The Longmire Effect: What's Next for the Beloved TV Western Stars

The curtains may have closed on the popular TV western "Longmire," but its impact continues to be felt. The show's cast has been busy with new projects, and some of their most exciting endeavors are set to premiere in the 2024-25 entertainment season. From military investigative dramas to horror movies, there's something for everyone. Robert Taylor, who played Sheriff Walt Longmire, is set to star in two new shows this fall. In "NCIS: Origins," he'll play the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character made famous by Mark Harmon on NCIS. This military investigative drama takes place in 1991 and premieres on CBS on October 14. Taylor will also appear in the Australian western "Territory," which co-stars Michael Dorman and Anna Torv, and is set to debut on Netflix on October 24. Meanwhile, Lou Diamond Phillips, who played Henry Standing Bear, has been keeping busy with a horror movie called "Werewolves," which hits theaters on December 6. He's also expressed interest in reprising his role in a potential third "Young Guns" movie, based on a script penned by his longtime friend and former co-star Emilio Estevez. Phillips has also been exploring his creative side through writing. His novel, "The Tinderbox: Underground Movement," is set to be published in November. Other "Longmire" alums, including Zahn McClarnon and A. Martinez, have reunited for the crime drama "Dark Winds," which is based on Tony Hillerman's books and is set to premiere in 2025 on AMC. Cassidy Freeman, who played Cady Longmire, will reprise her role as Amber Gemstone in the HBO series "The Righteous Gemstones. " The show's fourth season is currently in production, but no specific release date has been announced yet. Katee Sackhoff, who played Vic Moretti, has been busy with her role as Bo-Katan Kryze in the Disney+ live-action sci-fi drama "The Mandalorian. " She's also lent her voice to the animated "Watchmen" movies and hosts the podcast "The Sackhoff Show. " Craig Johnson, the author of the books that inspired the TV show, has been keeping busy as well. He hosted the Longmire Days festival for fans of his books and the TV show in Wyoming this summer, and appeared alongside his former cast mates. He's also published a new Walt Longmire mystery called "First Frost" and has an upcoming book called "Tooth and Claw" set for release in November. While there are no official plans for a "Longmire" revival, the show's legacy continues to inspire its fans. Whether it's through new projects or continued campaigning for new episodes, the "Longmire" effect shows no signs of fading anytime soon.