In the early 1990s, two films—Tombstone and Wyatt Earp—competed for attention, both telling the story of famed lawman Wyatt Earp, and an unexpected insult made Kurt Russell see this rivalry as more than just friendly competition. The Kurt Russell rivalry with Wyatt Earp movie began as a professional challenge but took on an emotional intensity after a dismissive remark, pushing Russell to work even harder on Tombstone.
During the rise of competing films on similar subjects in the 1990s—such as Armageddon versus Deep Impact and A Bug’s Life versus Antz—Tombstone and Wyatt Earp emerged as direct rivals, each with a celebrated Hollywood actor at the helm. Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner were both recognized for their contributions to Western cinema, elevating the stakes of their respective films. Despite having distinct approaches to portraying Wyatt Earp and his world, the similarities between the movies made it inevitable that audiences and critics would compare their final achievements.
Although Russell initially downplayed competitive tensions, the rivalry escalated when a critical exchange made it deeply personal. Russell’s desire to see Tombstone succeed took on emotional momentum after what he described as a stinging encounter involving someone from the Wyatt Earp production.
Russell’s Crossover Suggestion Was Shut Down, Fueling His Determination
Media coverage often highlighted the so-called “war” between the two productions, but Russell saw the situation differently. Rather than escalate the feud, he actually suggested a creative collaboration: Russell proposed that Kevin Costner make a cameo appearance in Tombstone, where he would be killed by Russell’s Wyatt Earp. In return, Russell would appear in Wyatt Earp, dying at the hands of Costner’s character. This tongue-in-cheek idea was intended as a nod of mutual respect, blurring the line between competition and camaraderie.
Recalling the incident in an interview, Russell expressed disappointment at the dismissive way the suggestion was received. Instead of openness, someone associated with Wyatt Earp responded curtly, reinforcing the divide between the films. According to Russell:
Once I said, ‘Hey, how about if we do this and that, and maybe we could do some things together. I said, I could kill you and yours, and you could kill me and mine.’ This one individual said, ‘Oh, we’re gonna kill a lot of people in ‘Wyatt Earp.” And there were some people standing around me, and it was just such a slap in the face, and I thought, ‘F*** you, buddy, I’m gonna take you on full force, full frontal nudity, let’s go. You’re now gonna run into Wyatt Earp.'”
The dismissive response Russell received not only suggested arrogance on the part of those involved with Wyatt Earp, but also galvanized Russell’s resolve. He saw it as an insult not just to himself but to Tombstone as a whole, prompting a surge of emotional commitment to his own project. Despite the light-hearted intent behind the crossover idea, the put-down became a defining moment that motivated Russell to prove the doubters wrong.
Russell redirected his frustration productively, pouring his effort into Tombstone. After the original director, Kevin Jarre, was removed, Russell played a critical role in guiding the production. Reports have even hinted that Russell may have performed many of the director’s duties on set. The underdog mentality and emotional turbulence resulting from that exchange added a layer of intensity to his work on the film.
Tombstone’s Success Affirmed Russell’s Passion and Outshone Its Rival
Despite initial low expectations for Tombstone and higher hopes placed on Wyatt Earp, the outcome became clear over time. At the box office, Tombstone earned nearly $56 million against a budget of $25 million, while Wyatt Earp failed to regain its $65 million investment. Critical reaction further tilted in favor of Russell’s film; Tombstone maintained a 76% approval rating with critics, leaving Wyatt Earp trailing with only 31%.
Tombstone’s ending, in which Wyatt Earp (played by Russell) and Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) achieve justice and redemption against the backdrop of the American frontier, has further cemented its reputation as a classic. Over the years, the legacy of the film has only grown. The death of Val Kilmer shone a new spotlight on his acclaimed portrayal of Doc Holliday, reminding audiences and critics of the qualities that made Tombstone stand apart.
Even Russell has acknowledged that the distinctive dialogue in Tombstone contributed to its enduring popularity, including lines that have become embedded in the fabric of Western film culture. Although Costner continued to make impressive contributions to the Western genre after Wyatt Earp, his project never matched the critical and cultural impact of Tombstone.
The Impact of the Tombstone-Wyatt Earp Rivalry
The rivalry between Tombstone and Wyatt Earp illustrates how creative competition can cross from professional rivalry into personal motivation, especially when sparked by slights or perceived disrespect. For Kurt Russell, an emotional wound from a casual comment galvanized his investment in the project, reshaping his experience of the film and contributing to its ultimate triumph.
As time has shown, Tombstone emerged not only as the victor in a public battle for critical and commercial success but also as a defining moment in Russell’s career. The film’s journey from underdog to legend demonstrates how adversity and rivalry can lead to remarkable artistic achievements when channeled through determination and passion.
