Tom Cruise Says He Was in Tears While Shooting ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Reunion With Val Kilmer: “I Got Emotional”
It turns out that it wasn’t just audiences who got emotional when Tom Cruise’s Maverick reunited with Val Kilmer’s Iceman in last year’s smash hit Top Gun: Maverick.
Cruise taken Jimmy Kimmel Live on Friday, where he and host Jimmy Kimmel discussed the film’s phenomenal success, which includes six Oscar nominations heading into next month’s Academy Awards ceremony. Viewers were shown a clip of “The Interview” during the conversation. Maverick is the Top Gun Cruise and Kilmer exchange a few words.
The Hollywood Reporter has more
“I just want to say, that was pretty emotional,” Cruise said of filming the scene. “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. You’re looking at Iceman.”
This led Kimmel to ask, “Were you crying when you guys shot that, or was it just me?” After a laugh, Cruise answered earnestly, “I was crying. I was emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.”
Kimmel then pointed out that the film doesn’t just emphasize stunts but also has plenty of heart, leading Cruise to confirm, “There’s some tears.”
Cruise starred alongside Kilmer in the 1986 original hit. Top GunRadiation and chemotherapy for throat cancer have caused a significant loss of speech. Jerry Bruckheimer produced both films. previously told The Hollywood Reporter Cruise was firm about including Kilmer in the sequel. Kilmer is now cancer-free.
“[Tom] said, ‘I’m not making this movie without Val,’” Bruckheimer said at the time. “When we filmed it, it was a very emotional day, having Val there and seeing him work with Tom after 35 years.”