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The return of Val Kilmer as Lieutenant Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick was hailed as “special” and “beautiful” by star Tom Cruise. Cruise reportedly championed Kilmer’s return to the franchise decades after their initial flight in the 1986 blockbuster. However, Kilmer’s role in the 2022 sequel was facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) due to vocal cord damage from a 2014 tracheotomy following throat cancer. Now, as preliminary discussions begin for Top Gun 3, a proposition to resurrect Kilmer using AI has reportedly been met with strong opposition from Cruise.
Tom Cruise Rejects AI Resurrection of Val Kilmer in Top Gun 3
Sources reveal that Tom Cruise vehemently opposed the idea of using AI to recreate Val Kilmer in the upcoming Top Gun 3. This follows Kilmer’s final film appearance in Top Gun: Maverick, where AI technology was used to regenerate his voice.
Cruise’s Strong Stance Against AI
Insiders speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail detailed Cruise’s reaction during a pre-production meeting: “Someone suggested bringing Val Kilmer back via AI,” a source recounted. “Tom jumped to his feet and let rip, leaving the entire room silent for literally minutes. You could almost hear a pin drop and see steam coming out of his ears.”
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- Cruise’s opposition stems from his reported disdain for AI.
- He believed Kilmer’s appearance in Top Gun: Maverick was a fitting farewell, honoring his battle with cancer.
“Tom’s stand on AI is that he despises it,” the source stated. “Val only managed to make a brief appearance in Top Gun: Maverick due to his long battle with cancer. Tom knew it would be Val’s screen farewell and wanted to give him the honorable send off he deserved.”
Remembering Iceman: A Touching Farewell
The on-screen reunion between Iceman, now an Admiral, and Cruise’s Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell resonated deeply with fans. Their emotional exchange, where Iceman advised Maverick to “let go” of the past, was a poignant moment in the film.
“The Navy needs Maverick,” Iceman affirmed in the film. “The kid needs Maverick. That’s why I fought for you. That’s why you’re still here.”
Director Joseph Kosinski noted the emotional impact on both actors during the scene’s filming, describing it as “a genuine moment between two old friends.”
AI’s Role in Top Gun: Maverick
London-based AI company Sonantic played a crucial role in Top Gun: Maverick, recreating Kilmer’s voice, which he used to aid communication in daily life.
“I’m grateful to the entire team at Sonantic who masterfully restored my voice in a way I’ve never imagined possible,” Kilmer expressed at the time.
Cruise’s Concerns for Kilmer’s Legacy
Cruise reportedly fears that using AI to fully recreate Kilmer would “bastardize” his legacy and the emotional impact of his character’s send-off in Top Gun: Maverick.
In the sequel, Iceman’s passing from cancer led to a heartfelt salute from Maverick at his military funeral.
“The moment he shared with Val in Maverick was such a beautiful experience, that when an AI Val was brought up, he wasn’t happy and quickly killed it because that would just bastardize everything,” a source explained.
Moving Forward: Honoring the Character’s Memory
According to sources, while Top Gun 3 may acknowledge Val Kilmer’s character, Maverick’s final on-screen interaction with Iceman remains his definitive farewell.
“He did not want to be part of it. If Val isn’t here to appreciate or sign off on it, Tom is having none of it. He didn’t want to do that to Val. Will the movie reference Val? Yes, but Maverick is the last time we’ll see him.”
Cruise’s Passion and Professionalism
This incident isn’t the first time Cruise’s intense dedication has been observed.
In 2020, an audio recording captured his expletive-filled outburst aimed at staff violating COVID-19 protocols on the set of Mission: Impossible 7.
Maintaining Strict Standards
The outburst occurred after two crew members disregarded social distancing guidelines.
“If I see you do it again, you’re f***ing gone,” he exclaimed. “And anyone on this crew does it, THAT’S IT! And you, too. And you, too. And you. If you ever do it again, that’s it.”
“No apologies. You can tell it to the people who are losing their f***ing homes because our INDUSTRY is shut down.”
Cruise’s commitment to excellence explains his strong reaction to the AI proposal. After years of development for Maverick, he’s determined to maintain the film’s integrity.
“People loved the sequel so Tom will do nothing to ruin the audience’s goodwill,” the source concluded. “To add an AI Val would be graceless.”