Tom Cruise Cried When Reuniting with Val Kilmer for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Tom Cruise opened up about working with Val Kilmer again on Top Gun: Maverick.

The two actors famously acted together in the original 1986 film Top Gun and reprised their roles in the 2022 megahit sequel, which has grossed a whopping $1.48 billion worldwide. Kilmer has maintained a low profile in recent years due to issues battling throat cancer that have permanently impacted his voice.

Cruise appeared on a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live where a clip from Top Gun: Maverick was played featuring Kilmer. Cruise said, "I just want to say that was pretty emotional. 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 just looking at Iceman."

Kimmel playfully asked Cruise about the scene that was shown, "Did you cry when you guys shot that or was it just me?" Cruise laughed and responded, "I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional. He's such a brilliant actor and I love his work."

Top Gun: Maverick is nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture. Fans will find out if the film takes home any Oscars when the 2023 Academy Awards are live on ABC on March 12.