For fans of Longmire, the rugged neo-Western that galloped across screens from 2012 to 2017, the news that the series left Netflix on January 1, 2025, felt like the final sunset for Sheriff Walt Longmire. The show, which aired three seasons on A&E before Netflix revived it for three more, had become a cultural touchstone, blending gritty crime drama with the stark beauty of Wyoming’s Absaroka County. But hold your horses—creator Craig Johnson has just dropped a bombshell that has fans saddling up with excitement. In a series of tantalizing statements, Johnson revealed he’s actively pushing for a Longmire revival, with early talks underway at Warner Bros. sparking Hollywood buzz. With the original cast reportedly “very interested” and a cryptic tease from a former writer igniting speculation, could Walt Longmire return to tackle new cases, confront old enemies, and finally resolve his smoldering tension with Deputy Vic Moretti? This article dives into the revival rumors, the show’s enduring legacy, and why this could be the most thrilling comeback in Western television history.

The Longmire Legacy: A Neo-Western Phenomenon

Based on Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire Mysteries novel series, Longmire premiered on A&E in June 2012, developed by John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin. The show follows Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), a stoic, principled sheriff in fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he navigates murder cases, personal loss, and complex relationships with his deputies and the nearby Cheyenne reservation. The stellar ensemble cast—Katee Sackhoff as the fiery Victoria “Vic” Moretti, Lou Diamond Phillips as the wise Henry Standing Bear, Cassidy Freeman as Walt’s daughter Cady, and Adam Bartley as the earnest “The Ferg”—brought depth to a series that blended Western tropes with modern crime drama. With an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and a peak of 5.6 million viewers per episode in season three (Deadline), Longmire became A&E’s highest-rated original drama.

Despite its success, A&E canceled the show in 2014 after three seasons, citing ownership issues with Warner Bros. and a demographic mismatch with advertisers who favored younger viewers. Netflix saved the series, streaming seasons four through six from 2015 to 2017, with the finale dropping on November 17, 2017. The series wrapped with Walt retiring, passing the sheriff’s badge to Cady, and leaving his romance with Vic tantalizingly unresolved. Fans, while satisfied, yearned for more, especially given the rich source material in Johnson’s novels, which now number over 20, with eight published since the show ended (Depth of Winter, Land of Wolves, Next to Last Stand, Daughter of the Morning Star, Hell and Back, The Longmire Defense, First Frost, and Tooth and Claw).

When Netflix announced Longmire’s departure in January 2025, as reported by What’s on Netflix, fans feared the worst. The series moved to Paramount+, where it ranks as the third most popular Western, behind Yellowstone and 1883. But Johnson’s recent comments have reignited hope, suggesting that Walt’s story is far from over and that a revival could be on the horizon, poised to capitalize on the neo-Western genre’s resurgence.

Craig Johnson’s Revival Push: A Sheriff’s Second Chance

The spark for a Longmire revival began in December 2024, when Craig Johnson took to Facebook to address the Netflix removal. “They’re dropping Longmire even though it’s still alive and well in the ratings,” he wrote, adding, “I hear it’s been picked up by Paramount+, and I’m curious to see if Warner Bros., now free from the sweetheart deal with Netflix, will finally consider reviving the show.” The post, liked by over 50,000 fans, sent shockwaves through the Longmire community, with many interpreting Johnson’s mention of a “sweetheart deal” as a hint that Netflix’s licensing agreement had previously blocked new episodes.

Johnson doubled down in a June 2025 interview with Cowboy State Daily, stating, “I’d love to see Longmire come back, whether as a season or a movie. There’s so much story left to tell.” He emphasized the show’s enduring popularity, noting that Longmire Days, an annual festival in Buffalo, Wyoming, drew 15,000 fans in 2025, with half being first-time attendees. “The fans are still out there, and they’re hungry,” Johnson said, hinting at discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery, which is developing a new streaming platform to rival Netflix and Hulu.

Adding fuel to the fire, former writer John Coveny posted on X in July 2025, “Justice always finds a way,” a cryptic tease that fans read as a nod to Walt’s relentless pursuit of truth. The post, retweeted 12,000 times, sparked a flurry of speculation on r/longmire, where a thread titled “Longmire Season 7 or Movie Incoming?” garnered 600 upvotes and 300 comments. One user wrote, “Coveny’s basically screaming there’s a revival coming!” Industry outlets like Cowboys & Indians and UPI report that Warner Bros. is exploring a seventh season or a series of TV movies, with potential filming in New Mexico or Wyoming to capture the show’s authentic Western vibe.

The Cast: Ready to Saddle Up Again

The revival’s momentum is bolstered by the enthusiasm of the original cast, who remain deeply connected to Longmire. Robert Taylor, the Australian actor who embodies Walt Longmire, has been vocal about his interest. In a 2024 UPI interview, Taylor, now 62, said, “There’s always talk about doing some movies or a new season. I’d love to put the hat back on.” His recent roles in NCIS: Origins and Netflix’s Territory haven’t diminished his attachment to Walt, whose weathered heroism resonates with fans. Taylor’s age now aligns closely with the book version of Walt, adding authenticity to a potential return.

Katee Sackhoff, who plays Vic Moretti, has been equally enthusiastic. On her podcast, The Sackhoff Show, in 2023, she called Longmire “a career-defining role” and teased, “There’s unfinished business with Vic and Walt.” Her chemistry with Taylor, particularly in season six’s romantic tension, left fans clamoring for resolution. Lou Diamond Phillips, as Henry Standing Bear, told fans at Longmire Days 2025, “We’re ready to ride again if Craig and Warner Bros. give us the call.” Cassidy Freeman (Cady) and Adam Bartley (The Ferg) echoed this sentiment, with Bartley tweeting, “Absaroka County’s got more stories to tell!” Even supporting actors like Zahn McClarnon (Mathias) and A Martinez (Jacob Nighthorse) have expressed interest, per Cowboy State Daily.

