Lou Diamond Phillips has cemented his status as a Hollywood icon over four decades, but as of late 2025, his career is experiencing a massive, multi-faceted resurgence that spans genre films, dark comedy, and a surprising new life as a novelist. The actor, best known for his breakout role as Ritchie Valens in the 1987 biopic *La Bamba*, is currently juggling a slate of fresh projects that highlight his versatility, proving he is far from slowing down. This deep dive into his latest endeavors—from upcoming horror films to his literary debut—reveals why Phillips remains one of the industry's most dynamic and enduring talents.

The current buzz around Phillips is not just nostalgic; it’s driven by a string of high-profile, recent announcements and releases. Fans who followed him through his acclaimed television runs on *Longmire* and *Prodigal Son* are now seeing him pivot into everything from a Little League drama to a chilling, black-comedy psychological thriller, ensuring his presence is felt across film, TV, and the literary world. His ongoing work confirms an impressive commitment to challenging, diverse roles and creative pursuits outside of acting.

Lou Diamond Phillips: Complete Biography and Profile

Louis Diamond Phillips, better known as Lou Diamond Phillips, has built a career defined by his intense performances, multi-ethnic background, and ability to seamlessly transition between film, television, and the stage.

• Full Name: Louis Diamond Phillips (né Upchurch)
• Date of Birth: February 17, 1962
• Place of Birth: Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines
• Nationality: American (with Filipino, Scottish, Hawaiian, and Cherokee ancestry)
• Spouse(s): Julie Cypher (m. 1987; div. 1990), Kelly Preston (m. 1994; div. 1999), Yvonne Boismier (m. 2007)
• Children: 4 (including actress Gracie Phillips)
• Breakthrough Role: Ritchie Valens in *La Bamba* (1987)
• Notable Film Roles: Angel in *Stand and Deliver* (1988), Jose Chavez y Chavez in *Young Guns* (1988) and *Young Guns II* (1990), The King in *The King and I* (Broadway, 1996)
• Notable TV Roles: Henry Standing Bear in *Longmire* (2012–2017), Gil Arroyo in *Prodigal Son* (2019–2021)
• Accolades: Golden Globe nomination for *Stand and Deliver*, Independent Spirit Award for *Stand and Deliver*, Tony Award nomination for *The King and I*.
• Other Pursuits: Director, Writer, Novelist.

The 2024-2025 Slate: Upcoming Films and TV Roles

The most compelling evidence of Phillips's current creative momentum is his packed schedule of new and upcoming releases. These projects span multiple genres, from action-horror to independent drama, showcasing his desire to constantly reinvent himself.

1. The Horror Pivot: *Werewolves* (2024)

One of Phillips's most anticipated recent releases is the action-horror film *Werewolves* (originally titled *Year 2*). Released in late 2024, the movie sees a sudden, global outbreak of lycanthropy during a supermoon event.

Phillips stars as Dr. Aranda, a pivotal figure on a CDC team alongside Frank Grillo’s character, Wesley Marshall. Their mission is to find a cure for humanity’s sudden transformation into werewolves. This high-stakes, action-packed role is a fresh take for Phillips, blending his dramatic intensity with genre thrills, and is scheduled for a home release date of December 24, 2024.

2. Dark Comedy Thriller: *Et Tu*

Phillips delivers one of his most praised recent performances in the independent dark comedy-horror film *Et Tu*. The movie is a stylish psychological thriller with slasher elements, centered around the world of regional theater.

He stars as Brent, a frustrated and intense theater director attempting to stage a troubled production of Shakespeare’s *Julius Caesar*. When his notes fail to get across to the cast, Brent resorts to increasingly shocking and darkly comic tactics to "fix" his show, channeling his "inner A-hole" for the role. The film also features veteran actor Malcolm McDowell.

3. Co-Writing and Starring in *The Boys of Eloy* (TBA)

Further demonstrating his move beyond acting, Phillips is set to co-write and star in the drama *The Boys of Eloy*. The film is described as a Little League drama, suggesting a return to the kind of heartfelt, character-driven storytelling reminiscent of his early career. This dual role as both writer and actor signifies a deeper creative investment in the project.

The Literary World and Legacy Projects

Beyond his on-screen work, Lou Diamond Phillips has diversified his creative output, most notably by becoming a published novelist. This new chapter has expanded his topical authority from a respected actor and director to a full-fledged creative voice.

The Debut Novel: *The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira*

Phillips made his debut as a novelist with the young adult (YA) sci-fi novel, *The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira*. The book is a complex, layered, and often funny story that centers on two warring families and generations of conflict. The novel was a significant creative milestone for Phillips, who discussed his writing and the book during an appearance at the Indiana Comic Convention in 2025.

The *Young Guns 3* Saga: Is it Happening?

For decades, fans have clamored for a third installment in the iconic Western franchise, *Young Guns*. Phillips, who played the beloved Jose Chavez y Chavez, has consistently been at the forefront of discussions about *Young Guns 3*. Recently, Phillips offered an exciting update, fueling anticipation that the original cast members, including Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland, could reunite for the long-awaited sequel. The potential return of the Regulators remains one of the most talked-about legacy projects in his career.

Behind the Camera and The Festival Circuit

Phillips's influence is also felt behind the scenes. He has a long history as a director, having helmed episodes of television series such as *Longmire* and the feature film *Ambition*. In 2024, his commitment to the film industry extended to the festival circuit, where he served as a member of the Jury for the SOHO International Film Festival. This role underscores his respected position as a veteran artist capable of assessing and championing new cinematic talent.

The Impact of Long-Running TV Success

While his recent film projects are gaining traction, Phillips's career was sustained for over a decade by two major television roles that introduced him to a new generation of viewers and showcased his dramatic range.

Henry Standing Bear in *Longmire*

From 2012 to 2017, Phillips starred as Henry Standing Bear in the critically acclaimed Netflix series *Longmire*. His portrayal of the best friend of Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) and owner of the Red Pony Saloon was a fan favorite. Henry Standing Bear was a character of deep moral complexity, allowing Phillips to deliver a nuanced and powerful performance that resonated with audiences for six seasons. The series, based on the Walt Longmire Mysteries novels by Craig Johnson, remains a cornerstone of his television career.

Gil Arroyo in *Prodigal Son*

Following *Longmire*, Phillips took on the role of Gil Arroyo in the FOX series *Prodigal Son* (2019–2021). As the NYPD Lieutenant and mentor to the lead character, Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne), Phillips provided a steady, authoritative presence in the high-tension crime drama. This role once again highlighted his ability to anchor a network series and connect with viewers in a complex, supporting lead capacity.

From his iconic start as Ritchie Valens to his current status as a director, novelist, and star of multiple upcoming films, Lou Diamond Phillips continues to defy categorization. His willingness to embrace varied roles—from a CDC scientist fighting werewolves to a frustrated theater director—ensures his longevity and relevance in a constantly evolving entertainment landscape. As he pushes into new creative territories with his writing and directing, Phillips is not just reflecting on his legacy, but actively building a new, diverse one for the years to come.