“1923” star Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer Dutton in the “Yellowstone” prequel, revealed an Easter egg that connects the series to its own prequel, “1883.”
Sklenar literally hasn’t been able to shut up since “1923” dropped in late 2022, and who can blame him? He’s already one of the best young actors in the world, starring on one of the best television series ever created, and has easily the coolest storyline of anyone ever. I wouldn’t shut up if my life was that cool either!
Speaking with Insider in early March, Sklenar detailed his methodical journey into the character of Spencer. Part of his evolution involved a dinner with producers where it was decided that Spencer should carry the weapon gifted to his sister, Elsa Dutton, by her Comanche husband in “1883.”
Did you just get chills? Because I sure did.
If you’re watching “1923” and don’t understand the Rainwater storyline, then you might be a first-class idiot😁https://t.co/Bja777maty
— KAY SMYTHE (@KaySmythe) February 28, 2023
For those who might not know, Elsa was the protagonist of “1883.”, She tragically died at the end of the series with her mother and father, John and Margaret Dutton (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill). The land where she died is where John Dutton broke ground on what became the Yellowstone Ranch, which the Duttons have defended in co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s fictional universe ever since.
“I felt like Spencer needed to have something from Elsa, and we kind of came up with the idea of having the knife,” Sklenar told Insider. Spencer and Elsa have a shared soul, it could be argued. Though she died long before Spencer was born, both are the presumed future leaders of the Yellowstone Ranch. (RELATED: ‘1923’ Gets Shocking Update That Fans Will Lose Their Minds Over)
Every natural leader of the Yellowstone Ranch has died before inheriting the role. Like her great, great, (maybe another great) grandson or nephew Lee Dutton, who died in the premiere of “Yellowstone,” Elsa died before becoming the next natural leader in “1883.” Will Spencer befall the same fate? Whatever happens, Sklenar’s commitment to his character and this brilliant series is inspiring, and a total tear-jerker.