Val Kilmer was thrilled to put health concerns aside to return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick

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Val Kilmer was thrilled for the opportunity to reprise his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick.The 62-year-old actor - who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 - is famous for playing the calm, cool rival to Tom Cruise's Maverick in the original 1986 film.However, when the actor admitted in a 2013 interview will Larry King that he had not been approached about appearing in a proposed Top Gun sequel, Tom Cruise, 59, reportedly rallied the troops to ensure his buddy was included.

Reunion: Val Kilmer, 62, was thrilled to be part of the cast in Top Gun: Maverick as Admiral Tom KazinskyIn an interview with People, producer Jerry Bruckheimer declared, 'Tom said he wasn't going to make the movie without him.' As such, once the final script was approved, it made allowances for Ice who had been promoted to Admiral to take part in the fun.'So the fact that he was able to do it and he worked with us on the script,' explained the producer, 'to have him there and be a part of it was a really emotional day when we filmed him.

Because you want to see those two on the screen again, Iceman and Maverick going at it. And that's what movie making and audiences love.' Health: The Batman star was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and has difficulty speaking as a result of the treatment.

His condition was worked into the script for Top Gun: MaverickThat particular element is one that received high marks from critics and fans alike.Val's son, Jack, 26 recalled how 'stoked' his father was to be joining the cast.'[My sister,] Mercedes, and I went down to San Diego to that big naval base for the shoot with Tom Cruise and everyone.