Over three decades after Dances with Wolves (1990) captivated audiences and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Kevin Costner, talk of a sequel has sparked major curiosity among fans. While not yet officially confirmed, Dances with Wolves 2 has been rumored as a continuation of John Dunbar’s journey, set against the turbulent backdrop of the American frontier during the late 19th century.
The original film told the story of Lieutenant Dunbar, a Union soldier who finds peace, belonging, and love among the Lakota Sioux, ultimately choosing their way of life over his own. A sequel would likely explore the struggles the Lakota and other Native tribes faced as expansion, broken treaties, and violence continued to erode their freedom and way of life. Given the weight of history, a follow-up would not be able to avoid themes of loss, resilience, and survival in the face of overwhelming change.
Kevin Costner’s involvement remains uncertain, especially since he has been busy with his epic Western project Horizon: An American Saga. However, if he were to reprise his role as Dunbar, the sequel could serve as both a continuation of his story and a meditation on the tragic decline of Native sovereignty. Alternatively, the film could follow the next generation—perhaps Dunbar’s descendants or members of the Lakota community—struggling to preserve their identity.
Reception to the idea has been mixed. Some argue the original stands perfectly on its own, a complete narrative that needs no continuation. Others are intrigued by the potential to revisit the world with modern storytelling techniques and a more authentic, Native-driven perspective.
While nothing is officially set in motion, Dances with Wolves 2 remains a fascinating “what if” for fans of the original epic. If realized, it would carry the enormous responsibility of honoring one of cinema’s most iconic portrayals of Native life, while confronting the harsh truths of history.
