When Val Kilmer Recalled He Was ‘Tortured’ Into Auditioning For Tom Cruise’s Top Gun Amid His Death: ‘Didn’t Care About the Film’

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Val Kilmer is renowned for numerous unforgettable on-screen characters, yet one role that remains deeply etched in fans’ minds is Iceman from Top Gun. This character, Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazanski, earned him both critical praise and adoration from the audience, making him a beloved figure among fans. Interestingly, Kilmer disclosed in his 2020 memoir that he had initially been hesitant to join the now-legendary film.

He admitted that he only encountered director Tony Scott due to his agent’s insistence at the time. To be honest, I wasn’t keen on the role or the movie, and the plot didn’t grab me. However, my agent, who happened to represent Tom Cruise as well, pressured me into meeting Tony Scott, claiming he was one of the most sought-after directors in Hollywood at that moment.

To put it simply, he seemed incredibly unenthusiastic about the movie, appearing for his lines as if he was making a fool of himself. As detailed in his memoir “I’m Your Huckleberry”, the actor donned oversized, garish green Australian shorts at a crucial audition. Despite trying to give a terrible performance intentionally, he surprisingly landed the role, which turned out to be a disappointment for him.

I read the lines without much emotion. But strangely enough, I was offered the part. Instead of feeling elated, I felt quite let down. I needed to leave the place immediately. However, I had to take on the role because of contractual agreements, despite Scott’s promise that the script would be revised.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArOMXELHiLw

Kilmer has frequently expressed his strong dislike for the initial script. In his documentary, Val, he openly acknowledged that he found it both childish and promoting war.

Ultimately, Kilmer was compelled to assume that role, thereby becoming an integral part of a timeless cinematic masterpiece and solidifying his enduring fame.

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2025-04-02 18:07