Kurt Russell: Tombstone “Could Have Been” a Great Movie – Still Hasn’t Made Peace With It
Kurt Russell Remains Unsettled by “Compromised” Western Classic “Tombstone”
Nearly three decades after its release, ’s “Tombstone” continues to resonate with audiences as a cornerstone of the Western genre. However, star Kurt Russell reveals he still struggles with the film’s production history and the compromises made that prevented it from reaching its full potential. Speaking recently although promoting the second season of Apple TV’s “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” Russell reiterated his belief that the finished film doesn’t live up to the strength of Kevin Jarre’s original screenplay.
The making of “Tombstone” was famously turbulent. Jarre, who penned the script, was initially slated to direct, but was removed from the project a month into filming due to production delays and creative clashes. George P. Cosmatos stepped in to take the directorial reins, and budget constraints further impacted the film’s trajectory. Rumors have long circulated suggesting Russell exerted significant directorial influence alongside Cosmatos, a claim he has addressed cautiously over the years.
Russell previously alluded to a commitment preventing him from publicly discussing the specifics of the production, a promise he maintains to this day. However, in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he doubled down on his assessment of the film’s shortcomings. “That’s because of the screenplay,” Russell explained. “The movie is not as good as the screenplay.”
When pressed on whether he had found any measure of peace with the final product over time, Russell was unequivocal: “I’ll never produce peace with that. It could have been way better. It’s considered one of the great Westerns, right? It could have been considered one of the great movies. It had a great cast, but it had fabulous writing. And for a lot of different reasons, the money got burned through, and the director thing didn’t work out. So we had to proceed about it differently, and we got what we made.”
Russell acknowledged the film’s enduring popularity and impact, stating, “The impact of Tombstone is very strong, and that’s nice. That’s great. But could it have been a lot better? Yes.” This sentiment underscores the frustration felt by those involved with a project that, despite its success, fell short of its initial ambitions.
“Tombstone” depicts the historical events surrounding the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Russell’s portrayal of Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer’s iconic performance as Doc Holliday remain central to the film’s appeal. The dynamic between the two characters, fueled by Jarre’s script, is often cited as a key element of the film’s enduring legacy.
The film’s upcoming release on 4K disc on , as reported by The Digital Bits, will undoubtedly reignite conversations about the film’s production and its place in cinematic history. The 4K restoration may offer a renewed appreciation for the visual elements, but Russell’s comments suggest the core issue – the unrealized potential of Jarre’s vision – will continue to linger.
Russell’s current projects include his role in the second season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” on Apple TV, and he will soon appear in the neo-Western “The Madison” on Paramount+.
Russell’s continued reflection on “Tombstone” serves as a reminder that even beloved films can be haunted by what might have been. His comments offer a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a complex production and a testament to the power of a strong screenplay.