Tom Cruise Remembers Emotional Reunion with Val Kilmer Before Actor’s Death

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Val Kilmer, the iconic actor best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Tombstone, who died Tuesday at the age of 65 following a battle with pneumonia. Among those reflecting on Kilmer’s life and career is longtime friend and co-star Tom Cruise, who shared a special bond with the late actor.

In a 2023 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Cruise, now 62, recalled the emotional experience of reuniting with Kilmer while filming Top Gun: Maverick, the 2022 sequel to their 1986 classic.

“I just want to say that was pretty emotional. I’ve known Val for decades,” Cruise told Kimmel, adding, “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.”

Kilmer reprised his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Maverick, appearing alongside Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in a poignant scene that resonated deeply with fans. In the film, Kazansky—now an admiral—was battling throat cancer and nearing the end of his life. He shared one final, heartfelt conversation with Maverick, advising him, “It’s time to let go.”

For Cruise, the on-screen moment reflected a real-life friendship that spanned nearly four decades. “I was crying. I got emotional,” Cruise admitted during the interview. “He’s such a brilliant actor. I love his work.”

Kilmer’s role in Top Gun: Maverick was made even more powerful by his real-life health struggles. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, Kilmer underwent two tracheotomies and largely lost his ability to speak. Despite these challenges, he returned to the franchise in what would become one of the most memorable and moving scenes in the film.

At one of the film’s premieres in May 2022, Cruise told Entertainment Tonight he had championed Kilmer’s casting from the beginning. “The kind of talent that he has, and you see that scene — it’s very special,” he said.

Director Joseph Kosinski, who helmed Maverick, reflected on the pair’s dynamic, telling the Los Angeles Times in 2022: “You’ve got two masters at the top of their game playing the most iconic characters of their careers. There’s a lot of Maverick in Tom, and Iceman in Val. What you are seeing onscreen is an authentic friendship that has lasted over 36 years.”

Kosinski recalled that during filming, both Cruise and Kilmer were visibly emotional. “After one of the takes, I noticed that both Tom and Val had tears in their eyes. It felt like a genuine moment between two old friends.”

Off-camera, the two actors shared an easy rapport. Kosinski revealed that between takes, they would reminisce and trade stories with producer Jerry Bruckheimer about their early days making the original Top Gun. “At the time, they were a bit competitive with each other, but now it’s something they could laugh about,” the director said.

Kilmer echoed those sentiments in a 2022 interview with USA Today. “Almost 40 years is a long time for a reunion. We laughed all day,” he said. “Tom is great and surprisingly funny.”

In his 2021 documentary Val, Kilmer reflected on his initial hesitation to star in Top Gun, admitting he had reservations about the story but ultimately embraced the role. He even admitted to fueling the off-screen rivalry between himself and Cruise during the first film’s production, something that matured over time into a lasting friendship.

“Tom and I get along really well,” Kilmer told the LA Times. “We giggled like little kids in school between takes. I consider him a real friend.”

Kilmer’s final appearance alongside Cruise not only gave closure to Top Gun fans but also served as a heartfelt tribute to the real-life bond between two Hollywood legends.