Absence of Kiefer Sutherland in Young Guns 3: Why He Cannot Come Back
While Young Guns 3 seems like a reality, Kiefer Sutherland's comeback as "Doc" Scurlock is improbable. This absence results from Sutherland's own choice taken during the Young Gun 2: Blaze of Glory filming.
Doc Scurlock's Character: Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland's Doc Scurlock is an integral part of Billy the Kid's gang in the Young Guns series. He is shown as a devoted friend and a competent gunfighter with a convoluted character arc that strikes a mix between his merciless nature and vulnerable moments.
The Choice of Kiefer Sutherland to Die in Young Guns 2
Sutherland left Young Guns 2 because of scheduling conflicts that cut his time on set. This caused him to ask for a dramatic leaving for his character. He chose a heroic death instead of Doc surviving so he could guarantee his leaving from the franchise.
How Sutherland's absence affected Young Gun 3
The potential of Young Gun 3 is much reduced in absence of Sutherland. He was a fan favorite and a major component of the first movie. The franchise would suffer greatly even if the plot could function without him.
Historical Accuracy and Young Guns 2
Though Sutherland decided to die in Young Guns 2, his actions defied historical accuracy. Actually, "Doc" Scurlock had a long life; he died in 1929 at the age of eighty. To satisfy Sutherland's demand and give his character a dramatic ending, the movie's creative license was used, nevertheless.
Young Guns 3: The Challenges Ahead
Young Guns 3 has a script, but Emilio Estevez is ready to oversee and the project runs against major challenges. One of the main obstacles is the absence of Kiefer Sutherland; Morgan Creek, the rights holders, have lately stopped any more development. For fans, a reunion of the cast would be a historic event with almost thirty years separating the last movie and an opportunity to return to the Wild West world of Young Gun.
Other members of Young Guns Cast
Although Sutherland's absence could be a big blow, other Young Guns cast members are still keen to perform their parts. This covers Emilio Estevez who brought the venerable Billy the Kid to life and Lou Diamond Phillips, who portrayed the charismatic and accomplished gunslinger, "Chato". Along with the others who survived the events of Young Guns 2, these performers could be the torch bearer for a third installment, so giving fans an interesting and sentimental experience.
Young Gun 3: The Future
The course of Young Guns 3 is yet unknown. Currently holding back the project are the rights holders, so casting uncertainty on the future of the movie. Still, the passion of the actors and the possibility for a reunion could influence the choice to proceed. Only time will reveal whether the franchise will continue and whether the surviving actors can write a fresh chapter deserving of the first movies.
Finally, one important element influencing the evolution of Young Gun 3 is the absence of Sutherland. Although his choice might have been motivated personally, it has finally affected the franchise. Although there is possibility for a return without him, the lack of Sutherland's presence would be clearly evident. Though fans can only hope for a triumphant return to the Wild West, Young Guns 3 might never ever see the light of life.
