Tom Cruise is remembering Val Kilmer as a great actor and a longtime friend whose work left a lasting impact on him and viewers worldwide. In a recent interview for Sight and Sound magazine, Cruise opened up about the unique energy Kilmer brought to the set of Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
The duo appeared together onscreen in the original 1986 classic, where Maverick (Cruise) clashed with Iceman (Kilmer). Though the tension was part of the script, Cruise shared that Kilmer brought a special intensity to every scene. He recalled moments from the original film vividly, including one in which Kilmer gave Maverick an unforgettable glare.
Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer’s relationship
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At first, Val Kilmer was hesitant to join the project, and Cruise admitted that convincing him to sign on was a lot of work. But his performance added more authenticity to the movie. Despite having limited screen time, his role as Iceman left a big impression, which Tom Cruise believes only a truly gifted actor could achieve.
Working together again on Top Gun: Maverick decades later brought back memories for Tom Cruise. Their reunion on screen, where Maverick visits Admiral Kazansky (Kilmer) for guidance, was nostalgic, and for Cruise, stepping into that scene felt like no time had passed. He described it as touching, with an understanding and strength that Val Kilmer carried effortlessly. Kilmer’s ability to communicate with just a look or gesture reminded Cruise of the power Kilmer always had as an actor. He noted that watching him reprise the role was “exhilarating.”
Tom Cruise’s tribute to Val Kilmer
Kilmer passed away from Pneumonia in April at the age of 65. At this year’s CinemaCon, Tom Cruise led a moment of silence in honor of his former co-star, a “dear friend,” and acknowledged how much he contributed to the movie industry.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer had previously revealed that Cruise helped bring Val Kilmer back for Top Gun: Maverick, insisting that the sequel would not feel right without Iceman. Tom Cruise sees the reunion as a farewell and a celebration of Kilmer’s impact.