Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Tom Cruise Honors ‘Top Gun’ Co-star Val Kilmer at CinemaCon
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has honored his ‘Top Gun’ colleague, Val Kilmer, who passed away earlier in the week at the age of 65. The tribute occurred during CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where Cruise paused to remember his esteemed co-star.
A Moment of Silence for Val Kilmer
During CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Cruise addressed attendees at The Colosseum theatre, leading them in a moment of silence to ‘honor a cherished friend, Val Kilmer.’ This poignant moment allowed the industry to collectively remember the celebrated actor.
Cruise’s Admiration for Kilmer
Cruise expressed his deep admiration, stating, ‘Words cannot adequately convey how much I admired his craft and his person. I felt truly grateful and honored when he became a part of “Top Gun”,’ referencing Kilmer’s portrayal of his on-screen rival, Ice Man, in the original 1986 film. Val Kilmer reprised his role as Ice Man in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.

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Kilmer’s Legacy and Final Role
The 2022 film ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ was Val Kilmer’s final cinematic appearance. Val Kilmer, recognized for iconic roles such as Batman and Jim Morrison in ‘The Doors,’ passed away Tuesday night in Los Angeles. His contribution to cinema remains significant.
Remembering Kilmer in Las Vegas
In the packed Colosseum theatre in Las Vegas, filled with cinema owners and industry professionals, Cruise respectfully lowered his head. Following the silence, Cruise remarked, ‘Thank you, Val – may you fare well on your next journey.’
CinemaCon and Mission: Impossible Trailer
Cruise’s tribute at CinemaCon was part of the Paramount Pictures presentation. He also presented an exclusive trailer for ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,’ slated for release later this year. Furthermore, he paid tribute to Christopher McQuarrie, the film’s director, who was recognized as CinemaCon’s Director of the Year.
Action-Packed Trailer
The trailer showcased Cruise, renowned for performing his own stunts, in a sequence of action-filled scenes. These included:
- Sequences on fighter jets
- Explosions
- Wing-walking atop a vintage aircraft
This glimpse into ‘Mission: Impossible’ highlighted Cruise’s dedication to high-octane action.
Hollywood Mourns
While Hollywood mourned Val Kilmer, Cruise was among the notable figures who offered public condolences following the actor’s passing. His heartfelt tribute at CinemaCon stands out as a personal and public acknowledgment of Kilmer’s impact.
Fond Memories of Working with Kilmer
Cruise has openly expressed his fondness for collaborating with Kilmer. He recounted on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ feeling deeply moved by Kilmer’s presence on the set of ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ This emotional connection underscores their on-screen and off-screen relationship.
Cruise on Kilmer’s Talent
Recalling his emotions, Cruise stated, ‘I was crying, genuinely moved. He is such a remarkable actor, and I deeply admire his body of work.’
Kilmer’s Passing and Health Battles
Kilmer’s family informed US news outlets that his death followed a bout of pneumonia. The actor had undergone two tracheotomies during his treatment for throat cancer.
Kilmer’s Final ‘Top Gun’ Scene
Due to these procedures, Kilmer relied on a voice box to communicate. In the 2022 film, his character communicated with Cruise’s character via typed messages on a screen. Towards the conclusion of their scene, Kilmer, as Iceman, stood and firmly declared to Cruise, ‘The Navy needs Maverick.’ The scene concluded with the two characters embracing, followed by Iceman playfully teasing Cruise, questioning who was the superior pilot.