The Western genre has had its biggest revival since Tombstone, a 1993 film that is very famous for its action thrills and great characters. It’s all about the friendship between Wyatt Earp, played by Kurt Russell, and Doc Holliday, portrayed by Val Kilmer. The most interesting behind-the-scenes detail reveals that Willem Dafoe was going to be cast as Doc Holliday.
George P. Cosmatos, the director, and Kurt Russell had argued for Dafoe at first, but due to his lower box office potential, the studio had Kilmer cast in the film. Kilmer had played Top Gun and The Doors; he added humor and wit to the movie, which made Holliday an iconic character. Although Dafoe could have added more grit to the role, Kilmer’s lightness helped to counterbalance the intensity of the movie.
Casting intrigue is the parallel tale of David Lynch’s 1984 Dune adaptation, which had its share of problems. A new book, A Masterpiece in Disarray by Max Evry, sheds new light on the production’s intricacies. Casting Paul Atreides, the protagonist, saw big names such as Val Kilmer and Kevin Costner vying for the role. Kyle MacLachlan’s screen test would prove to be the coup that would lock him into this role that would define an ambitious, polarizing vision by Lynch.
Lynch’s Dune is considered a commercial failure, yet it became a cult classic. This book explores artistic ambitions on Dune, interference from studios, and, above all, what it meant to take on the intricate Frank Herbert novel.
Tombstone and Dune both reflect how casting decisions and production challenges can determine the cinematic legacy. While Kilmer cemented his stardom in Tombstone, Dune reminds everyone of the risk that goes into bringing such complex stories to life.
Tombstone is streaming on Hulu, and Lynch’s Dune continues to wow audiences with its bold style and epic sci-fi vision.
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