How Many Young Guns Movies Are There?
If you’re a fan of Westerns and the adventure genre, you’ve likely heard of the popular films "Young Guns" (1988) and "Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory" (1990). However, did you know there are more movies in this franchise than just two films? In this article, we’ll explore the franchise’s history, notable plot points, and characters in detail.
How many Young Guns movies are there?
There are two main films in the series, but if we look at the franchise’s more extensive scope, including:
- Young Guns: (1988) is the first film in the trilogy, directed by Christopher Cain and starring Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Charlie Sheen.
- Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory: (1990), the sequel to the initial film, directed by Geffen and starring Emilio Estevez, Christian Slater, and Kiefer Sutherland.
- Young Guns: Bagula’s Gold: (1988), an unaired TV pilot that took viewers on a journey set right after the events of Young Guns.
- Happy Trails: (1981), a made-for-television movie that tells the story of Howie Kluge ‘s early life.
A total of three completed films and a 1981 TV movie make up the Young Guns franchise when considering the entire production saga.
The Premise of the Young Guns
The Young Guns is focused on the adventures and formation of the legendary western organization, the Regulators Gang. The story evolves around Billy "the Kid" Bonney played by Emilio Estevez, a young outlasted outlaw who was trying to make a reputation throughout the American West, including the New Mexico towns of Lincoln and Silver City .
Notable Supporting Characters
- Joseph "Doc" SCURLOCK (played by Charlie Sheen), with his bravero and wit, served in the role of Doc Holiday, a skilled, if not a bit quirky gambler.
- William "Billy the Kid" BONEY (played by Balthazar Getty in two films), the central Young Gun, is a fugitive and a notorious gun wielding outlaw.
- Jim "JIM-BASE" REED as played by Kiefer Sutherland, portrayed JIM-BASE a cowboy and a member of his gang.
- Pete "LARRY MCNALLY" BIAS (played by Young Guns), a well-regarded outlaw and companion.
The Impact on Future Westerns
These characters and the Young Guns gang have had a widespread influence among Westerns and influenced such films as Desperado (1993), El Mariachi (1993); The Quick and The Dead (1990), and Desafío (1998).
