Shocking ‘1923’ Finale Twist: Who Are John Dutton II’s Real Parents? Fans Divided Over Two Explosive Theories—Which Couple Holds the Truth Behind Yellowstone’s Biggest Mystery? Dive Into the Heated Debate!

One actor thinks he’s the dad—find out what really happened before the ‘1923’ finale airs 

This story contains spoilers for 1923 season 2, episode 6. 

Throughout both seasons of 1923, fans have been anxiously waiting to discover who John Dutton II’s (Dabney Coleman) parents are. Originally, they thought it was Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph) and Jack Dutton (Darren Mann), but after she suffered a miscarriage in Season 1, that all changed. Now they think it could be Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) and Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar); however, in true Taylor Sheridan fashion, that theory also went out the window when viewers learned that Elizabeth was expecting again. We dive into what to know, what people are theorizing, when we can expect to find out and more below!

Who is John Dutton II and why does he matter to the Dutton legacy?

When John Dutton II was first introduced in Yellowstone during a flashback scene, he served as the father of John Dutton III (Kevin Costner) and the grandfather of Lee (Dave Annable), Jamie (Wes Bentley), Beth (Kelly Reilly), and Kayce (Luke Grimes) Dutton. The character died from cancer at some point before the show began and left the Dutton Yellowstone Ranch to his son.

Dabney Coleman as John Dutton II in ‘Yellowstone’Paramount+
“I was humbled myself when he agreed to appear on Yellowstone. His performance was yet another lesson in bravery and emotional honesty,” Costner said in 2024 following Coleman’s death. “Dabney Coleman is a treasure. He will be missed and admired, always.”

So who exactly are John Dutton II’s parents?

There is a good chance it is Jack and Elizabeth Dutton since Jack’s father (James Badge Dale) was the original John Dutton. The character was tragically shot and killed in season 1 of 1923, so it’s highly possible that Jack decided to name his son after his father. This theory was further confirmed by people thinking that John Dutton III named his daughter Beth after Elizabeth, who could potentially be his grandmother.

Darren Mann as Jack Dutton and Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Dutton in season 2, episode 1 of ‘1923’ streaming on Paramount+.Trae Patton/Paramount+
Mann even admitted that he thinks Jack is John Dutton II’s father and John Dutton III’s grandfather, telling Woman’s World, “I had the way I thought the show would all unfold. Jack would take over the ranch. Kevin Costner [John Dutton III in Yellowstone] would be my future grandson and Elizabeth and I would raise lots of nice cattle,” but since his character was shot and killed in season 2, episode 6, a lot of that theory was blown to bits.

Another possibility is that John Dutton II is the son of Alex and Spencer. This would make sense since both Spencer and John Dutton Sr. were the sons of 1883’s James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret (Faith Hill). They also had a sister named Elsa (Isabel May), who died at the end of 1883 but has several voiceovers in 1923 and Yellowstone.

Julia Schlaepfer as Alexandra Dutton and Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton Dutton of the Paramount+ series ‘1923’.Emerson Miller/Paramount+ © 2022 Viacom International Inc.
Could Spencer have named his child after his older brother? Who knows. But it would make sense.