The Epic Transformation Of Spencer Dutton: Where The '1923' Actor Brandon Sklenar Is Now

Brandon Sklenar, the actor who captivated audiences as the brooding, big-game hunter Spencer Dutton in the Yellowstone prequel 1923, has rapidly transitioned from a breakout star to a major Hollywood leading man. As of December 2025, Sklenar's career trajectory is soaring, marked by his pivotal role in one of 2024's biggest film releases and his upcoming lead in a high-profile thriller, solidifying his status far beyond the Dutton family saga. His compelling portrayal of Spencer, the traumatized World War I veteran and youngest living heir to the Yellowstone ranch, resonated deeply with fans, making his next moves a subject of intense curiosity for the entire Yellowstone universe fanbase.

The character of Spencer Dutton became the emotional anchor for the entire 1923 series, embarking on a globe-trotting journey—from the jungles of Africa to the high seas—to eventually return home to Montana. While the fate of the 1923 storyline remains a hot topic, Sklenar himself has not slowed down, immediately pivoting to major projects that showcase his versatility. From a romantic lead in a massive book adaptation to starring in a Blumhouse horror-thriller, the actor is proving he is one of the most exciting talents to watch in the current entertainment landscape, with his latest roles offering a stark contrast to the Western action-adventure of the Taylor Sheridan universe.

Brandon Sklenar: Actor Profile and Biography

Brandon Sklenar, known professionally by his stage name, has built a career on intense, character-driven performances, but it was his role as Spencer Dutton that brought him widespread international recognition. His background includes a mix of independent films and guest spots on major television series before landing the career-defining role in the Yellowstone universe.

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• Full Name: Brandon Tyler Feakins
• Known As: Brandon Sklenar
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1990
• Place of Birth: Dover, New Jersey, USA
• Nationality: American
• Major Breakthrough Role: Spencer Dutton in 1923 (2022–2023)
• Notable Film Roles: Edward Mapplethorpe in Mapplethorpe (2018), Jake in Vice (2018)
• Notable TV Roles: Spencer Dutton in 1923, recurring roles in Westworld, New Girl, and Truth Be Told.
• Current Projects (2024/2025): It Ends With Us and Drop (film)

From African Jungles to a Colleen Hoover Adaptation: Sklenar's New Roles

Immediately following the conclusion of 1923 Season 2, Brandon Sklenar took on two of the most talked-about projects in Hollywood, showcasing his ability to pivot between genres. These roles not only demonstrate his range but also significantly increase his topical authority in the film industry, moving him beyond the Western genre and the Dutton family lineage.

The Romantic Lead in 'It Ends With Us'

Sklenar stepped into the role of Atlas Corrigan in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's global bestseller, It Ends With Us. The film, which also stars Blake Lively, was one of the most anticipated releases of 2024 and premiered in cinemas in August 2024.

Playing Atlas, the romantic lead and first love of the main character, Lily Bloom, required a major shift from the grizzled, survivalist persona of Spencer Dutton. This project positioned Sklenar as a genuine romantic leading man, exposing him to a massive new demographic of readers and filmgoers who are deeply invested in the source material. The success of the film has been a huge boost to his profile.

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Starring in the Thriller 'Drop'

Looking ahead, Sklenar is set to star in the Blumhouse thriller Drop, directed by Christopher Landon (known for Happy Death Day). This project sees him co-starring with Meghann Fahy in a story centered around a deadly first date. The film is scheduled for release in theaters on April 11, 2025.

The trailer and early details suggest a high-stakes, intense narrative, which aligns more closely with the dramatic tension Sklenar mastered in 1923, yet places him firmly in the modern horror/thriller genre. This strategic selection of roles—a major romantic drama and a high-concept thriller—ensures Sklenar’s name remains at the forefront of diverse film conversations throughout 2024 and 2025.

The Future of Spencer Dutton: '1944' and the Dutton Legacy

Despite his flourishing film career, the question that still dominates discussions among fans is the fate of Spencer Dutton and his wife, Alexandra Dutton (played by Julia Schlaepfer), in the larger Yellowstone timeline. The conclusion of 1923 Season 2 left Spencer and Alex’s reunion with a tragic, cliffhanger separation, fueling fan speculation about their ultimate success in reaching the ranch.

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The character’s significance is immense: Spencer is the great-grandfather of John Dutton III, the main character of Yellowstone. This lineage makes his survival and return to the Yellowstone Ranch a canonical necessity for the entire Dutton family saga.

Show creator Taylor Sheridan has an announced follow-up prequel, tentatively titled 1944. Brandon Sklenar has openly addressed the possibility of reprising his role, acknowledging that Spencer Dutton is alive in that timeframe and would likely be in charge of the ranch, making his involvement in 1944 feel essential to the storytelling.

Sklenar has teased that by the end of the 1923 story arc, Spencer will have become an "entirely different person," a transformation driven by his journey and his desperate need to protect his family. This evolution from a traumatized hunter to a decisive patriarch is what fans are eager to see completed, whether that happens in the delayed second season or the potential 1944 prequel.

The complexity of Spencer Dutton—a blend of action hero, romantic lead, and tragic figure—perfectly mirrors the current phase of Brandon Sklenar’s career. His work in 1923 provided the foundation, and his subsequent roles in It Ends With Us and Drop are cementing his position as a versatile and enduring star in Hollywood. Fans of the Yellowstone universe and new admirers alike are watching closely to see what this dynamic actor tackles next.