The Regulators are back together, and Young Guns fans have plenty to say about it. Dermot Mulroney shared a smiling group photograph with his former co-stars on Instagram, 38 years after the Western first arrived in cinemas.
The actor was joined by Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Casey Siemaszko and Terry O’Quinn, with the friends gathering close for a selfie.
“38 years later #youngguns rides again – PALS,” Dermot captioned the post, tagging members of the cast and writer John Fusco.
The photograph prompted a wave of nostalgia, with followers recalling favourite lines, much-loved VHS copies and the familiar faces that made the 1988 film so memorable.
Young Guns fans react to the reunion
For some fans, seeing the actors together brought an immediate reminder of just how much time has passed. One follower singled out Emilio, who played Billy the Kid, writing: “Does Emilio Estevez ever age? He has the secret to the fountain of youth.”
Another referenced one of the film’s memorable moments, asking Dermot: “How many people asked you if you saw the size of that chicken this weekend?”
© Getty ImagesThere were more emotional responses, too. One commenter recalled watching the film with their late mother, explaining how much the characters had meant to her.
“We had this on VHS and when I tell you she WORE that tape out!” they wrote. The mix of jokes and personal memories reflected the affection that still surrounds the film, nearly four decades after its release.
The cast’s reunion in Dallas
The actors reunited at Fan Expo Dallas, held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center from 11 to 13 September.
Organisers had announced appearances by all six actors who played the central group of young gunmen, offering fans opportunities for photographs and autographs. Dermot’s photograph also included Terry O’Quinn, who portrayed lawyer Alex McSween.
© InstagramWith Dermot holding the camera at the front, the group looked relaxed in shirts, jackets and casual tailoring. Charlie leaned in beside him, while Emilio and Lou appeared particularly delighted as they smiled towards the lens.
Lou shared his own photograph from the gathering on X, summing up his enthusiasm with the words: “F’ing Epic!”
Why Young Guns remains a favourite
Released in 1988, Young Guns brought together a cast of rising stars for a retelling of Billy the Kid’s story. The film followed a group of young gunmen seeking revenge after the murder of the rancher who had taken them in, with their pursuit drawing them into further danger.
© Getty ImagesEmilio led the ensemble as Billy, alongside Kiefer as Doc Scurlock and Lou as Jose Chavez y Chavez. The combination of action, humour and the cast’s chemistry helped the film find an enduring audience.
A sequel, Young Guns II, followed in 1990, continuing the story with returning stars and new additions. For viewers who grew up watching the original repeatedly, Dermot’s photograph offered a chance to see those familiar faces together again.
Will there be a Young Guns 3?
The reunion also comes amid longstanding plans for another instalment. In 2025, Emilio announced that he would direct Young Guns III: Dead or Alive and reprise his role as Billy the Kid, with Lou Diamond Phillips and Christian Slater also expected to return. The project was announced for filming in New Mexico, where the earlier films were made.
A release date has not been announced, and the Dallas gathering was a fan-event reunion rather than confirmation that filming had begun.
Lou has been enthusiastic about the prospect for years. In a 2022 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he discussed the proposed sequel and the appeal of working alongside his old friends again. “I would crawl through broken glass to go work with those guys again,” he told the publication.
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