Kiefer Sutherland’s Character Demise Prevents Return in Young Guns 3
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland’s character, Doc, was killed off at Sutherland’s own request in Young Guns 2, preventing his return in a potential third installment.
– The original script for Young Guns 2 had Doc surviving, but Sutherland requested his character’s death due to scheduling conflicts.
– Young Guns 3, despite a screenplay by Emilio Estevez and plans to direct, is currently stalled due to rights issues.
Kiefer Sutherland’s character, Doc Scurlock, met a definitive end in Young Guns 2, a fate sealed by Sutherland’s request. During the production of the 1990 sequel, scheduling conflicts forced Sutherland to leave early, leading him to request his character’s death in the ambush scene at Stinking Springs. This decision effectively bars Sutherland from returning in a potential Young Guns 3, despite the original script having Doc survive.
Sutherland’s decision to have Doc killed off was primarily due to his commitments to other projects at the time. The original storyline had left room for Doc to continue his adventures alongside Billy the Kid and the rest of the gang. However, Sutherland’s request led to a dramatic shift in the narrative, ensuring that his character would not be able to return in future installments.
Franchise star Lou Diamond Phillips recently confirmed that Emilio Estevez has penned a screenplay for Young Guns 3 and plans to direct it. Estevez’s script explores new adventures and revisits characters whose fates were left ambiguous. Despite the enthusiasm from the original cast and crew, the project is currently stalled due to rights issues.
The third installment, titled Young Guns 3: Alias Billy the Kid, has generated significant buzz among fans. Estevez has hinted at exploring untold stories and revisiting the complex dynamics among the surviving characters. Lou Diamond Phillips, who played Chavez y Chavez, has expressed his excitement about reprising his role and delving deeper into the rich history of the Old West.
However, the path to production has been anything but smooth. Legal complications surrounding the rights to the Young Guns franchise have halted progress, leaving the project in limbo. Despite these challenges, the cast remains hopeful that the issues will be resolved and that they will soon be able to bring this new chapter of the Young Guns saga to life.
As fans eagerly await further developments, the legacy of Young Guns continues to endure. The original films, known for their gritty portrayal of the Old West and memorable performances, have cemented their place in Western movie lore. With or without Sutherland, the prospect of a new installment promises to reignite interest in the legendary exploits of Billy the Kid and his gang.