1923 star Michelle Randolph addresses the possibility of Elizabeth being related to Yellowstone’s John Dutton (Kevin Costner). Created by Taylor Sheridan, the prequel series explores another generation of the Dutton family and the difficulties affecting the Montana state and the future of their ranch during the early 20th century. Randolph portrays Elizabeth Strafford, who survived getting shot by Banner (Jerome Flynn) and the sheepherders, and whose romance with Jack (Darren Mann) was tested throughout the show’s first episodes. After choosing to stay with the Duttons, despite her mother’s wishes, she exchanged vows with Jack and revealed her pregnancy.
Given the connections established between characters in the Yellowstone franchise, there are theories suggesting that Elizabeth could be the grandmother of present-day John Dutton. In a recent interview with THR, Randolph was asked about the possibility, but the actress revealed that she does not know anything. Read Randolph’s comments regarding Elizabeth and John’s relationship below:
” No, unfortunately. We all go back and forth on what we think is going to happen, but Taylor likes to keep us on our toes. So we’re just as confused as everyone else. “
Dutton Ancestry In Yellowstone Prequels Explained
The Duttons’ lineage, when it comes to the Yellowstone Ranch, was traced further back during the first prequel, 1883. Following the family’s eventual settlement in Montana, the limited series introduced James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret (Faith Hill), who journeyed West in search of land. It also featured their children, Elsa (Isabel May), who died in the final episode, and John Dutton Sr. (Audie Rick), who returned as an adult in 1923 before getting killed by the same men who wounded Elizabeth. The character of Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) is the youngest of James and Margaret’s children and spends the majority of 1923 away from Montana.
In 1923, it was revealed that Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford), the brother of James, had cared for his two nephews, along with his wife Cara (Helen Mirren), at the ranch. The death of John Dutton Sr. (James Badge Dale) contributed to a lot of the questions surrounding Kevin Costner’s character, and early in the series, Jack was told that he would run the ranch one day. Because of Elizabeth’s pregnancy news, and the name of Jack’s father, it is believed that the two of them are the grandparents of Yellowstone’s John.
While some theories also suggest Spencer and Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) as possible kinspeople, all signs seem to point at Jack and Elizabeth being directly related to present-day John Dutton. With a couple of episodes left, and a season 2 confirmation, it will raise a question about how they decide to name their child after Jack’s father, should it be a boy. John Dutton II was already shown in Yellowstone, and if Jack’s family inherits the ranch, it will bring the show full circle. For now, 1923 will continue to follow what happens with Elizabeth and Jack and see things pan out for the rest of the Duttons.