Where Was Tombstone Filmed
I always find it interesting when movies mix historical fact with fiction. Tombstone is one of them. It’s based on real events from the late 1800s. But where was Tombstone filmed? Surprisingly, not in Tombstone. Here’s where the cameras actually went.
Where Was Tombstone Filmed
Tombstone was filmed entirely in southern Arizona, in and around Tucson. The two main sets were Old Tucson Studios, just west of Tucson, and the Mescal Movie Set near Benson, about 40 miles southeast of the city.
Mescal was built in 1968 for the western Monte Walsh. For Tombstone, the crew added new fronts for landmarks like the Bird Cage Theatre and the Tombstone Epitaph office, and built its own O.K. Corral. Mescal’s owners say about 60% of the film was shot there. Old Tucson’s main street also appears prominently, and parts of the film were shot at the Babocomari Ranch near Sonoita.
The real town of Tombstone wasn’t a filming location. And none of the film was shot in New Mexico. That was Kevin Costner’s rival film, Wyatt Earp, which was shooting near Santa Fe at the same time.
What Was Tombstone All About?
Tombstone is a 1993 western directed by George P. Cosmatos and starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. Wyatt Earp (Russell), a retired lawman, moves to Tombstone, Arizona, in 1879 with his brothers to make his fortune. A gang of outlaws called the Cowboys has other ideas. After the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, the feud turns into a long ride for revenge, with Wyatt’s friend Doc Holliday (Kilmer) at his side.
The film also follows Wyatt’s romance with actress Josephine Marcus (Dana Delany). In real life, she stayed with him until his death in 1929. The movie deals with loyalty, justice and the cost of violence.
Who Was in the Cast of Tombstone?
The cast of Tombstone included Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp, Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, Sam Elliott as Virgil Earp, Bill Paxton as Morgan Earp and Dana Delany as Josephine Marcus. Other notable cast members include Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo, Powers Boothe as Curly Bill Brocius, Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton, Jon Tenney as Sheriff Johnny Behan, Michael Rooker as Sherman McMasters and Charlton Heston as rancher Henry Hooker.
Look out for smaller roles from Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Priestley, Billy Zane and Harry Carey Jr. Robert Mitchum narrates the opening.
Who Directed Tombstone?
Tombstone was written by Kevin Jarre, who was also its first director. He was fired about a month into filming, and George P. Cosmatos took over. Kurt Russell has said he directed much of the film himself. Russell was no stranger to westerns. As a boy, he starred in the TV western The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters (1963 to 1964). Harry Carey Jr., a veteran of John Ford westerns, plays Marshal Fred White.
Did Tombstone Receive Any Awards?
The movie opened over Christmas weekend in 1993. It made $56.5 million in the US and Canada and about $73.2 million worldwide, on a budget of about $25 million. It didn’t get any Oscar, Golden Globe or BAFTA nominations. Val Kilmer did earn two MTV Movie Award nominations, including Best Male Performance.
Fun Facts About Tombstone
- The movie was filmed in southern Arizona, not in the real town of Tombstone.
- The crew built its own O.K. Corral at the Mescal Movie Set near Benson.
- “I’m your huckleberry” was in Kevin Jarre’s script. Kilmer once asked Jarre where it came from, and Jarre didn’t have a specific answer.
- Kevin Costner turned down a role in Tombstone to make his own Wyatt Earp film, which came out about six months later.
- Robert Mitchum was cast as Old Man Clanton but hurt his back. The role was cut, and he became the narrator instead.
- The real Tombstone still draws more than half a million visitors a year, according to NPR.
Can You Visit the Set of Tombstone?
Yes. Old Tucson reopened in 2022 and runs guided tours, plus seasonal events like Nightfall in October. The Mescal Movie Set near Benson offers guided tours between film shoots, usually on Fridays and Saturdays. Check both websites before you go, since schedules change.
The film’s gunfight wasn’t shot in the real town. But Tombstone’s O.K. Corral attraction runs daily reenactments of the 1881 fight. Fun fact: the real gunfight happened in a vacant lot on Fremont Street, not inside the corral.
