Kurt Russell’s experience with Val Kilmer during the filming of Tombstone is one that has left a lasting impression on him, particularly due to an unusual and somewhat dark gift that Kilmer gave him after filming wrapped. The two actors had an unforgettable dynamic on set while working on the iconic 1993 Western, which centered around the infamous Wyatt Earp and the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Russell portrayed Wyatt Earp, while Kilmer took on the role of the enigmatic and unpredictable Doc Holliday, a character who had a deep, complicated, and often tragic relationship with Earp.
According to Russell, Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday was not only powerful but also incredibly intense. Kilmer famously threw himself into the role, inhabiting the character’s frailty, charm, and dangerous nature to such an extent that it became one of the defining performances of his career. The energy on set between Russell and Kilmer was electric, as both actors brought their A-game to the table, and their camaraderie and rivalry onscreen translated into a bond offscreen, despite their very different approaches to acting.
However, it wasn’t just Kilmer’s remarkable acting that made an impression on Russell—it was also a rather peculiar gift that Kilmer presented to him at the end of the filming. As the production wrapped up, Kilmer handed Russell a dark, somewhat ominous gift: a framed, bloody handprint. The handprint, which had been made using Kilmer’s own blood, was the product of a specific and rather eerie moment on set. The gesture was both surprising and unsettling, leaving Russell with a sense of bewilderment. According to Russell, the handprint symbolized the deep, often dark connection they had created through their characters and the shared experience of making the film.
While Russell acknowledged that the gift was unusual, he also seemed to recognize the emotional depth behind it. Kilmer was known for his intense commitment to his roles, and his bond with Russell was built on the shared emotional and physical toll that came from portraying two such iconic characters. Kilmer’s gift wasn’t just a token; it was a reflection of his own experience during the filming process. It was a reminder of the vulnerability, passion, and sacrifice that went into playing a role as demanding as Doc Holliday.
At the time, Russell may not have fully understood the significance of the gift, but over the years, he has come to see it as a symbol of the unique and powerful connection he shared with Kilmer during the making of Tombstone. The bloodstained handprint was a mark of the film’s legacy and a reminder of the incredible work the two actors did to bring such a legendary story to life. In many ways, it was a memento of the emotional journey both had undertaken during the production, and a mark of Kilmer’s artistry and intensity.
The story of the bloodied handprint is just one of many anecdotes that have emerged over the years from the making of Tombstone, a film that has become a classic in the Western genre. And while the gift may have been unsettling at first, it undoubtedly solidified the bond between the two actors and left Russell with a lasting memory of his time working with Kilmer.
