People that Cruise, 59, “really wanted” Kilmer to be part of the action film despite his health struggles. Kilmer, 61, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017 and underwent radiation and chemotherapy.
The “Alexander” star portrayed Iceman in the 1986 original film. He played the enemy of Cruise’s Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.
Both actors will reprise their iconic roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” — due for a Nov. 19 cinematic release. “[Cruise] said, ‘We have to have Val, we have to have him back.
We have to have him in the film,'” Bruckheimer said. “And he was the driving force. We all wanted him, but Tom was really adamant that if he’s going to make another ‘Top Gun,’ Val had to be in it.”The film producer added, “[Kilmer is] such a fine.
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