Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer reunited one last time on the big screen for "Top Gun: Maverick." The pair played rivals in "Top Gun," with both of them years later becoming icons of the action genre. Kilmer died earlier this week at the age of 65, prompting many to revisit his brief but impactful scene on "Maverick," one that Cruise advocated for and that left him feeling moved and emotional.
© Getty ImagesCruise was featured on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2023, discussing "Maverick" and Kilmer's performance. “I just want to say that was pretty emotional. I’ve known Val for decades,” said Cruise.
“For him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again. You’re looking at Iceman,” he said, naming Kilmer's character in the film.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAs to his emotional reaction, Cruise revealed that being on set with Kilmer left him in tears. “I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional,” he said. “He’s such a brilliant actor, I love his work.”
Kilmer's appearance in the film is in conversation with his real-life illness. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and had to undergo surgery, resulting in the permanent alteration of his voice. In the film, Kilmer is also struggling with throat cancer, and requests to speak to Maverick, Cruise's character, one last time.
Why Cruise advocated for Kilmer's appearance in the film
"Top Gun: Maverick" was an incredible success and a film motivated and supported by Cruise. In an interview, Cruise revealed that Kilmer's inclusion in the franchise was advocated by him, setting the stage for Kilmer's incredible run of box office hits in the '90s.
"You know in the first film I really rallied hard for him to make the movie. And the kind of talent that he has... and you see that scene, it's very special. It's just very special," said Cruise to Entertainment Tonight.
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