of the legacy he carries.

The Anticipated Resolution in 1944

The mystery surrounding Spencer Dutton’s legacy is almost certainly destined for resolution in Taylor Sheridan’s next planned Yellowstone prequel, tentatively titled 1944. This series is expected to pick up approximately 20 years after the events of 1923, placing it squarely in the era of World War II.

It is entirely plausible that Spencer, a seasoned war hero, could return to the front lines during this conflict, perhaps suffering the injury that leads to the loss of his leg. This scenario would definitively confirm him as John Dutton III’s grandfather, providing the missing link and explaining the detail mentioned in Yellowstone. Alternatively, 1944 could follow Spencer’s son, John Dutton, as he comes of age and potentially serves in the war, incurring the injury himself, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the lost leg while still maintaining Spencer’s foundational role as patriarch.

The anticipation for 1944 is not just about witnessing another chapter in the Dutton family’s history, but specifically about clarifying these crucial genealogical threads. Taylor Sheridan’s meticulous, if sometimes flexible, world-building has created a sprawling narrative where every detail, no matter how seemingly small, carries significant weight. The resolution of Spencer Dutton’s true legacy will undoubtedly reshape understanding of the Dutton family tree, reinforcing the enduring spirit of survival and sacrifice that defines the powerful Yellowstone universe.