Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive
It's happening!
If you’re anything like me, you grew up watching Young Guns 1 and 2. These movies absolutely defined a generation of Western fans. And guess what? After years of iffy rumors, we’re finally getting a part 3!
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement on March 13th, 2025:
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Film Office are proud to announce that “Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive,” the highly anticipated next chapter in the iconic Western franchise, will be filmed in New Mexico.
Lujan Grisham, joined by actor and director Emilio Estevez, made the announcement during Film and Media Day at the State Capitol today.
“The original ‘Young Guns’ films showcased New Mexico’s stunning landscapes to the world and helped establish our state as a premier filming destination,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “‘Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive’ will add to this legacy, further solidifying New Mexico’s place in the national film industry.”
Estevez will direct ‘Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive’ and reprise his role as Billy the Kid, alongside original cast members Lou Diamond Phillips and Christian Slater. The film will introduce a new generation of regulators to the silver screen with New Mexico’s unparalleled landscapes and diverse locations as the backdrop for this exciting return to the Wild West.
“This production represents exactly what our film incentives are designed to attract—high-quality projects that create jobs for New Mexicans while showcasing our state’s extraordinary beauty,” Lujan Grisham added.
Steve Graham, Director of the New Mexico Film Office, emphasized the economic benefits of the production.
“Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive will employ hundreds of local crew members, actors, and support staff and utilize local vendors and businesses, generating significant economic activity throughout our state,” Graham said.
The original “Young Guns” films, released in 1988 and 1990, were both filmed in New Mexico and helped establish the state’s reputation in the film industry. “Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive” is written by Emilio Estevez and John Fusco, produced by Morgan Creek, and packaged by CAA.
I know what you’re thinking: How in the hell is 62-year-old Emilio Estevez going to reprise the role of Billy the Kid? Especially considering that the Kid was killed by Pat Garrett in 1881.
Unfortunately, I do not have a definitive answer.
However, if I were a betting man, I’d wager that Brushy Bill Roberts will heavily influence the story.
If you’re a longtime listener to The Wild West Extravaganza, you already know Brushy Bill has been thoroughly debunked. If you’re new to the show or just curious, check out the following videos to learn more: Brushy Bill is a Lying Liar, Was Billy the Kid’s Death a Hoax, & Billy the Kid Debunked: The Truth Revealed.
In the Young Guns universe, however, Brushy Bill and Billy the Kid are most definitely one and the same. And guess what? I am HERE FOR IT!
In the book Alias Billy the Kid, Brushy claims to have sought refuge with Native Americans after escaping death at Fort Sumner. This was followed by various stints as a Pinkerton Detective, U.S. Marshal, Rough Rider, mercenary, bronco buster, entertainer, and professional boxer.
Given this, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of these plot points were included in the movie.
But what about Chavez and Rudabaugh?
It was heavily implied in Young Guns 2 that both Jose Chavez y Chavez and Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh were killed.
The real-life Rudabaugh almost certainly died in Mexico in 1886. Chavez y Chavez, on the other hand, lived until 1924.
Chavez was a member of the short-lived Lincoln County Mounted Rifles following the death of the Kid. He then spent time in Las Vegas, New Mexico, as a crooked cop before serving over a decade in prison.
He also had a showdown (allegedly) there in Vegas with none other than Bob Ford, that dirty little coward who shot Mr. Howard. Rather than go toe-to-toe with Chavez, Ford moved to Colorado instead.
My guess is that Young Guns 3 will be low on historical accuracy but high on entertainment. And, as I said earlier, I’m 100% here for it!
I’ve been waiting a long time for part 3, and I can’t tell you how excited I am that it’s finally happening.
So yes, Young Guns 3 will almost certainly promote more of Brushy Bill’s lies. But hey, that’s alright. You can’t let the truth get in the way of a good story, right? And besides, I think it’ll be fun to fact-check the movie with actual history.
Now, I just need to figure out how to get John Fusco to cast me as an extra!
Sweet! Since facts will be loose, let's start the petitions to bring back Kiefer and Bon Jovi also!
get to new Mexico when it's filming with a big beard ready and being an extra probably wouldn't be hard unless they've farmed all the jobs out fully...lol....