Tom Cruise Reveals How He Persuaded Val Kilmer for Top Gun: The Unforgettable Impact

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In the ’80s and ’90s, Val Kilmer delivered remarkable performances in several well-acclaimed films. However, it’s his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky from the movie Top Gun that has made him a household name. Following Kilmer’s demise in April, Tom Cruise (who played Pete “Maverick” Mitchell) paid tribute to his dear friend and co-star. In a more recent conversation, Cruise shared an anecdote about how they and others had to persuade Kilmer to be part of the aviator film because he was initially hesitant to join.

Tom Cruise Talks The Impact Of Val Kilmer’s Decision To Do Top Gun

Faithful to his moniker, the “Iceman” exhibited a frosty demeanor when Tom Cruise and director Tony Scott approached him for the role. In truth, Val Kilmer had no intention of taking part in the project, let alone portraying Iceman. Initially reluctant to join the 1984 film, he auditioned as a gesture of goodwill towards Scott, but deliberately put little effort into the audition. However, Kilmer underestimated the genuine appreciation that the team behind “Days of Thunder” held for his talent. In an interview with the BFI (as reported by Deadline), Cruise recounted going to great lengths to secure Kilmer’s role.

I was overjoyed when he eventually agreed to produce the movie. We had put in considerable effort to convince him for a role. At first, he wasn’t interested in making the film, saying, “I want to star in films, not be a supporting actor.” Persistence paid off as I contacted his agent, and Tony Scott even pursued him in an elevator with Val by his side, pleading with him, “Val, please, Val.

It’s evident that Kilmer succumbed after watching Top Gun. I can tell what Scott and Cruise were aiming for in that movie. During a nostalgic chat about working with the late actor, Cruise recalled effortlessly how Kilmer showcased his acting skills, including spontaneous, well-executed improvisations. The Academy Award nominee specifically mentioned one scene he remembered vividly and the unique feeling of performing alongside Kilmer.

In simpler terms, He was an outstanding actor with charisma, and his performance in that specific scene was remarkable because he perfectly captured the right tone. His role required him to make us root for these characters to become friends at the end. Do you understand what I mean? Also, I recall working with him on those scenes vividly, as he did this unique ‘bite’ thing. Working with him felt electrifying, and it was exciting when the scene took an unexpected turn.

As a cinephile, I can tell you that the moment Tom Cruise is talking about is a pivotal shift in the movie, where Iceman’s playful dislike of Maverick, the “cowboy” pilot, intensifies to a more serious level. The interaction between Val Kilmer and Cruise during this scene is electrifying yet authentic, giving me goosebumps. It’s Kilmer’s hostile chemistry with Cruise in that scene, as well as others, that makes Top Gun a must-see ’80s cinematic masterpiece.

Remarkable instances such as this make it hard to believe that the actor from “Batman Forever” ever deemed the supporting role insignificant. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman gives an impression of a grand, omnipresent figure looming over Maverick. In reality, he appeared infrequently on screen, but Cruise skillfully conveys that every minute Kilmer was present was maximized to the fullest.

In the film Top Gun, it seems he only appears for approximately ten minutes. Yet, such an artist leaves a lasting impression in just a short time.

It’s tough to envision the fierce competition in Top Gun without Val Kilmer. At the movie’s conclusion, the two competitive pilots pledged to be each other’s backup whenever needed, a promise that the real-life actors seemed to take seriously. Fast forward over 20 years, and when a sequel was finally given the go-ahead, it was Kilmer who yearned to join the project. Fortunately, the man behind Jack Reacher was determined to make it possible.

Why Kilmer’s Return In Top Gun Maverick Was So Special

In 2022, when “Top Gun: Maverick” premiered and shattered box office records, fans were thrilled to see the original Iceman back on the silver screen. Kilmer himself requested to be part of the sequel and collaborated closely with director Joseph Kosinski on his character’s storyline. During filming, both Cruise and Kilmer got together in person and in their roles, with Kilmer commenting that they seamlessly picked up from where they left off, just like in their days working together on “Rain Man.

Reflecting on returning to the set of Top Gun: Maverick (Joseph Kosinski, 2022) after all those years, it felt as if no time had elapsed at all. We were filled with laughter and pure joy. As we delved into our acting, it was astounding – you could see him transform into Iceman. The authority he exuded, even without uttering a word, spoke volumes about the character. A simple sniff from him, and there was Iceman. The camaraderie between these friends was palpable as well.

Despite facing difficulties due to his throat cancer, Val Kilmer managed to communicate using AI-reconstructed speech. Their brief appearance together in the movie ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ powerfully conveys the evolution of their once hostile relationship into a deep friendship over the years.

Apart from seeking Kazansky’s assistance and counsel, Mitchell is also capable of acknowledging and appreciating it. Conversely, Kazansky recognizes that he may not be the ideal mentor for the new class of pilots, but rather his old rival might be more suitable. This heartwarming scene resonated deeply with fans, and Kilmer shared with Kosinski his satisfaction with the outcome. Similarly, Cruise expresses his contentment regarding the final product.

It was incredibly significant for me on a personal level; put simply, I find it remarkable when comparing Iceman from the initial movie to his current state. The entire transformation he underwent is astounding, and what’s even more impressive is that he managed to convey so much without uttering a single word. It’s a unique talent he possesses, something truly beautiful that he has generously shared with us all.

It’s fair to assume that everyone on set was thrilled when the seasoned Top Gun actor decided to join the new cast. Although Tom Cruise’s character, Val Kilmer’s, passed away in Maverick, his spirit will undoubtedly be missed during the filming of Top Gun 3. The movie is currently being written, so it may take some time before it takes flight on the big screen.

Paramount Plus offers streaming access to the Top Gun movies, making it a great choice for movie enthusiasts! Choose between the Essential or ad-free plans, and enjoy additional content through Showtime with the Premium plan at $12.99 per month. Or, take advantage of a 10-month free offer when you opt for an annual subscription! Check out the deal now.

In some fashion, it seems plausible that a third installment would acknowledge Val Kilmer’s role and impact on the series, much like how Tom Cruise and the team paid homage to the late director Tony Scott in “Top Gun: Maverick.

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2025-05-12 00:04