Kurt Russell Still Disappointed With “Tombstone” Despite Its Legacy

One of the greatest westerns ever made, 1993’s “Tombstone” is arguably as famous for its creation as for its content. The film’s late screenwriter, Kevin Jarre, was initially set to direct, but was fired a month into production due to delays . George P. Cosmatos then took over as director, while budget cuts also impacted the production.

Kurt Russell has repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the final cut, believing it fell short of the screenplay’s potential. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, while promoting the second season of Apple TV’s “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” Russell reiterated his feelings, stating, “That’s given that of the screenplay. The movie is not as good as the screenplay.”

A Script Worth Saving

Russell emphasized that Jarre’s original script was exceptional. “I’ll never make 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,” he said. He highlighted the film’s strong cast and “fabulous writing,” but lamented that financial constraints and directorial changes hindered the project.

The actor acknowledged the film’s enduring 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.”

Behind the Scenes Turmoil

While details surrounding Jarre’s firing and Russell’s involvement remain somewhat ambiguous, it’s widely understood that Russell stepped up to lead the production after Jarre’s departure . Russell has previously alluded to a promise that prevents him from publicly discussing the full extent of the behind-the-scenes events .

“Tombstone” Today

Released by Hollywood Pictures on December 25, 1993, “Tombstone” grossed $73.2 million worldwide . The film, starring Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, depicts the events surrounding the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, in the late 19th century. It also features Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, Dana Delany, and Charlton Heston in supporting roles, with narration by Robert Mitchum.

Russell is currently starring in the second season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” on Apple TV and will soon appear in the neo-Western “The Madison” on Paramount+.