tombstone is a classic western that Tells the story of Wyatt Earp’s adventures through the American Wild WestWith Kurt Russell tackling the lead role alongside Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton. The film quickly cemented itself as one of the greatest Westerns of the 1990s, displaying a level of rich storytelling and intricate character work that wasn’t always present in the genre, causing a huge resurgence in that decade. however, tombstone Almost looked very different, as Russell was initially set to play a completely different character.
The production behind tombstone was an extremely turbulent and turbulent one, with several changes occurring during the filming process and causing problems for both the cast and crew. For example, Kurt Russell was famous for directing tombstone Even when the original director left the project, which caused a lot of the transfer of the film. however, One last-minute change actually worked to the film’s benefit; Several roles were shuffled around, resulting in the iconic characters we know and love today.
Kurt Russell’s Wyatt Earp performance in Tombstone makes me glad he ditched Doc Holliday
He definitely chose the right character
The process of casting Doc Holliday was surprisingly difficult: Willem Dafoe was originally in talks to play the prolific lawmanBut he was rejected by the studio on the grounds that he was not enough of an international star. The role was then offered to Kurt Russell himself, who rejected the idea and decided to play Wyatt Earp instead – much to the benefit of the film. While he certainly would have been great as Doc Holliday, I can’t imagine a world where Russell wasn’t the driving force behind this story.
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His performance as Wyatt Earp is one of tombstone‘s strongest asset – the level of charisma and ferocity he brings to the character is unmatched, and without the central figure to keep the audience grounded to the story, the story wouldn’t work at all. He’s the driving force of this story, and while tombstone Has many other capital letters, it’s Kurt Russell’s protagonist who holds much of the film’s emotional weight. While other actors would certainly have been good (Richard Gere was also in talks for the role), I’m not sure they could have matched Russell.
How Tombstone would be different with Kurt Russell as Doc Holliday
The actor would have been completely different in the role
to imagine tombstone With Kurt Russell playing Doc Holliday is to imagine a completely different movie altogether. The actor has a completely different style than Val Kilmer, and their take on the notorious figure would surely be very distinct. Russell’s character would probably have been more stoic and fierceWhile Kilmer leans into Holliday’s disease and makes that weakness an important part of his character. Many of tombstoneHis best quote would have been delivered differently, perhaps not landing quite as memorably.
Russell has the action/adventure catalog needed for such an intense character, while Gere is mostly known for dramas.
Not to mention, Richard Gere’s portrayal of Wyatt Earp would have changed things drastically as well. Although the two actors are quite similar in both age and profile, they were known for completely different roles – Russell has the action/adventure catalog needed for such an intense character, while Gere is mostly known for dramas. He would have played against type, and while that’s always interesting to watch, Russell was a safer and more conventional choice.
Val Kilmer is perfect as Doc Holliday in Tombstone
He gives an all-time performance
Putting everything great about Kurt Russell’s performance aside, I’m sure Val Kilmer is the star of the show in tombstone. Although his character gets less screen time, and he may not be as traditionally”Cool” As Wyatt Earp, there is a dynamic that Kilmer brings to the character that is simply impossible to look away from. The actor delivers some unforgettable one-liners tombstone, Dripping with confidence and charisma in every scene despite the character’s physical weakness. It is something that is not often seen in the western genre, and Kilmer manages it perfectly.
Willem Dafoe would probably also make an excellent Doc Holliday, as he is famous for a similar type of charisma and screen presence, but there is no way he could have outshined Kilmer. The actor brings something unique and unique to the character That was not replicated in the many other on-screen portrayals of Earp and Holliday, which is why his image is still discussed over three decades after the release of tombstone.