Jason Priestley Talks ‘Tombstone,’ Co-Star Sam Elliott, and Whether There Should Be a Remake (Exclusive)

TOMBSTONE, from left, Jason Priestley, Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, 1993 — ©Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

Jason Priestley has had a long career on television as the star of Beverly Hills, 90210 and its 2019 reboot BH90210, the Canadian dark comedy Call Me Fitz, and most recently, the CW police procedural Wild Cards. But Priestley has also made a number of memorable appearances on the big screen, including as a member of the outstanding ensemble cast in the 1993 Western blockbuster Tombstone. Priestley played Deputy Billy Breckenridge, a lawman supporting Kurt Russell‘s Wyatt Earp as he fought the dangerous Cowboys gang, headed by Powers Boothe‘s Curly Bill.

Nearly 32 years after the film’s release, ReMIND caught up with Priestley to talk about his memories of working with such an incredible cast, whether there could be a reboot of the film, and if the actors really grew their own facial hair for the film.

On getting advice from Sam Elliott

John Bramley / © Buena Vista Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection

“When we were working on Tombstone, Sam Elliott was always really good about giving me advice, and talking to me about things. I really benefitted from all the advice that he gave me while we were making that movie. But you’re right, that movie … the first 20 names on the call sheet were all big name actors at the time, right? It was remarkable. I just felt very lucky to have been a part of that project.”

On whether there should be a remake of Tombstone

TOMBSTONE, Bill Paxton, Kurt Russell, Sam Elliott, Val Kilmer, 1993.

©Buena Vista Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

“A remake of Tombstone? … Well, the story of Wyatt Earp and the gunfight at the OK Corral has been remade a million times since 1887. So … Tombstone is a remake of a remake of a remake. But is there a modern-day version? … hopefully Westerns are going to come back into fashion at some point in time, because making Westerns is awesome, really fun.”

[Interviewer: Westerns are becoming pretty popular recently]

“Then let’s do it!”