Young Guns 2 Cast: Who Rode With Billy The Kid In The Sequel?
Remember when the legend of Billy the Kid took another turn on the big screen? The original film captured so many hearts, and its follow-up, Young Guns II, brought back some familiar faces while introducing new ones to the wild, wild West. It’s a movie that, you know, really sticks with you for its spirited portrayal of outlaws and lawmen. People often wonder about the actors who brought these historical figures to life, especially since the film’s ensemble was quite the gathering of talent at the time.
The story of Billy the Kid and his gang, often called "Regulators," has been told in various ways, but the Young Guns films gave it a fresh, energetic feel. This sequel, which hit theaters in 1990, picked up where the first movie left off, exploring the aftermath of the Lincoln County War and Billy's continued flight from the law. It’s a period piece, yes, but it has a very modern sensibility, too it's almost.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself thinking about those memorable characters and the actors who played them, you’re in good company. We’re going to take a look at the key players who made up the `young guns 2 cast`, exploring who they were in the movie and what they went on to do. It’s a chance to revisit a classic and perhaps discover some things you didn't know about these performers.
Table of Contents
- The Story Continues: A Look Back at Young Guns II
- Meeting the Main Riders: The Core Young Guns 2 Cast
- Other Notable Faces in the Film
- Where Are They Now? The Young Guns 2 Cast Today
- Common Questions About the Film's Players
- A Lasting Impression
The Story Continues: A Look Back at Young Guns II
Young Guns II picked up the narrative after the first film, chronicling Billy the Kid's escape from jail and his subsequent attempts to flee to Mexico. The movie, you know, aimed to show the final days of the legendary outlaw, leading up to his supposed demise at the hands of Pat Garrett. It also introduced a framing device, with an elderly man claiming to be Billy the Kid himself, telling his story.
The film tried to offer a different perspective on the historical events, mixing fact with dramatic flair. It certainly had a strong sense of adventure and, for many, defined the image of these historical figures for a generation. The music, including songs by Jon Bon Jovi, played a big part in setting the mood, too. It’s a film that, apparently, resonated with many viewers.
The director, Geoff Murphy, brought his vision to the project, giving it a distinct look and feel. The movie was a commercial success, drawing in audiences who were eager to see more of these characters and their wild west adventures. It truly, in a way, solidified the film series' place in pop culture.
Meeting the Main Riders: The Core Young Guns 2 Cast
The strength of Young Guns II came from its group of performers. Many of the original actors returned, which really helped maintain continuity and, you know, familiarity for fans. They brought a certain energy to their roles, making the characters feel very real.
Emilio Estevez as Billy the Kid
Emilio Estevez returned as William H. Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid. He continued to portray the outlaw as a complex figure: charming, reckless, and, you know, fiercely independent. His performance in the first film was a big reason for its success, and he carried that intensity into the sequel.
Estevez had already established himself as a prominent actor in the 1980s with roles in films like The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire. His portrayal of Billy the Kid became one of his most recognized parts, really. He captured the youthful bravado and, you know, the underlying sadness of the character.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | May 12, 1962 |
| Role in Film | Billy the Kid |
| Other Notable Works | The Breakfast Club, Repo Man, The Mighty Ducks |
Kiefer Sutherland as Josiah "Doc" Scurlock
Kiefer Sutherland reprised his role as Doc Scurlock, the more thoughtful and, you know, educated member of the gang. Doc was often the voice of reason, though he was just as capable of violence when pushed. Sutherland brought a quiet intensity to the character, which, frankly, made him stand out.
Sutherland was already a well-known face from films like Stand by Me and The Lost Boys. His work in Young Guns II further cemented his reputation as a versatile actor. He later became a huge television star with his role in the series 24, which, you know, really showed his range.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | December 21, 1966 |
| Role in Film | Josiah "Doc" Scurlock |
| Other Notable Works | Stand by Me, 24, Designated Survivor |
Lou Diamond Phillips as Jose Chavez y Chavez
Lou Diamond Phillips returned as Jose Chavez y Chavez, the Apache and Mexican member of the gang, who, you know, often spoke in riddles and had a spiritual connection to the land. Chavez was a loyal friend to Billy, and Phillips gave a performance that was both mysterious and, you know, deeply human.
Phillips had gained recognition for his role in La Bamba and, you know, continued to build a strong career in both film and television. His portrayal of Chavez added a unique flavor to the group dynamics, making him a fan favorite, pretty much. He truly made the character his own.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | February 17, 1962 |
| Role in Film | Jose Chavez y Chavez |
| Other Notable Works | La Bamba, Stand and Deliver, Prodigal Son |
Christian Slater as Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh
Christian Slater joined the `young guns 2 cast` as Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh, a new member of Billy's gang. Rudabaugh was a real historical figure, known for his violent nature and, you know, his association with Billy the Kid. Slater brought his signature edgy charm to the role, making Rudabaugh a memorable addition.
Slater was a rising star in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his roles in films like Heathers and Pump Up the Volume. His presence in Young Guns II added a fresh dynamic to the group, and, you know, he certainly fit the outlaw persona. He's had a long and varied career, too.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | August 18, 1969 |
| Role in Film | Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh |
| Other Notable Works | Heathers, True Romance, Mr. Robot |
William Petersen as Pat Garrett
William Petersen took on the role of Pat Garrett, the former friend turned lawman who eventually hunted down Billy the Kid. Petersen's portrayal showed Garrett as a determined, somewhat conflicted figure, burdened by his duty. He brought a sense of grim resolve to the character, which, you know, felt very authentic.
