James Bond vs Indiana Jones!
I’ll admit that was the first thing that went through my head when I saw the full trailer for 1923, Paramount Plus’ long-awaited Yellowstone prequel limited series. While we previously got a teaser introducing us to the show’s concept, this new, extended trailer, which dropped during tonight’s episode of Yellowstone on the Paramount Network, gives a full look at what should be one of the most talked-about shows of the winter. It also unveils one of the show’s primary villains, Donald Whitfield, played by none other than former 007 Timothy Dalton, who seems to be a land baron at odds with the Dutton clan. Given how things generally turn out for adversaries of the Duttons, I’d say Dalton’s character is all but sure to meet a grisly end.
As previously revealed, Harrison Ford plays Jacob Dutton, who, along with his beloved wife Cora (his Mosquito Coast co-star Helen Mirren), run the Yellowstone ranch. Jacob is the brother of James Dutton (played by Tim McGraw in 1883), who fans of Yellowstone lore will note, died protecting his family sometime in the 1890s. Jacob watches over James’ son, John Dutton Sr (James Badge Dale), the grandfather of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III on the flagship Yellowstone show.
Still with me?
It has to be noted that the Yellowstone mythology grows more intricate with each new show, but so far, Taylor Sheridan’s universe has proven to be extremely consistent. 1883 was a terrific limited series, and 1923, set for a two-season run, looks just as good. In it, Ford’s Jacob seems to be in a range war with Timothy Dalton’s big wig and his hired guns, led by Game of Thrones‘ Jerome Flynn. The trailer looks action-packed, with the pistol-wielding Ford still cutting a classic cowboy figure at eighty. Dalton looks like he’s having a blast chewing the scenery, but I have one concern based on the trailer, which I’ll reveal after the break…
OK, still here? My theory is that Harrison Ford’s Jacob is going to die very early in the show – possibly even in the first episode. Sheridan’s done this before, with Kyle Chandler’s character on Mayor of Kingstown. It feels like Ford would never actually commit to an entire two-season run, given how busy he’ll be promoting Indiana Jones 5 this spring/summer. Plus, he will be joining the MCU as Thunderbolt Ross. I believe he’ll die, and Mirren’s Cora will be the show’s center.
Do any of you agree with my theory? Sound off in the comments below!