Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor whose iconic roles in movies like Batman Forever, The Door, and Top Gun made him a Hollywood legend, has passed away at 65. Kilmer died on April 1, 2025, in Los Angeles, after a prolonged battle with throat cancer. Known for his intense and versatile performances, Kilmer will forever be remembered for his role as the cold and calculated Iceman in Top Gun.
His portrayal of the perfectionist naval aviator, constantly at odds with Tom Cruise’s Maverick, became one of the most memorable rivalries in cinematic history. The tension between their characters went beyond the screen. However, Kilmer, later in life, revealed his thoughts on their on-screen conflict, and it is filled with empathy for his co-star.
There wasn’t any personal issue between Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise
In his 2021 Amazon Prime documentary Val, Val Kilmer shared details of his experience filming Top Gun, where the rivalry between Maverick and Iceman became a focal point of the film. While the characters’ animosity was fierce on screen, Kilmer explained that the tension between him and Cruise extended into their off-screen interactions, but not in the way many might expect.
Kilmer revealed that it was part of the method acting process, where he played up the rivalry to get into character. Val explained there was very little on the page for his character, which led him to create a backstory,
I manifested a backstory for him, where he had a father who ignored him, and as a result, I was driven by a need to be perfect in every way. This obsession with perfection is what made him so arrogant.
Kilmer admitted that he would often play up the tension between himself and Cruise off-camera as well. This method acting led to the actors naturally splitting into “two distinct camps.” However, Kilmer was quick to clarify that his relationship with Cruise was never adversarial in a personal sense. Kilmer confessed,
It was fun to play up the conflict between our characters, but in reality, I’ve always thought of Tom as a friend, and we’ve always supported each other.
Kilmer’s sentiment of friendship and respect have echoed over the years in interviews. In a 2017 Reddit “Ask Me Anything” (AMA), Kilmer once again praised Cruise, calling him “sweetheart.” Kilmer humorously reflected on the filming days, mentioning that while he and other cast members had fun off-set, playing around San Diego, dating extras, and cruising in muscle cars, Cruise was often too busy with his scenes to join in.
I actually felt a little sorry for him… But Tom was always in some scene and never go to play with us…
Despite their on-screen tension, Kilmer and Cruise shared a deep mutual respect. His return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 marked a heartfelt reunion between the two actors.
Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise reunited in Top Gun: Maverick
Kilmer’s appearance, despite his ongoing health struggles, was a moving tribute to their decades-long friendship. Tom Cruise shared during his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live that if any scene made him cry in Top Gun: Maverick, it was the emotional reunion between Cruise’s Maverick and Kilmer’s Iceman. Kilmer had not acted in years after losing the ability to speak due to his throat cancer treatment in 2014, but he returned for an unforgettable scene in the blockbuster sequel.
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 confessed he couldn’t hold back his tears,
I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.
Kilmer’s passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood, but his portrayal of Iceman will forever be remembered as one of his most powerful performances. His bond with Tom Cruise, built on respect, and a shared commitment to their craft, will continue to resonate with fans for years to come.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
