Val Kilmer’s death on April 1, 2025, has left a void in Hollywood, but his enduring legacy, especially his iconic role as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun, continues to captivate hearts worldwide. His bond with Tom Cruise, who played Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the 1986 film, stands as one of the most cherished in cinematic history. The two forged a friendship on set that transcended their characters and would endure for decades, even through the most challenging of circumstances.
In the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer made a poignant return to the screen, reprising his role as the Admiral. Although his health had been severely impacted by his battle with throat cancer, the moment was nothing short of magical, both for Kilmer and for the actor who had shared so many years with him. Tom Cruise recently reflected on their emotional reunion during a 2023 interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, sharing that filming with Kilmer again was a deeply moving experience.
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional,” Cruise said, visibly moved by the memory. “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.”
A Bond That Transcended the Screen
Cruise’s words captured the essence of their incredible bond. As Maverick and Iceman, their rivalry on screen quickly became a symbol of camaraderie and respect. Off-screen, their relationship evolved into a lifelong friendship filled with laughter, mutual admiration, and unwavering support for one another. When asked by Kimmel if he cried during the emotional scene in Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise didn’t hold back, admitting, “I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, I love his work.”
In fact, the reunion meant more to Cruise than just a cinematic moment. It was a symbol of resilience. Kilmer, who had fought a fierce battle with cancer, returned to play a character he had never quite expected to become synonymous with. Despite his initial reluctance to take the role of Iceman in Top Gun—a role he once thought was “silly” and that he almost turned down—Kilmer had since embraced the character in a way that transformed both his career and his personal life. What was once a reluctant decision had become one of Hollywood’s most enduring legacies.
“Like Being Reunited With a Long-Lost Friend”
Kilmer, in his own words, admitted that despite his initial reservations about Top Gun, being part of the 2022 sequel felt deeply special. He told PEOPLE, “It was like being reunited with a long-lost friend. The characters never really go away. They live on in deep freeze. If you’ll pardon the pun.”
Kilmer’s reflection on the character was a reminder of how intertwined his identity had become with Iceman, a role that catapulted him into the stratosphere of fame and would continue to define him for decades to come. The film, which was initially a surprise commercial success, went on to become a part of the fabric of pop culture. As Kilmer said in his 2021 documentary, Val, “None of us knew at the time what a crazy commercial success the film would be. All of a sudden, I was being catapulted into the celebrity stratosphere, and for the rest of my life, I would be called Iceman by every pilot at every airport I went to.”
The Power of a Friendship
For Cruise and Kilmer, the bond they formed during the making of Top Gun was one that survived the highs of box-office success and the lows of personal and health challenges. Their reunion in Top Gun: Maverick wasn’t just about revisiting an old role; it was about honoring a friendship that had withstood the test of time and adversity. Kilmer’s ability to step back into the role of Iceman, despite his physical struggles, was a testament to his incredible strength and the depth of his artistry.
Cruise had often spoken about how much it meant to have Kilmer back on set, sharing how they would often laugh and reconnect in between takes, as if no time had passed. “We get together… we just start laughing,” Cruise shared. “It was special to have him back. It meant a lot to me.”
In a final tribute to his friend, Cruise continues to carry the legacy of their shared moments in Top Gun. For both actors, the experience of Top Gun: Maverick wasn’t just about reliving a part of their past; it was about cementing their bond in an unforgettable way. The scene between Maverick and Iceman in the 2022 sequel remains one of the most emotional moments in film, not just because of the characters’ history, but because it mirrored the powerful and lasting connection between two actors who had shared so much.
As we remember Val Kilmer, it’s clear that the legacy he leaves behind goes far beyond the characters he portrayed. It’s the friendships, the love, and the courage he showed, both on and off-screen, that will live on.
Rest in peace, Val Kilmer. You will always be Iceman, and your brilliance will never fade.