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Val Kilmer was truly a beloved actor, admired by many — including Tom Cruise, who recently opened up about working with him on Top Gun. Cruise described their time together as an “exhilarating” experience and spoke warmly about Kilmer’s thoughtful and committed approach to acting.
In an interview with Sight and Sound magazine, Cruise, now 62, reflected on both the original Top Gun from 1986 and the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick. He expressed how grateful he was that Kilmer agreed to be part of the film, especially since Kilmer was initially hesitant to join. According to Cruise, Kilmer was only supposed to have a smaller role, which made him reluctant.
Cruise shared a funny behind-the-scenes story about how he and director Tony Scott really had to convince Kilmer to sign on. “I was calling his agent, and Tony Scott was even chasing him in an elevator saying, ‘Please, Val, please,’” Cruise recalled.
Talking about Kilmer’s performance, Cruise said Val was a remarkable actor with a magnetic presence. He nailed the role of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky so perfectly that the story naturally had Maverick and Iceman becoming friends by the end. Cruise fondly remembered shooting scenes with Kilmer, including one where Kilmer’s character does a memorable “bite thing” — moments that felt fresh in his mind even decades later.
Though Kilmer’s screen time in the original Top Gun was only about 10 minutes, Cruise said his impact on the film and everyone involved was huge and lasting.
Sadly, Val Kilmer passed away on April 1 at age 65 due to pneumonia. Meanwhile, Cruise is gearing up for the release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 17, 2025.
It’s clear from Cruise’s words just how much Kilmer meant to those who worked with him — a true talent and unforgettable presence in Hollywood.