Val Kilmer’s unforgettable roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors have solidified him as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. But was he really in The Lost Boys? Even a career as legendary as his wasn’t enough to shield Jesse Watters from a recent embarrassing blunder on live television.
On a recent segment, Fox News anchor Watters, during a tribute to Kilmer following his passing, made a critical error that quickly became the talk of social media. What was meant to be a respectable tribute to the late actor turned into an awkward moment that left many scratching their heads and laughing at the same time.

Anchor Jesse Watters made an embarrassing claim about the late actor Val Kilmer
In the fast-paced world of live television, slip-ups are inevitable, but some mistakes often stand out as particularly memorable. The awkward moment occurred during Fox News anchor Jess Watters’ interview with filmmaker Oliver Stone, who appeared to talk about the JFK Assassination case. However, things turned a bit clumsy when Watters reflected on Val Kilmer‘s legacy.

During the interview with Stone, who had worked with Kilmer on The Doors, Watters mentioned his admiration for the 1987 movie The Lost Boys. However, there was just one problem— Val Kilmer was never in The Lost Boys. The vampire classic actually starred Kiefer Sutherland in the lead role. The mix-up didn’t go unnoticed.
Jesse Watters actually thinks that Val Kilmer is Kiefer Sutherland in the movie, ‘The Lost Boys’…
I’m surprised Oliver Stone didn’t correct him pic.twitter.com/RZKtBrqP72— Kildzr (@kildzr) April 3, 2025
Viewers quickly pointed out the error, especially given the fact that Sutherland, not Kilmer, was the one associated with the movie. Yet, on live television, Watter’s claim had the potential to confuse even the most dedicated movie fans. They had to cross-check the actor’s filmography. In fact, it was clear that Kilmer’s legendary roles in movies like Top Gun, Tombstone, and The Doors never crossed paths with The Lost Boys.
The blunder was made all the more awkward by the fact that Watters was honoring Kilmer just days after his death. Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65, following a battle with pneumonia. His passing sparked tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Many of whom reflected on his career and the iconic roles he played. Unfortunately, Watters’ mistake became the unfortunate focal point of this tribute.
Fans took to social media to point out the mistake of Jesse Watters’ claim about Val Kilmer in The Lost Boys

The mistake was quickly noticed by viewers, who took to social media to point out the error. Many fans were quick to remind Watters that it was Kiefer Sutherland, not Val Kilmer, who was part of the Lost Boys cast, with some playfully mocking the mix-up. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Val Kilmer was in The Lost Boys? Did you just confuse Kiefer Sutherland with Val Kilmer?”
Did anyone else catch Jesse waters saying Val Kilmer was in Lost Boys 😂😂😂 that was Kiefer Sutherland . Val was not in that movie. pic.twitter.com/hRELkZEiL5
— Joe (@Joe773565116602) April 3, 2025
Another fan humorously added, “Jesse Watters actually thinks that Val Kilmer is Kiefer Sutherland in The Lost Boys… I’m surprised Oliver Stone didn’t correct him.” Others took the opportunity to humorously correct Watters.
Jesse Watters actually thinks that Val Kilmer is Kiefer Sutherland in the movie, ‘The Lost Boys’…
I’m surprised Oliver Stone didn’t correct him pic.twitter.com/RZKtBrqP72— Kildzr (@kildzr) April 3, 2025
Jesse Watters, speaking with Oliver Stone about working with Val Kilmer, told him he “loved The Lost Boys” which neither Oliver Stone was involved with, nor was Val Kilmer. pic.twitter.com/dBihqTLgHi
— Deebs (@DeebsFLA) April 3, 2025
Someone needs to tell @JesseBWatters that @valkilmer was NOT in the movie “The Lost Boys”.
— Seahorse (@ShakesandBerry) April 3, 2025
I just spent 10 minutes trying to find out who Val Kilmer played in The Lost Boys after @JesseBWatters alluded to him being in the 1987 movie.
Thanks Jesse!!! I will never get that 10 minutes back. 😂
— Jonathan T Gilliam (@JGilliam_SEAL) April 3, 2025
The confusion over Kilmer and Sutherland’s roles in 1980s films led to a flurry of lighthearted comments, with many fans calling out the mix-up and laughing at the awkward moment. Fans seemed amused by the mistake, given the significant difference between the two actors’ careers.
While live TV mistakes are inevitable, this one became a standout moment, adding an unintended twist to the tribute. Fans are likely to remember Watters’ slip-up long after the tribute to Kilmer, as the incident became a viral talking point.
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