The cast of the 1993 filmTombstonewas crucial in bringing the iconic Western to life.Tombstoneis based on the true storyof Western lawmen and outlaws from the 1880s. The movie retells thehistorical gunfight at the O.K. Corraland the ensuing Earp Vendetta Ride, focusing on the infamous Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. It was released during a Western movie boom, and although it only had a $25 million budget,Tombstoneearned $73.2 millionworldwide, making it a financial success.
Director George P. Cosmatos' Western has since become a classic and beloved film. Theiconic quotes inTombstonemake it highly memorable. It is even considered to beone of the best films in the Western genre. This popularity is strengthened by the strong performances of many cast members tied to both the Western and action genres.
10 Best Movies To Watch Like Tombstone
Tombstone is a great entry point to the Western genre. But where should viewers go next? These 10 films have similar characters and themes.
Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp
Birthdate: July 25, 2025
Kurt Russell was born in Springfield, MA, and wasfirst cast in three episodes ofThe Dick Powell Show. That same year, he had an uncredited role in theDennis the Menacetelevision show.Russell worked closely with director John Carpenter, and together they made five famous movies, includingEscape From L.A., Escape From New York, Elvis, Big Trouble in Little China,andThe Thing.
Notable Movies & TV Shows
Character:Russell plays Wyatt Earp, the former lawman who relocated to Tombstone to start a new life. He soon becomes the center of the town’s drama and struggles. The real Wyatt Earp lived from 1848-1929, dying at 80.Russell has starred in many Westerns, withTombstonebeing his most famous.
Glen Wyatt Earp, a real-life fifth cousin of Wyatt Earp, appeared inTombstoneas Billy Claiborne.
Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday
Birthdate: August 09, 2025
Val Kilmer was born in Los Angeles and began with a background in theater, following his education from Juilliard School. Starring alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, his first role was ina 1983ABC Afterschool Specialepisodeon the dangers of drinking and driving. His career has contained many hits, including acting as Iceman inTop GunandTop Gun: Maverick36 years later. He has battled with throat cancer since 2015, but he remains active in the industry.
All 12 Movies Val Kilmer Plays A Real Life Person In, Ranked
From an ancient Greek king to an adult movie star, Val Kilmer has played a whopping 12 real-life figures in movies throughout his successful career.
Character:Kilmer plays Doc Holliday, the charismatic and skilled gambler who becomes close friends and associates with Wyatt Earp. The real Doc Holliday lived from 1851-1887. He had tuberculosis but was still able to fight well despite his ailing health. Kilmer was praised for his performance inTombstone, especially giving life toHolliday’s heavy sweatingand hard drinking.
Willem Dafoe was almost cast as Doc Holliday and was initially considered for the role.
Sam Elliott as Virgil Earp
Birthdate: July 24, 2025
Sam Elliott was born in Sacramento, CA, and began his career with a 1967 Western film,The Way West. His first leading role was in the B-movie horror filmFrogs, whileElliot’s first significant role was inLifeguardalmost nine years after his career began. He has had a substantial career as a character actor and is famous for his iconic deep voice. He has a significant career appearing in Western movies and shows.
Character:Elliott plays Virgil Earp, Wyatt’s older brother and Tombstone’s marshal. He is dedicated to maintaining order in the town. The real Virgil Earp lived from 1843-1905.
Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp
July 16, 2025 - August 09, 2025
Bill Paxton was born in Fort Worth, TX, and began his career with an uncredited role inCrazy Mama. He went on to do minor roles inStripes,Mortuary,andWeird Sciencebefore he began working in more prominent parts.Paxton worked in varying capacities on many projects with director James Cameron, includingTitanic, The Terminator, True Lies,andAliens. He was also in a new wave band called Martini Ranch, which released one album in 1988. He died from health complications in Los Angeles in 2017 at the age of 61.
Character:Paxton plays Wyatt’s younger brother, Morgan, who helps his family attempt to bring justice and order. The actual Morgan Earp lived from 1851-1882 and died from a gunshot wound in Tombstone at the age of 30.
Powers Boothe as William “Curly Bill” Brocius
August 24, 2025 - July 19, 2025
Powers Boothe was born in Snyder, TX, and began his career in theater, starring in a 1974 Lincoln Center production of Shakespeare’sRichard III.Boothe’s first on-screen role was in the 1977 filmThe Goodbye Girl, where he was also credited as part of an in-movie production ofRichard III. His career mainly included roles as politicians, war leaders, or superheroes. He has contributed voice acting to several DC animated characters. Boothe passed away in 2017 from his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Character:Boothe played “Curly Bill,” a vital member of the Clanton gang who was especially ruthless. The real William Brocius lived from 1845-1882.
Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo
Birthdate: July 23, 2025
Michael Biehn was born in Anniston, AL, and began his career with a bit part in the 1978 filmGrease.Biehn worked closely with director James Cameronon films likeAliens, The Abyss,andThe Terminator.Mostly an action film star, Biehn portrayed a Navy SEAL three separate times. He stepped back from acting in the mid-2010s, now mainly taking roles in low-budget films or as single-episode guest roles.
Character:Michael Biehn played John Ringo, a dangerous outlaw and member of the Clanton gang. Ringo had an infamous rivalry and gunfight with Doc Holliday. The real William Brocius lived from 1850-1882.
Tombstone Supporting Cast & Characters
Robert Mitchum as Narrator- Robert Mitchum was born in Bridgeport, CT, on July 31, 2025, and died on August 10, 2025. He is known for his significant contributions to film noir. His most notable works includeNight of the Hunter, Cape Fear,andEl Dorado.
Michael Rooker as Sherman McMasters- Born in Jasper, AL, in 1955, Michael Rooker is best known for starring as Merle Dixon inThe Walking Deadand as Yondu Udonta inGuardians of the Galaxy.
Dana Delany as Josephine Marcus- From New York City, Dana Delany is best known for her breakthrough role in the late 80s television dramaChina Beach. She has also voiced Lois Lane in the animatedSupermanandJustice League installments.
Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton- Stephen Lang was born in New York City in 1952 and has been in the entertainment industry since 1981. Lang is best known as the main antagonist, Colonel Miles Quaritch, in James Cameron’sAvatar. His character inTombstone, Ike, is a significant member of the Clanton gang.
Tombstone
Cast
Tombstone chronicles legendary marshal Wyatt Earp and his brothers as they seek fortune in a prosperous mining town. Forced to confront a gang threatening the community, Earp joins forces with the infamous Doc Holliday, highlighting a tense battle between lawmen and outlaws in the American West.
