If you're a fan of westerns with rock 'n' roll swagger, then Young Guns and Young Guns II should already be in your collection. These movies weren’t just about outlaws—they were about turning the Old West into something cool. Packed with rising stars, killer soundtracks, and enough firepower to light up the desert, these films became instant cult classics.
Ready to saddle up? Here's some trivia you probably didn’t know about the Young Guns universe.
1. Emilio Estevez Lived and Breathed Billy the Kid
Emilio Estevez brought charm, danger, and that wild spark to Billy the Kid—and he stayed in character off-camera too. Fellow cast members said he was so intense that they sometimes forgot they were just acting.
2. The Brat Pack, Western Style
The cast reads like a who’s who of '80s icons: Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Dermot Mulroney. Sheen and Estevez are real-life brothers, but their characters don’t exactly see eye to eye on-screen. That tension? Totally natural.
3. Real Events, Movie-Style Drama
The story is based (loosely) on the real Lincoln County War in New Mexico, with Billy the Kid and his gang fighting corrupt officials. Names like Chavez y Chavez and Doc Scurlock weren’t made up—they were real people, though the movie definitely adds its own spin.
4. Bon Jovi Didn’t Just Sing—He Acted Too
When Young Guns II needed a theme song, Jon Bon Jovi stepped up with “Blaze of Glory,” which hit #1 and earned a Grammy. He even makes a cameo in the movie—keep an eye out for a prisoner who gets gunned down.
Watch the music video here:
5. Who Was Brushy Bill?
Young Guns II starts with an old man claiming to be Billy the Kid. That’s not fiction—Brushy Bill Roberts was a real guy who, in 1950, tried to get a pardon by claiming he was the legendary outlaw. To this day, no one knows for sure if he was telling the truth.
6. Lou Diamond Phillips Took the Role Seriously
Playing Chavez y Chavez, Phillips dove deep into Native American culture and spent time with Apache groups to give an authentic performance. It added heart and depth to a character that could’ve easily been a cliché.
7. Charlie Sheen’s Death Shocked Audiences
Most people expected Sheen to be the star—or at least make it to the end. His character, Dick Brewer, getting killed midway was a bold move and showed that Young Guns wasn’t afraid to shake things up.
8. Best Hair in the Wild West?
Seriously, has there ever been a better-looking posse of outlaws? The flowing hair, the dust-covered jackets, the slow-motion horse chases—it was like a western directed by a rock video director (and it worked).
9. A Third Movie Is in the Works
Yep, it’s true. Emilio Estevez has confirmed that Young Guns III: Alias Billy the Kid is in development. It follows the theory that Billy the Kid survived and lived in hiding. Count us in for one last ride.
10. These Movies Revived the Western Genre
Before Young Guns, westerns were struggling. These films brought fresh life to the genre and paved the way for Tombstone, Unforgiven, and even the video game Red Dead Redemption.
Own the Legend – Young Guns Must-Haves on Amazon
Want to bring the Young Guns vibe home? Here's some awesome gear and media you can grab on Amazon:
- Young Guns (1988) DVD/Blu-ray
- Young Guns II (1990) DVD/Blu-ray
- Young Guns I & II Double Feature Set
- Blaze of Glory – Bon Jovi Soundtrack CD
- Young Guns Original Movie Poster Print
- Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride (Book)
- Young Guns T-Shirt – Vintage Style
- Funko Pop! Young Guns – Billy the Kid Collectible
Affiliate Disclosure
Heads up! This blog contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the blog going and the trivia flowing. Thanks for your support, partner!
Ride Off Into the Sunset… With Style
Young Guns isn't just a western—it’s a statement. It’s about doing things your way, even when the world wants to write your story for you. Whether you're Team Chavez, Team Doc, or just in it for the “Blaze of Glory,” there’s always a reason to revisit these dusty legends.
Got a favorite quote or scene? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep the outlaw spirit alive.
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