The legend of Billy the Kid lives on—and he's riding back into New Mexico! After decades of rumors, dreams, and internet whispers, Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive is officially saddling up. And at the heart of this thrilling revival is New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, whose enthusiastic support of the film highlights not only the state’s cinematic legacy but also its modern role as a film production powerhouse.
As a lifelong fan of the Young Guns franchise, I can't tell you how surreal it is to watch this all unfold. I remember watching Emilio Estevez tear up the screen as the reckless and charismatic Billy the Kid back in the '80s—and now, he’s returning to the same desert soil that made the first two films unforgettable.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Champions New Mexico’s Hollywood Revival
During Film and Media Day at the State Capitol in Santa Fe, Governor Grisham made a surprise announcement alongside Emilio Estevez himself. Together, they confirmed that Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive will be filmed entirely in New Mexico. The news hit fans like a shot of adrenaline. We’re not just getting a new movie—we’re getting it made the right way, in the same land that gave the original its soul.
Governor Grisham spoke passionately about what this means for New Mexico, both culturally and economically.
“The original ‘Young Guns’ films showcased New Mexico’s stunning landscapes to the world and helped establish our state as a premier filming destination,” she said. “Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive will add to this legacy, further solidifying New Mexico’s place in the national film industry.”
Her words weren't just ceremonial. They were a promise—to film lovers, to residents, and to history.
Why New Mexico Matters to the Young Guns Franchise
New Mexico wasn’t just a location—it was a character. From the dusty streets of Lincoln to the wide-open desert skies, the setting of Young Guns gave the films authenticity and atmosphere. The arid terrain, golden-hour lighting, and historical architecture made every scene feel real. It wasn’t Hollywood fakery—it was frontier reality.
With Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive returning to its cinematic birthplace, fans can expect that same grounded, gritty tone. Emilio Estevez himself has stressed the importance of bringing the story back home.
“New Mexico isn’t just a backdrop. It’s part of the story,” he said during the announcement. “It shaped Billy the Kid. It shaped this franchise.”
Job Creation and Economic Impact: A Win for New Mexico
While fans are thrilled for the return of Billy and the Regulators, New Mexico residents are seeing a different kind of opportunity. According to Steve Graham, Director of the New Mexico Film Office, this production will inject serious cash into the local economy.
The film is expected to create hundreds of jobs, including crew positions, acting roles for locals, and support staff. Additionally, local businesses—from hardware stores and hotels to caterers and transport companies—will benefit from the influx of activity.
“We’re not just making a movie—we’re investing in communities,” said Graham. “This is what film can do when it’s backed by visionary leadership and a commitment to staying local.”
For those who remember the original movies being shot in the late '80s and early '90s, this is like history repeating itself—but this time, the scale is even bigger.
The Cultural Power of Young Guns
For many fans, Young Guns wasn't just another Western. It was the Western that brought style, swagger, and attitude back to the genre. It turned the legends of the Old West into young gunslingers with hearts, grudges, and fire in their souls.
Bringing the franchise back now taps into our collective nostalgia—but it’s also a way to reintroduce Billy the Kid to a whole new generation. And where better to do that than in the very state where he walked, fought, and maybe even survived?
What’s Next for Young Guns 3: Dead or Alive?
While plot details are still under wraps, fans know that Emilio Estevez will return not just as Billy the Kid, but also as the director and co-writer of the film. Lou Diamond Phillips (Chavez) and Christian Slater (Arkansas Dave Rudabaugh) are also rumored to return—despite their characters' fates in the earlier films. That alone has sparked theories, fan fiction, and more than a few Reddit debates.
Filming is expected to begin later this year, and all signs point to New Mexico’s towns like Santa Fe, Las Vegas (NM), and the historic Lincoln County being used once again for iconic shootouts, outlaw hideouts, and tense standoffs under the desert sun.
Final Thoughts From a Lifelong Fan
Seeing Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stand beside Emilio Estevez to bring Young Guns 3 back to New Mexico was one of those rare moments where politics and pop culture actually come together for something magical. This isn’t just about making another movie—it’s about honoring the land, the legacy, and the fans who never gave up on Billy the Kid.
So saddle up, because the Wild West is coming back. And this time, it's Dead or Alive.