Petersen was known for his intense performances in films like To Live and Die in L.A. He later achieved massive success as Gil Grissom in the popular television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which, you know, really made him a household name. His work in Young Guns II was a strong part of his film career.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | February 21, 1953 |
| Role in Film | Pat Garrett |
| Other Notable Works | To Live and Die in L.A., Manhunter, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation |
Other Notable Faces in the Film
Beyond the main group, the `young guns 2 cast` included several other talented performers who added depth to the story. These supporting roles were, you know, quite important in building the world of the film. Every character, no matter how small, helped to paint the full picture of the Old West.
Alan Ruck as Hendry William French: Ruck, known for his role in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, played another member of Billy's gang. He brought a certain nervous energy to the part, which, you know, made his character relatable. His presence added a bit of a different dynamic to the group.
James Coburn as John Chisum: A legendary actor, Coburn appeared as the powerful rancher John Chisum. His commanding presence and, you know, his deep voice really suited the role of a man with significant influence in the territory. It was a smaller role, but a memorable one, certainly.
Balthazar Getty as Tom O'Folliard: Getty played a young, eager member of Billy's gang. His youthful appearance and, you know, his portrayal of a loyal follower added to the sense of brotherhood among the outlaws. He was a fresh face in the group, which, you know, worked well for the story.
Jack Kehoe as Ashmun Upson: Kehoe played the reporter who interviews the elderly Brushy Bill Roberts, the man claiming to be Billy the Kid. His role was crucial for the film's framing device, giving the story a sense of historical inquiry. He really helped set the tone for those scenes, too.
Where Are They Now? The Young Guns 2 Cast Today
Many members of the `young guns 2 cast` have continued to have very successful careers in Hollywood, even decades later. Their work in this film was, for some, a stepping stone to bigger roles, while for others, it was another strong entry in an already established career. It's interesting to see how their paths diverged or continued, you know, in similar directions.
Emilio Estevez has, you know, also ventured into directing, making films like Bobby. He still acts, of course, and his work on The Mighty Ducks franchise remains very popular. Kiefer Sutherland, as mentioned, found massive success with 24 and continues to work steadily in television and film, apparently. He's also a musician, which is a bit of a surprise to some.
Lou Diamond Phillips has a consistent presence on television, appearing in shows like Prodigal Son and, you know, doing voice work. Christian Slater has also enjoyed a career resurgence with critically acclaimed roles in series like Mr. Robot, which, you know, earned him awards. William Petersen, after his long run on CSI, has chosen his projects carefully, appearing in limited series and, you know, returning to the stage.
The film’s legacy lives on, not just in its story, but in the careers of the people who made it. It’s a testament to the talent assembled for the project that so many of them are still, you know, making a mark in the entertainment world today. You can still catch many of these actors in new projects, which is pretty cool.
Common Questions About the Film's Players
People often have questions about the `young guns 2 cast` and the historical figures they portrayed. Here are a few common inquiries that, you know, pop up quite a bit.
Was the Young Guns 2 cast historically accurate?
The film, like many historical dramas, took some liberties with the actual events and the appearances of the characters. While it featured real historical figures like Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, and Doc Scurlock, the movie, you know, aimed more for dramatic effect than strict historical precision. The actors brought their own interpretations to the roles, making them compelling for a modern audience. You can learn more about the real Billy the Kid if you are interested.
Did all the original Young Guns actors return for the sequel?
Not all of them, no. While Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips returned, some actors from the first film, like Charlie Sheen and Casey Siemaszko, did not appear in Young Guns II. The story, you know, moved on to focus on a different phase of Billy's life and his new associates. This meant some new faces were introduced, too.
What was it like for the actors to film in the Old West setting?
Filming a Western often means working in challenging outdoor conditions, with dust, heat, and horses. The actors, you know, often spoke about the camaraderie formed on set, living and working together in remote locations. It's a type of filmmaking that requires a certain toughness and, you know, a willingness to get a little dirty. They really committed to the experience, apparently.
A Lasting Impression
The `young guns 2 cast` left a lasting impression on fans of Westerns and, you know, 1990s cinema alike. The film continues to be watched and discussed, a testament to its enduring appeal. The performances of the actors, their ability to bring these historical figures to life with a mix of grit and charisma, truly made the movie special.
It's a film that, you know, captured a moment in time, both historically and in terms of the actors' careers. Looking back at the people who made up the `young guns 2 cast` reminds us of the talent that came together to tell this particular chapter of the Wild West legend. You can learn more about classic Western films on our site, and link to other historical dramas for more stories.
![Young Guns 2 [Cast] photo](https://www.statesidestills.com/prodimages/young_guns_2_cast_57007l.jpg)
Young Guns 2 [Cast] photo
![Young Guns 2 [Cast] photo](https://www.statesidestills.com/prodimages/young_guns_2_cast_63308l.jpg)
Young Guns 2 [Cast] photo
Young Guns 2 Cast
