Tom Cruise Admits He ‘Was Crying’ While Filming ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Alongside Val Kilmer

Mar 01, 2023

Val Kilmer is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men. From his turn as Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the classic '80s film "Top Gun" and the fantasy film "Willow," to playing the Caped Crusader himself in 1995’s "Batman Forever," Kilmer has had a long and varied career that's spanned decades.

Other notable films of his include "True Romance," "Tombstone" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." And while he's continued to work in Hollywood over the years, he hasn't been in the spotlight like he once used to be.

Sadly, after lying low for a period in the mid-2010s, it was revealed that the actor was battling throat cancer. Kilmer initially denied reports that he was ill and tried to keep his personal life separate from his public life and career, but in 2017 he decided to reveal his diagnosis to the public. This was while he was already well into his treatment. Kilmer underwent chemotherapy and two tracheostomies, which ultimately left him with a rasp in his voice and changed the way he spoke.

After a hiatus in the mid-late 2010s when he battled cancer, Kilmer made a comeback to his movie-star roots. After being cancer-free for a few years, he was busy with a number of releases, including a memoir that he published in 2020 titled "I'm Your Huckleberry: A Memoir." The following year in 2021, he released a documentary about his life to great acclaim. Titled "Val," the film featured never-before-seen archive footage that Kilmer filmed himself. 

Then in 2022, Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman in "Top Gun: Maverick," which also featured Tom Cruise. It was an emotional reunion for the pair, who both starred in the original film.

Following the release of his memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry: A Memoir,” and documentary, “Val,” Kilmer reprised his iconic role of Iceman in the "Top Gun" sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick." The film had its world premiere in May 2022, ahead of a worldwide theatrical release. In the film, Kilmer starred alongside Tom Cruise once again. The movie also featured notable stars such as Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm and Ed Harris. 

Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes Kilmer spoke to People about how much being in the film meant to her father and how "extraordinary" it was to be on set that day. She said:

"It means a lot to my dad as he's very proud of that film. This is what he loves to do ... It was trippy and very special for my dad to be on set with all of his friends who made this movie when they were my age."

Kilmer told "GMA" the experience of working with Cruise again "was absolutely moving." He added, "In between takes, Tom and I just laughed like we were in high school."

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer told People about how "thrilled" Kilmer was to be included in the new movie. He said:

"We called Val and told him we wanted to meet him to be in the picture. And he was thrilled ... Tom (Cruise) said he wasn't going to make the movie without him. So the fact that he was able to do it and he worked with us on the script, to have him there and be a part of it was a really emotional day when we filmed him. Because you want to see those two on the screen again, Iceman and Maverick going at it. And that's what movie making and audiences love."

Bruckheimer talked about capturing their characters' "36-year friendship" on camera and how critical it was to the film's plot. 

Meanwhile, Cruise revealed to Entertainment Tonight that for the first "Top Gun," he "really rallied hard for (Kilmer) to make the movie." He then spoke about their scene together in "Top Gun: Maverick:”

"The kind of talent that he has, and you see that scene, it's very special, it's just very special."

Cruise continued to rave in other interviews about how much it meant to work with Kilmer again, especially considering how long it’d been since they worked together and how much their lives had changed since.

During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in February 2023, Cruise spoke with host Jimmy Kimmel about how emotional it was to reunite with Kilmer. Even while speaking about Kilmer’s abilities, Cruise couldn’t help but get a bit emotional. The actor raved about his talented friend and said:

"I just want to say that was pretty emotional. 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."

Kilmer was featured in a scene alongside Cruise. After Kimmel asked Cruise if he cried while filming, Cruise admitted, "I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional.” Speaking about Kilmer, Cruise continued, "He's such a brilliant actor, I love his work."

Both critics and fans on social media had nothing but praise for Kilmer and the rest of the crew involved with the movie, and some even said it's better than the original movie. That's no small feat and only proves Kilmer’s Hollywood comeback was a true success story.

What do you think about Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer’s friendship? Are you a fan of the “Top Gun” films? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family, friends and any movie lovers you know!