The cast’s camaraderie, evident at Longmire Days where they sign autographs and reenact scenes, is a key driver of fan excitement. Johnson noted that “the actors love working together,” making a reunion feasible despite their busy schedules. Sackhoff’s work on The Mandalorian and Phillips’ upcoming projects could complicate a full season, but a miniseries or movie format, requiring less time, seems viable.

What a Longmire Revival Could Look Like

A Longmire revival could take several forms, each brimming with potential. A seventh season could adapt recent novels like First Frost, which explores Walt and Henry’s Vietnam-era past, or Tooth and Claw, where Walt tackles modern crimes like wildlife trafficking. These stories offer fresh stakes while preserving the show’s core: Walt’s moral compass, Vic’s fierce loyalty, and the cultural dynamics of Absaroka County. A season could focus on Cady’s tenure as sheriff, with Walt as a mentor, or delve into Vic’s unresolved trauma from her Philadelphia days.

Alternatively, a series of TV movies, as Taylor suggested, could deliver standalone stories. Fans on Reddit propose a trilogy: one film revisiting Walt’s vendetta with Jacob Nighthorse, another exploring Vic’s personal growth, and a third tackling a new villain, perhaps a cartel encroaching on Wyoming, as suggested in a viral r/longmire post. Flashbacks could bring back characters like Branch Connally (Bailey Chase), whose death in season three remains a fan sore point. Johnson has emphasized the need for new material, saying, “We can’t just rehash old ground. Walt’s story needs to evolve.”

The neo-Western genre’s boom, driven by Yellowstone (averaging 15 million viewers per episode) and 1883, makes 2025 an ideal time for a revival. Paramount+, now streaming Longmire, could be the perfect home, leveraging its Western-heavy slate. Filming in Wyoming, rather than New Mexico, could enhance authenticity, with Johnson advocating for locations like Buffalo to boost local tourism.

The Cultural and Economic Stakes

Longmire’s potential revival is more than a nostalgic win—it’s a cultural and economic force. Longmire Days generates millions annually for Buffalo, Wyoming, with 2025’s event drawing fans from 40 states and countries like Canada and Australia. A revival could amplify this, with Cowboy State Daily estimating a 25% tourism spike if filming occurs in Wyoming. The show’s authentic portrayal of rural America and Native American issues, through characters like Henry and Mathias, resonates in a polarized world, offering nuanced storytelling rarely seen on TV.

Economically, Longmire is a safe bet. Each episode cost about $4 million to produce, per industry estimates, modest compared to Yellowstone’s $15 million. With Paramount+’s streaming muscle and Warner Bros.’ new platform, a revival could attract millions of viewers, especially given Longmire’s global fanbase. Merchandise—Walt’s sheriff hat, Henry’s bar signage, or Vic’s badge replicas—could generate additional revenue, with Etsy reporting a 30% surge in Longmire-themed sales since the revival rumors began.

Fan Frenzy: A Community United

The revival buzz has unleashed a tidal wave of fan excitement. On X, #LongmireRevival has trended multiple times, with over 150,000 posts since Johnson’s December 2024 comment. A Change.org petition launched in February 2025, demanding a seventh season or movie, has 80,000 signatures, with fans writing, “Walt and Vic need their ending!” Reddit’s r/longmire is ablaze with theories, from Walt facing a new serial killer to Cady’s sheriff struggles. One user wrote, “Give us a movie where Walt rides into the sunset with Vic—justice served!”

John Coveny’s “Justice always finds a way” post remains a lightning rod, with fans decoding it as a script tease. At Longmire Days 2025, fans chanted “Bring it back!” during a Q&A with Taylor and Phillips, a moment that went viral with 1.5 million livestream views. The fanbase’s passion mirrors the 2014 campaign that saved Longmire from A&E’s cancellation, proving their influence.

Challenges and Expectations

A revival faces hurdles. Louanne Stephens (Ruby) told Cowboy State Daily that a full season might be tough due to the cast’s commitments, suggesting a movie or miniseries as more practical. Warner Bros. must balance budget constraints against fan expectations, with Reddit users warning against a “rushed reboot” like Dexter: New Blood. The finale’s unresolved Walt-Vic romance, criticized by some as abrupt, demands closure, but Johnson has promised fidelity to the books’ spirit, ensuring Walt remains a principled hero.

Casting new characters could also spark debate. Fans on X suggest introducing a young deputy to mentor, while others want more focus on the Cheyenne reservation, leveraging McClarnon’s star power post-Dark Winds. The revival must innovate while honoring the show’s roots, a challenge Johnson seems ready to meet.

Why This Comeback Could Be Epic

A Longmire revival isn’t just a return—it’s a chance to cement the series as a neo-Western legend. Walt’s stoic justice, Vic’s fiery spirit, and Henry’s cultural wisdom resonate in a world craving authentic heroes. With Johnson’s novels offering endless stories and a cast eager to reunite, the revival could rival Yellowstone’s cultural impact. Whether it’s a season tackling modern Wyoming issues or a movie delivering a final showdown, Longmire’s comeback could redefine the genre.

Join the hype on X with #LongmireRevival, sign the Change.org petition, and stream all six seasons on Paramount+ to relive the magic. Follow Craig Johnson (@craigmjohnson) and Robert Taylor (@roberttaylor_actor) for updates, and visit Longmire Days’ site for 2026 event details. Walt Longmire may be back, and he’s bringing justice, old enemies, and unfinished business with him. Don’t miss the Western comeback of the decade!