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Banking on the success of Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan has slowly built the Dutton legacy with two prequel spin-offs, 1883 and 1923. The protagonists of 1883 were James and Margaret Dutton, the first of the Duttons to establish the infamous Yellowstone ranch.
John Dutton Sr. was the eldest son of James and Margaret Dutton in 1883 and 1923. He appears as a five-year-old boy in 1883 and as an adult in 1923. Actor James Badge Dale portrays him in 1923.
John tragically died in 1923 Season 1, leaving behind his wife Emma and their son Jack.
More on John Dutton Sr. in our story.
John Dutton Sr. died in 1923 Season 1
While Jacob and Cara committed to John Dutton Sr. and Spencer after their parent's deaths and did not even have children of their own, John dies in a violent gunfight in 1923, Season 1.
In 1923 Season 1, John is all grown up and learns the ranching and the cowboy's ways of life from his uncle Jacob. While he fiercely tries to protect his land with Jacob, outside properties threaten to take control of the land.
In Season 1, Banner Creighton is the primary antagonist who has his eyes set on the Dutton ranch. As a Scottish sheepherder, he ran out of grazing lands for his sheep and saw the Dutton ranch as a rich opportunity for his problem.
Without consulting the Duttons, he begins feeding his sheep on their property, which starts a land war in 1923 Season 1.
During a key fight scene, when his son Jack is surrounded by gunfire, Jacob and John come to his rescue, and they manage to hang Banner and his men, and Banner nearly escapes.
He returns to retaliate against the Duttons and to take revenge for his men in Episode 3 and opens fire on Jacob and John with a Thompson submachine gun. But only this time, Banner had the upper hand, and John was instantly killed in the gunfire. Jacob barely survives with many wounds on his body.
John Dutton Sr's death paved the way for Spencer's return journey home, and actor James Badge Dale discussed the significance of his character's death in 1923 in an interview with Deadline:
''I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with the short life, cuz Taylor only gave me the first three scripts. I don’t know where this goes. My job was very specific and the way I saw it is once John Dutton Sr. dies, the younger brother has to come home. It’s a very epic romantic notion, how they need to get Spencer back here.''
John Dutton Sr. had a difficult life in 1883 and 1923
The hardships of John's life were hinted at in 1883 when he had a difficult childhood from the start and even witnessed his young sister, Elsa, 's death with his parents. When they journeyed to Fort Worth, a five-year-old John barely survived the perilous journey with his parents while his sister perished.
Almost ten years after their arrival, he witnesses the death of his father, James, with his brother Spencer. James died from a fatal gunshot wound while he was confronting horse thieves. Shortly after, their mother, Margaret, also succumbs to the harsh winter and dies.
He stayed back and protected the ranch with his uncle and aunt while his younger brother Spencer fought in World War I.
Also Read: 1923 Season 2 Episode 4: Release date news
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