Fans of 1883 have been buzzing with excitement as Isabel May, the actress who brought Elsa Dutton to life with such poetic power, has finally spoken about her plans following the series—and her comments have sparked immediate speculation about a brand-new Yellowstone spinoff. While Elsa’s fate was tragically sealed in 1883, the character’s legacy and Isabel May’s impact on the franchise continue to grow, leaving viewers wondering whether Taylor Sheridan has even more stories to tell within the Dutton universe, possibly involving Elsa, her past, or even her narration in future projects.

Isabel May’s career skyrocketed after 1883, with her portrayal of Elsa earning widespread praise for its emotional authenticity, narrative depth, and the sheer beauty of her performance. In interviews, May has explained that while Elsa may be gone, her connection to the character—and to the world Sheridan created—remains deeply meaningful. That emotional resonance has led fans to ask the question again and again: Will Isabel May return in some form? And now, for the first time, she’s hinting that she might not be finished with the frontier just yet.

During a recent discussion, May revealed that she is “open to returning to the Yellowstone universe in a different capacity.” Her wording was careful but tantalizing. She didn’t say she would return as Elsa—something that would be nearly impossible given the character’s definitive ending—but she didn’t rule out appearing in a different storyline or era. Sheridan’s universe has already proven flexible with its timelines, jumping from 1883 to 1923 and even exploring future Dutton stories. Fans immediately interpreted her comments as a hint that she could appear in a new prequel, a narrative bridge, or even a standalone spinoff that explores the mythical foundations of the Dutton family.

May also addressed her personal goals after 1883, shedding light on her evolving artistic ambitions. The actress is eager to explore diverse roles that challenge her creatively, noting that 1883 helped her understand how much she craves emotionally rich and character-driven stories. Her performance as Elsa required endurance, vulnerability, and a poetic understanding of the frontier. Now, she is ready to apply that same intensity to new projects while carrying the lessons she learned from the series.

Fans were especially intrigued by May’s comments about wanting to explore writing and producing. She revealed that working with Taylor Sheridan—who writes with lightning speed and emotional precision—inspired her to develop her own storytelling voice. According to May, she has been working quietly on multiple creative projects, some of which draw from the themes of nature, resilience, and timeless human conflict she explored while playing Elsa. This revelation set off another wave of speculation: Could Isabel May create or co-create a Yellowstone spinoff of her own?

Sheridan has always been open about how much he values actors who bring emotional truth to his work, and he has a history of revisiting characters and performers who resonate with audiences. This pattern fuels fan theories that Isabel May and Sheridan may collaborate again—possibly on a new frontier saga that mirrors the tone and beauty of 1883, even if it does not directly involve the Duttons.

May’s comments also touched on her profound connection with fans who were moved by Elsa’s journey. She admitted that she was overwhelmed by the response and hopes to honor that connection through future work that carries similar emotional richness. For many viewers, Elsa became not just a character but a symbolic voice of hope, heartache, and poetic resilience. May is aware of that legacy, and she has expressed her desire to continue creating characters who resonate on that level.

Another striking detail in May’s comments was her acknowledgment of the “unfinished emotional business” within the universe of 1883. Though Elsa’s narrative ended, the show left behind many story threads—Sam’s future, the emotional aftermath for James and Margaret Dutton, and the broader consequences of Elsa’s death on the shaping of the Dutton empire in Montana. Some fans believe Isabel May might return as a narrator once again, even if she is not physically present on screen. Sheridan used Elsa’s narration as the spiritual spine of 1883, and a similar narrative device could easily support a new spinoff.

Others speculate that she could appear in flashbacks, dream sequences, or visions, especially if Sheridan explores Sam’s life after Elsa. The bond between Elsa and Sam remains one of the most emotionally powerful storylines in the entire franchise, and many viewers feel their story is not completely finished. May’s openness to returning raises the possibility—however slim—that Sheridan could revisit their connection in some artistic form, even if not in a traditional sequel.

Beyond the Yellowstone universe, May revealed she has been in talks for roles in dramas, historical epics, and even genre-bending projects that combine character depth with visual storytelling. Her experience filming 1883—with its extreme weather, emotional demands, and massive production scale—prepared her for the kind of ambitious roles she now gravitates toward. She emphasized her desire to avoid being typecast, but she also acknowledged that she will always carry a piece of Elsa with her.

What excited fans most, however, were her final remarks: a mysterious tease suggesting that she and Sheridan “have discussed future possibilities.” She did not elaborate, leaving fans buzzing with theories about a new prequel, a mythic origins story, or a surprise cameo in another era of the Dutton timeline. Sheridan’s universe thrives on interconnected storytelling, and Isabel May remains one of its brightest stars—even if her character’s life ended in 1883.

In the end, Isabel May’s revelations offer both clarity and mystery. She is moving forward with new creative ambitions, seeking challenging roles and developing her own storytelling projects. Yet she has also left the door open—just enough—for fans to hope that she may one day ride again in Sheridan’s frontier world. Whether through narration, flashback, or an entirely new character, Isabel May’s presence in any future spinoff would instantly elevate the project.

Until then, fans will continue to celebrate her unforgettable work in 1883, while keeping a close eye on the horizon for whatever storyline she—and Sheridan—may bring to life next.