What is Arizona Famous For
Arizona is also known for its diverse culture, with many distinct Hispanic, Native American, and Western influences blending together to create a unique cultural identity. Arizona’s most famous attractions include the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Monument Valley, Havasu Falls and the Petrified Forest National Park.
The state is also home to many popular cities such as Flagstaff, Tucson and Phoenix, as well as many small towns and Native American communities. Arizona is known for its hot summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to get away from colder climates.
Other activities in the state include skiing and snowboarding on the San Francisco Peaks, hiking in the mountains of Flagstaff, or just relaxing at one of the many resorts dotting the state.
Unique Places To Visit in Arizona
There is so much to do and see in Arizona, it can be hard to narrow down the best places to visit. Here are some of the most unique and extraordinary places in the state:
Grand Canyon National Park: the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited sites in Arizona and one of its most iconic natural wonders. Explore the canyon by foot, take a mule ride to one of the many overlooks, or take a rafting tour down the Colorado River.
Monument Valley: this stunning valley is made up of towering sandstone buttes and mesas along with other interesting formations in northeastern Arizona. Take a guided tour and explore this area, which was featured in many famous films.
Havasupai Falls: located on the edge of the Grand Canyon, this stunning waterfall is a great place to take a refreshing dip or explore the unique rock formations and wildlife around it.
Meteor Crater: located just outside of Flagstaff, this impressive crater was created by a meteor impact 50,000 years ago and is now an interesting scientific site.
Montezuma Castle National Monument: located in Camp Verde, this well-preserved cliff dwelling was built by the Sinagua people in the late 12th century and is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
From grand canyons to petrified forests, Arizona has so many unique places to explore and experience. From the sprawling cities of Flagstaff and Phoenix to the small towns tucked away in the wilderness, each area of the state offers something special for visitors.
Things to Do in Arizona
Take in the culture of Sedona. Sedona is full of galleries, shops and restaurants that make it a great place to explore the local culture. It’s also home to some of the most stunning vistas in Arizona.
San Xavier Mission: this beautiful mission was built in 1692 and is a great example of colonial architecture. Take a guided tour or just wander around on your own.
Flagstaff: Flagstaff is known for its dark skies, which make it a perfect place to go stargazing and admire the night sky. Take a tour or just find a spot away from the lights and enjoy the show.
Lake Powell: from fishing to boating, there are plenty of activities to enjoy here. Plus, the views are stunning and there’s plenty of wildlife around.
Verde Canyon Railroad: enjoy a scenic 4-hour journey through some of Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes, including lush canyons and lush valleys.
Petrified Forest National Park: this park is home to some of the most stunning petrified wood in the world, making it a great place to explore and take in the colorful scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kurt Russell’s mustache real in Tombstone?
According to Kurt Russell, it took four months to grow his mustache and is definitely real! When asked about it on the Today Show, Kurt Russell said, “it’s a mustache wearing a man.”
Is the movie Tombstone historically correct?
From a historical standpoint, Tombstone is fairly accurate. In fact, some of the more unbelievable scenes (such as Bill Brosius missing Wyatt three times from point-blank range before Earp cuts him in half with a shotgun) are actually documented.
And That’s a Wrap!
One great thing about Arizona is that the weather is mild and dry. So no matter what time of year you visit, weather shouldn’t be a problem.
The Grand Canyon would definitely be on my list. I passed through there once but didn’t spend enough time there. We were driving to California and went out of our way to make a quick stop at the Grand Canyon. We took a few pictures and got back in the car. A big regret since I never got back there.
But no matter which part of Arizona you explore to see the Tombstone filming locations, you’ll find amazing places to see and things to do. From city exploration and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and historical tours, Arizona has something for everyone.
Jay Neill
Jay Neill is the founder and managing editor of iFILMthings and believes everyone should have access to the film resources they need to plan their filmmaking project, which is why he’s dedicated iFILMthings to helping all filmmakers.