How Val Kilmer Really Feels About His Top Gun: Maverick Role

After COVID-related delays, “Top Gun: Maverick” has finally hit movie theater screens, and the buzz around the new film is nothing short of amazing. Fans love the return to the classic days of 80s action flicks, and Tom Cruise has been praised for his return performance as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. But there is one very special cameo in the film that has fans buzzing.

Val Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer a few years ago, and his fight with the disease cost him his voice. But it was incredibly important for Tom Cruise to have his friend reprise his iconic role as Iceman. Using impressive technology, the movie’s technical team managed to give Kilmer his voice back. Here’s how Val Kilmer really feels about his “Top Gun: Maverick” role.

#ValKilmer #TopGun #Maverick

[Looper]

How did you feel about his role in the movie?

[trinaq]

I'm so glad that they included Val Kilmer as Iceman, his scenes were incredibly touching and heartwarming.

[GPsarakis]

You gotta love how Tom insisted Val be in the movie, that's respect there. After so long they really didn't have to include him or anyone else from the original but glad they did, great scene.

[buffaloditka]

The scene between Maverick and Iceman was definitely worth the price of admission. Having one of the principal characters (other than Maverick of course) return was worth it and seeing the friendship enduring the decades was special.

[jtteng]

I love how Top Gun Maverick created Val's role. Because everything make sense. He's Iceman, he was destined to be an admiral. And seeing how both Ice and Maverick matured and developed their friendship is so heartwarming. Still, the question is... "who is the better pilot?" lols I love that scene.

[MisterFarce]

Val Kilmer is an absolute treasure of cinema and an even better human being

[smellyfinger]

It was hard seeing an actor I grew up watching struggle like that but I’m glad he was in it. I think they did him justice, he was admiral of the pacific fleet for Christ sake. FYI, this movie is fantastic. Watch it immediately.

[gailenefuller]

Val was robbed of the Oscar. His Doc Holliday in Tombstone is the best I've seen.I have watched the movie at least fifty times.

[tombutler]

I’m not afraid to say I shed a tear or 2 during Val’s scenes 😢☺️

[bliglum]

Val brought the heart part of the movie, for sure.. There was some with Goose's son, of course.

But the Iceman helping Mav when he, we needed it most, moved me the most.

[mystikrebel]

He was amazing even in that small part. A very emotional scene with both characters

[papillonvu]

I’ve been a fan of Val Kilmer’s for so long, and thought he was completely snubbed by the industry for his great performances in The Doors and Tombstone.

I’ve been rallying for him to have a comeback, and to see him take part in this incredible project that is Top Gun: Maverick, is so gratifying!

[stevenjeffrey]

I can't be the only one to wonder how hard it must have been for Val to watch this movie (spoiler) because of the funeral scene, knowing that his cancer battle was the same as what did in Iceman. His scene with Mav was so touching because of the real friendship that Val and Tom have. When the hugged it out it wasn't just Iceman and Maverick, it was about the actors themselves as well.

[ziji]

Kilmer is really underrated and often forgotten, definitley deserves a place in the spotlight

[mr.g.]

The scene with Iceman definitely worked beautifully and was very heartfelt. They worked in his real life battle with tremendous effect. Wouldn't have been the same without him ✈

[jeffadams]

That scene was the BEST part of the movie. I actually teared up. The nostalgia and character depth from the original Top Gun was what brought the heart and soul into the new one. They nailed that part of the movie. How they implemented Ice's role was so perfect.

[makeupandmusicgirl]

I’m so glad he came back for this movie. It was excellent, and Val did great. It’s amazing how someone can have zero spoken dialogue and still convey everything necessary for the role. Just goes to show we need more representation of people with disabilities! I love it when I see people using sign language, etc, in big movies these days.

[tdrewman]

I am not going to lie, the scene with Mave and Ice brought a tear to my eye..

[johnpurdy]

So glad Val was able to reprise his role as ice man! Wouldn't have been the same movie without him. He may have had a small scene but it was a very beautiful and touching scene full of emotion. Val is a wonderful actor and an even better human being. I have nothing but love, appreciation, and respect for him. 🙏

[bobbyricigliano]

The admiration, appreciation, and respect Val Kilmer’s fans have for him are all off the chart. I can’t even count all the great roles he has played over the years. Tom Cruise insisting that VK be part of the sequel is also pure class. TG2 could not have ever materialized without Cruise, and we are all glad he used that leverage to insist on VK’s involvement.