How Kurt Russell Saved 'Tombstone': The Western Classic You Didn't Know About

How Was Kurt Russell Involved in the Production of Tombstone?

Although Kurt Russell played the iconic role of Wyatt Earp, many fans are surprised to learn that his involvement with Tombstone wasn't limited to acting. Due to issues with the original director, Kevin Jarre, who was fired before filming commenced, Russell took the initiative to direct alongside another director, George P. Cosmatos. In his Kurt Russell interview with True West Magazine, he reveals he collaborated with Cosmatos who, similar to Rambo: First Blood Part II, had to step in to help bring the production to fruition.

It seems Kurt Russell had a significant hand in steering the production's direction - and not just through his acting. He directed certain aspects of Tombstone filming , and he even influenced some aspects of Tombstone behind-the-scenes, helping make a vision for how it would appear, all while performing in those iconic action Movies as well. Although Russell wasn't involved with the Tombstone editing process, he provided guidance as the producer to ensure his vision was realized.

Why Didn’t Kurt Russell Want to Take Director Credit?

Tim Fellingham as Wyatt Earp in Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War Image

The Tombstone film is highly celebrated in cinema - one that has had a tremendous impact on how the western genre continues to be interpreted, and a number of films that often mimic the production's style, such as Tombstone behind-the-scenes which can show how Kurt Russell served as a major influencer on its style, the Tombstone cast that made an impact and the Film's general appearance - including its sets, costumes, and its special effects.

Although the film had several problems, the Tombstone production came together in a manner that can only be described as miraculous. While some Tombstone success came by chance, the film was also greatly impacted by those working behind the scenes, particularly, Kurt Russell. When asked if he wanted to be credited as the Director, he respectfully refused. He claimed it wasn’t his project but rather those that had made a decision to bring it into existence - one that could become a success, but that success wouldn’t be possible if those who made a commitment had not made their contributions.

What Kind of Character is Wyatt Earp in Tombstone?

Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp looking on in Tombstone Image

In the Tombstone Western Wyatt Earp has become a legend as he attempts to make order out of chaos. This involves moving into a frontier town to combat those lawbreakers - a journey that is filled with challenges - often taking a heroic path and helping those facing peril.

It is difficult to understand how this real historical figure's actions are portrayed in Tombstone - as viewers often make the association that Wyatt Earp (especially as portrayed in this Movie - with those iconic events - a pivotal clash - a shootout - the battle for order) - becomes a more noble figure, one who attempts to bring about an ideal and often romanticized version of the Wild West. In this instance, his journey represents his desire to fight against injustice as those events continue to unravel in this film that helps showcase his determination and skill in combat, specifically in his role in Tombstone Production - he takes center stage. However, one key aspect that he was relied upon for - to maintain his ability to combat violence with grace - a distinct feature of this Tombstone movie.

How Was The Movie Tombstone Saved?

Kurt Russell's Wyatt Earp lights a cigar in Tombstone Image

The Tombstone film, is well known, but there is a hidden layer of history that took place during its production. During the production, Tombstone was almost canceled - until the actor and a long-time performer, Kurt Russell - stepped into a directing role to help ensure the film wouldn’t suffer a Tombstone failure that would leave its story unfinished.

While a Tombstone shoot did continue with several changes in personnel, it seems as if Kurt Russell had great interest in helping the Movie make its premiere - especially since he was so heavily invested in it - which involved him playing the lead role - a testament to how much he was willing to do to make this movie a reality and a compelling adventure in those Western TV Shows and, perhaps, how it would come to be a memorable and timeless western production.

How Is Kurt Russell Involved in the Western Movie Genre?

The Western genre continues to appeal to film fans and critics. Many of these fans have a fondness for those films starring Kurt Russell and how he's often embraced Kurt Russell action Movies , including his role in the 1985 film, "Tombstone " which has become a classic.

Although Kurt Russell is considered to have a diverse range, including a strong presence across those Kurt Russell movies in a wide range of genres - his western productions, have had an immense influence, and, more importantly, his connection to this genre helped revitalize an older form of entertainment. He has often said he was more than interested in Kurt Russell directing roles but his talents are best served when it comes to Kurt Russell acting - his passion for cinema often means he would step forward to ensure those roles he was a part of were successfully produced, ensuring a smooth Tombstone filming process - where he had to act and help with directing elements. These roles have always been well received, as Kurt Russell continues to shine across these cinematic pieces, making those performances a lasting part of his legacy.

Does The Movie Offer A Historically Accurate Representation of Wyatt Earp?

Wyatt Earp's persona has endured, specifically through films - and is a staple for western films - and those interested in historical accounts - there’s often an element of reality, but those stories tend to blur over time, often making the truth of events even more obscure, particularly as the details are passed on, making them a form of western folklore.

Tombstone was produced to tell the story of Wyatt Earp and how this former lawman (whose use of a Wyatt Earp pistol is considered a part of his legacy) - he served as a powerful and influential figure in those battles to uphold the law. Those events in Tombstone take on a slightly more dramatized perspective, however, the movie offers audiences an engaging look at a historical figure - his courage, his skill in combat and the circumstances of the times, which continue to be a major element in western narratives.

Who Is The Director of Tombstone?

The Tombstone Director is attributed to George P. Cosmatos and is one of those films, along with Rambo: First Blood Part II that is considered a cornerstone in those productions - however, behind the scenes the story takes a dramatic turn. Even if he’s credited for the Tombstone production, those working with the Tombstone film - including the producer, Tombstone’s star and Tombstone’s director (Kurt Russell) would note how the film went through many iterations - with challenges that included losing their original director (Kevin Jarre, a writer who worked on productions like "Tombstone’s" first iterations of those original story concepts and then "Tombstone’s Tombstone original director, was later replaced), due to creative differences.

It seems Tombstone would have never happened if not for the hard work from several key production members (particularly Kurt Russell), all who stepped up to ensure that this film could continue to move forward. Even those familiar with Tombstone production and its early development, including a slew of pre-production work would note how this production would likely have suffered Tombstone failure without those who had the will and desire to see it to fruition. The Tombstone production - in many ways - serves as a fascinating example of those productions that came together at a very challenging time and was brought to its finest moment by the actors and producers.