For decades, I’ve been fascinated by the complex character of Doc Holliday, a man who straddled the line between a Southern gentleman and a cold-blooded killer. Many talented actors have attempted to capture his essence on screen – from Kirk Douglas in Gunfight at the O.K. Corral to Stacy Keach in Doc and Dennis Quaid in Wyatt Earp. However, no portrayal has managed to outshine Val Kilmer’s interpretation in Tombstone. His performance transformed Holliday into a charismatic and enigmatic figure that left an indelible mark on the Western genre.
It seems that the challenge of meeting high expectations might be the reason why the biopic announced in 2017 featuring Jeremy Renner, which aimed to bring Mary Doria Russell’s novels Doc and Epitaph to life, hasn’t come to fruition yet. This project was set to follow Holliday’s transformation from a dentist in Georgia to the iconic gunslinger who teamed up with Wyatt Earp at the O.K. Corral. Despite initial enthusiasm and promises about revitalizing the character for modern viewers, the project has been delayed indefinitely. In truth, this prolonged delay might not be such a negative thing after all.
The Untitled Doc Holliday Project Has Since Been Forgotten
In 2017, the announcement that Jeremy Renner would play Doc Holliday in an upcoming biopic by PalmStar Media sparked a lot of excitement. This film was set to be based on Mary Doria Russell’s renowned novels, “Doc” and “Epitaph,” which detail Holliday’s transition from a dentist in the South to a gunfighter. Notably, Renner, through his production company The Combine, was also involved as a producer, alongside Don Handfield and Kevin Frakes. In a shared statement in 2017, Renner and Handfield expressed their eagerness for this project.
We can’t wait to bring back this iconic American figure for a fresh generation by recounting Doc Holliday’s remarkable journey from an ordinary dentist to a person whom Wyatt Earp described as the ‘most daring, swiftest, deadliest man with a six-shooter [he] ever encountered.’
Although there was initial enthusiasm, the project has since hit a roadblock in its advancement, showing no substantial developments or progress. On the other hand, the source material presents an intriguing portrayal of Holliday’s life. In the novel “Doc,” Russell delves into Holliday’s early years, painting him as a refined individual struggling with tuberculosis amidst the tumultuous environment of Dodge City. The book delves into his relationships, focusing on his partnership with Mária Katarina Harony, and his burgeoning camaraderie with another character.
Epitaph‘s narrative delves deeper into the chronology surrounding the notorious gunfight at the O.K. Corral, exploring the underlying factors that escalated to this iconic 30-second showdown. Russell meticulously portrays the tumultuous societal and political atmosphere of the era, emphasizing the simmering animosities and retaliations that eventually ignited the conflict. Additionally, the book offers insight into Josephine Sarah Marcus, Wyatt Earp’s significant other, and her influence on his lasting reputation.
Mary Doria Russell’s Books Would be Difficult to Adapt
Mary Doria Russell’s novels have earned considerable praise from critics for their authentic portrayal of the American West and its legendary characters. For instance, “Doc” was lauded as one of the top novels of 2011 by The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, and Wall Street Journal Online due to its accurate and empathetic portrayal of Holliday. Similarly, “Epitaph” received numerous accolades for its detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. In fact, The Washington Post ranked it among the best novels of 2015.
These narratives deviate from conventional biographical novels, instead adopting a style reminiscent of journalism from historical viewpoints. While some dialogue and character interactions may be fictionalized to enhance the story, they remain factually sound when it comes to the overall events depicted.
Translating these novels into a movie poses significant hurdles due to their character-centric narrative focusing on Wyatt Earp’s early years in Dodge City, emphasizing his relationships and tribulations more than high-octane action scenes. The novel’s power resides in its introspective exploration of Earp’s transformation, which might not render well in a visual format that typically favors rapid plot advancement over reflection.
The book “Epitaph” provides an in-depth exploration of the societal and political conditions surrounding the well-known gunfight, from its preceding events to its impact afterward. The novel’s characters and government system demand a richness that can be challenging to portray within the time limits of a typical movie. Furthermore, the actual gunfight is just a minor aspect in the story, with more focus given to its consequences and the creation of Wyatt Earp’s enduring legacy.
In other words, Russell’s novels delve deeply into long-term impacts and myth creation, which might not resonate with viewers accustomed to action-packed and heroic Western films. The intricate character development and profound examination of themes like truth versus myth could be more effectively conveyed through a limited series rather than a full-length movie.
It’s Time for Hollywood to Leave Doc Holliday Alone
Despite living a relatively short life in reality, Doc Holliday has demonstrated remarkable longevity on screen, with various actors taking on the role over the decades, each offering their unique take. For instance, Kirk Douglas infused him with showmanship in 1957’s film, Stacy Keach depicted him as philosophical in “Doc”, and Dennis Quaid portrayed his struggle with illness more prominently in “Wyatt Earp”. To emphasize Holliday’s health, Quaid even lost considerable weight during the production.
| Most Popular Doc Holliday Films | |
|---|---|
| Film | Release Year |
| Tombstone | 1993 |
| Wyatt Earp | 1994 |
| Doc | 1971 |
| My Darling Clementine | 1946 |
| Gunfight at the O.K. Corral | 1957 |
Among all the portrayals of Doc Holliday, the one by Val Kilmer in Tombstone stands out as exceptionally unique, almost definitive, leaving little room for further cinematic interpretations of the character. In this movie, Doc is depicted as a man nearing the end of his life and a devoted friend, offering viewers a glimpse into his later years. The film also presents a relatively faithful portrayal. While historical records describe him as a philosophical individual with quick wit, fluent in Latin due to his classical education, the movie shows Holliday as a cultured Southern gentleman, an accomplished gambler, and a devoted friend – traits that have been corroborated by historians.
Among all movies portraying Holliday and the Earps, two shine particularly bright: Tombstone and Doc. While Tombstone paints Holliday as a charismatic but potentially dangerous figure, Doc leans towards a more compassionate depiction. The character’s illness, fatigue, and weariness take center stage in this film, adding layers to his personality that were less evident in Kilmer’s portrayal. Both movies offer glimpses into different aspects of Holliday’s persona, with Doc delving deeper into his background as well. For fans, these two films provide a comprehensive understanding of who Holliday truly was.
One movie showcases the legendary gunslinger in all his mythic glory, while another peels back layers to reveal the human side hidden beneath. As such, there’s no need for further reimaginings of this character, as any additional interpretations might diminish the power of what’s already been accomplished. Instead, those interested in learning about Doc Holliday should rewatch the films that have previously chronicled his life. It’s fortunate that Renner’s portrayal of Doc Holliday never materialized, not because the underlying story is weak, but rather because the role has already been portrayed so compellingly that it would be challenging to surpass these previous performances.
The movie “Tombstone” showcased Val Kilmer’s iconic portrayal of Holliday, while “Doc” provided a deeper, introspective look. Together, they’ve pretty much covered all there is to explore in this subject. Any future attempt would likely feel like a rehash or a less potent version of what’s already been done so well. Although Mary Doria Russell’s novels are commendable, turning them into a conventional biopic seems misplaced within the genre. The public doesn’t require another Western merely for novelty’s sake, and it’s likely that any new film, despite good intentions, would only result in more of the same.
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2025-05-31 05:10