The Cast of Young Guns and the Characters They Played

The “Young Guns” films, released in 1988 and 1990, were more than just entertaining Westerns. They served as a launchpad for the careers of several talented actors who would later become major stars. Here’s a closer look at the cast and their rise to fame.

Inspired by the adventures of William H. “Billy the Kid” Bonney, a real-life gunslinger, during the Lincoln County War, which took place in New Mexico from 1877 to 1878. Historian Paul Hutton called “Young Guns” the most historically accurate Billy the Kid film.

While there have been rumors of “Young Guns 3,” titled “Guns 3: Alias Billy the Kid,” the third installment of the franchise has been in development limbo for years. Franchise star Emilio Estevez revealed to Collider in March 2021 that the threequel is “definitely in the works.”

The Kid was an embodiment of the Wild West. The controversial figure has sparked debates as he seemingly finds his way into historical events that altered the history of the United States.

Estevez portrays Billy the Kid with a captivating blend of charm, charisma, and vulnerability that draws audiences to his performance, which helped to lead critics and audiences to consider the film a classic Western. Estevez would reprise the role again in “Young Guns 2.”

Scurlock also served as a deputy sheriff and is remembered as a complex and fascinating figure of the Wild West.

Sutherland, known for his role in “A Few Good Men” and “Flatliners,” delivered a breakout performance. He received critical acclaim for the role, including nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male.

Phillips’ “Young Guns” character is complex and most remembered for the passionate and emotional delivery of the injustices his people suffered on Native American reservations in the U.S.

In real life, Brewer was killed after a dispute over a stolen horse in 1878. In “Young Guns,” Sheen’s character is slain by Buckshot Roberts. Billy assumes leadership of the Regulators.

Mulroney’s performance as Stephens is most notable for the intense and dramatic climactic ending of “Young Guns,” in which he is gunned down while rescuing a wounded Chavez. While Stephens remains a relatively enigmatic figure in history, Mulroney brings his quiet intensity and brooding demeanor to the role, effectively conveying the character’s internal struggles and loyalty to his comrades.

Christian Slater’s “Young Gun 2” performance sees “Arkansas” as a central character who joins the Regulators to fight alongside them throughout their adventures.

While William Petersen’s Pat Garrett was not a central member of the Regulators like Billy the Kid, Doc Scurlock, or “Arkansas,” Garrett played a crucial role as a lawman tasked with bringing the young outlaws to justice.

Although James Coburn was hesitant to take on the role of Chisum due to the film’s historical accuracy, Coburn brought a level of wisdom and understanding to the central character. Coburn acted as a mentor to the young and wild Regulators, understanding the potential of the young outlaws and offering them guidance and support when needed.

Cruise plays an unnamed minion who surrounds the Regulators during the final scene. Although he is obscured by smoke and hidden under a cowboy hat, he can be seen aiming at the Regulators before being shot and killed.

The success of the “Young Guns” can be attributed to a combination of factors, including talent, chemistry, preparation, direction, script, music, marketing, and cultural impact. Not to mention to Bon Jovi’s breakout hit song. Each actor who joined the production played their roles to perfection, which contributed to the legacy and success of the film, launching many of these actors’ fantastic careers.