Val Kilmer never wanted to be in “Top Gun,” but had little say in the matter before he starred in the blockbuster that launched him to Hollywood stardom opposite Tom Cruise.
The legendary actor, who died from pneumonia on Tuesday at the age of 65, reflected on the huge acting decision he faced in his mid-20s when presented with the movie script.
“Believe it or not, I didn’t want to do ‘Top Gun’ at first,” Kilmer said in his 2021 documentary “Val.”
Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise during a scene in “Top Gun.” Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
The Julliard-trained actor had problems with both the story and the theme of the movie but was legally bound to the production.
“I thought the script was silly, and I disliked warmongering in films. But I was under contract with the studio, so I didn’t really have a choice,” he added.
Kilmer’s son, Jack, voiced his father during the documentary, as older Kilmer was left with speaking difficulties after several surgeries during his six-year-long throat cancer battle.
The actor reflected on his character, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky and how he portrayed the naval pilot and main antagonist during the first film.
Kilmer revealed the on-screen beef between Kazansky and Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell continued off-screen when he remained in character for interviews.
“I would purposely play up the rivalry between Tom’s character and mine off screen as well,” Kilmer said. “And what ended up happening is the actors, in true Method fashion, split into two distinct camps. You had Maverick and Goose on one side, Slider, Hollywood, Wolfman and me, Iceman, on the other.”
Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise’s characters reunite in “Top Gun: Maverick.” Paramount Pictures
Kilmer portrays Tom “Iceman” Kazansky during a scene in the 1986 film. Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
During the press tour for “Top Gun” Kilmer revealed his family connections to the military aviation career.
“My father was in the Air Force, so I heard a lot of flying stories, most of his were terrifying though,” Kilmer told Entertainment Tonight in 1985.
“But I was excited to get to an aspect of the Navy that civilians can’t see,” he added.
Kilmer returned to play “Iceman” one final time in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
In the 2022 sequel, Kazansky – who had risen to the rank of admiral – was dying of throat cancer and unable to speak, but wanted to talk with “Maverick” one final time.
The actor reflected on his character, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky and how he portrayed the naval pilot and main antagonist during the first film. CBS via Getty Images
Tom Cruise looks at a portrait of Val Kilmer’s Kazansky during “Top Gun: Maverick.”
The emotional reunion took place in a home office, where Kazansky needed to type out his thoughts on a computer while Mitchell answered.
Cruise was faced with a personal dilemma and unable to commit to a war plan that would’ve endangered his new pilot Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw played by Miles Teller.
Kilmer’s five-word advice left Cruise in tears before admitting his former rival “was the only reason” he made it to where he was.
Val Kilmer attends an event at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on Oct. 28, 2019. Getty Images
Val Kilmer wears a scarf to cover his neck following his throat cancer battle. Paramount Pictures
Kilmer, wearing a scarf to cover his throat, eventually spoke during the scene, with his raspy voice speaking to Cruise before the two actors hugged.
Before the release of the sequel, Kilmer worked with London-based AI firm Sonantic to create 40 different models of the actor’s voice for the movie.
Film director Joseph Kosinski refuted the use of the technology in the movie, according to USA Today.
During the press tour for the original “Top Gun” Kilmer revealed his family connections to the military aviation career. Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
Cruise admitted to being emotional while filming the reunion.
“I’ve known Val for decades, and 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,” Cruise said in a 2023 appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work,” Cruise added.
Kilmer shared a similar feeling.
“I was very moved the first time I saw it. Almost 40 years is a long time for a reunion,” Kilmer told USA Today in 2022. “We laughed all day. Tom is great and surprisingly funny!!”
