When Top Gun: Maverick hit theaters in 2022, one moment stood out for both fans and the cast: the emotional reunion between Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer.
This reunion, which was initially a heartwarming moment of nostalgia for audiences, now holds a bittersweet significance following Kilmer’s death in April 2025.
The actor passed away after complications from pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be tied to the iconic Top Gun franchise.
A Magical Reunion on Set
Tom Cruise, now 62, shared his memories of the reunion with his longtime friend and co-star.
Reflecting on the moment they reconnected on set, Cruise described the experience as “special and beautiful.”
He said, “To come back all those years later, it was amazing being on set for Top Gun: Maverick. It was like time had not passed.
We were laughing, and it was joyous.”
But when the cameras started rolling, Kilmer immediately transformed back into his legendary character, Iceman. Cruise was in awe of his friend’s enduring talent.
“And then we started acting and… he became Iceman. The power that this guy has, even without saying anything, to become that character… you see how even the sniff that he gave. He was Iceman.”
The Powerful Friendship of Maverick and Iceman
Cruise and Kilmer’s on-screen dynamic has always been one of the most memorable aspects of Top Gun.
In the original 1986 film, their characters, Maverick and Iceman, went from bitter rivals to close friends.
Despite a relatively brief appearance in the first film, Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left a lasting impact on audiences, including those here in South Africa, where the Top Gun franchise has remained a cult classic.
Cruise reflected on Kilmer’s unique ability to leave a lasting impression, saying, “That’s the impact of an artist like that.
He didn’t even have to speak. That’s what he’s able to do.
Beautiful, really beautiful. A gift that he had and that he shared with all of us.”
The Journey to Bring Iceman Back
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that Cruise was instrumental in bringing Kilmer back for the Top Gun: Maverick sequel.
Kilmer had initially turned down a role in the original film in 1986, wishing to play a lead role instead of a supporting character.
However, Cruise and director Tony Scott persisted, and the two stars eventually came together, forming one of the most memorable on-screen partnerships in cinematic history.
Val Kilmer’s Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Kilmer’s life wasn’t without challenges. In 2015, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which led to multiple surgeries and left him with a permanent tracheostomy, altering his voice.
Yet, through sheer determination, he continued to perform.
For Top Gun: Maverick, AI technology was used to help recreate his voice, allowing him to reprise his role as Iceman in a truly moving way.
Kilmer expressed his gratitude for the technology, saying, “I’m grateful to the entire team at Sonantic who masterfully restored my voice.”
Reflecting on a Legacy
Kilmer, who was known not only for his talent but also for his deep reflections on life, once admitted, “I wish that I loved more.
I want to be a better person. I try to figure that out every day, how to be more grateful.”
His passing has resonated deeply, especially in places like South Africa, where Top Gun inspired generations.
Top Gun: Maverick went on to gross over R6.5 billion worldwide, a testament to its global and local impact.
However, for many, it’s the image of Maverick and Iceman together again—stronger and wiser—that will endure long after the credits roll.
The Enduring Impact of Val Kilmer’s Iceman
As fans continue to celebrate Kilmer’s legacy, his portrayal of Iceman in Top Gun remains iconic.
His strength as an actor, even with limited dialogue, showed the world what it means to leave a lasting mark on cinema.
For Cruise and countless fans, the reunion with his friend, while brief, was an unforgettable moment that will forever be cherished.
If you’ve watched Top Gun: Maverick and witnessed Val Kilmer’s emotional return, what did you think of his portrayal of Iceman? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!