Top Gun is perhaps one of the most iconic films from the 1980s. The movie propelled Tom Cruise to new heights of stardom. When the sequel to the movie was announced, fans were understandably excited.
Many old faces were expected to be seen in “Top Gun: Maverick,” including that of Val Kilmer playing Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. This expectation is exactly what helped Kilmer reprise the role.
Tony Scott’s 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun” propelled a lot of actors to new heights of fame and success. While Tom Cruise gained A-List celebrity status, his co-star Val Kilmer reached cult status, becoming a household name in his own right.
Val Kilmer played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, the rival to Cruise’s beloved Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. People loved the on-screen rivalry between the duo and Kilmer used this to lobby his position to Tom Cruise, director Joseph Kosinski and executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer to include him in the movie.
Kilmer was reportedly very excited to play the “Iceman” again. Saying in an interview, “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.”
Even though “Top Gun: Maverick” is a sequel, there are only a few characters reprising their role and one of them is just in the form of flashbacks. Meg Ryan is the only actor making a reappearance as the character of Goose’s wife, apart from Val Kilmer.
When people started wondering why Kelly McGillis who played Tom Cruise’s love interest Charlotte Blackwood would make a reappearance, the actress was quick to squash those rumors. “I’m old, and I’m fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is. And that is not what that whole scene is about,” she said.
Val Kilmer’s cameo in the movie’s sequel was brief but rememberable. His children Jack and Mercedes Kilmer accompanied their father on set and remarked on how Cruise greeted the entire family warmly.
Even Cruise commented in a press interview on how he felt about working alongside Kilmer once again. “I’ve always admired his work, his talent,” the actor said adding, “We get together. . . we just start laughing. It was special to have him back. It meant a lot to me.”
“Top Gun: Maverick” is slated for release at the end of this month. Fans have been waiting for over three decades to see what their beloved “Maverick” has been up to.
Are you excited to see “Top Gun: Maverick” come May, 27th? Let us know in the comments! And share this article with your friends to get them excited too.
