Kilmer passed away April 1 from pneumonia at the age of 65. But, just years before his death, he reprised one of his most iconic roles as Adm. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky for Top Gun: Maverick, marking the final time he and Cruise would appear on screen together.

Maverick to be a pale imitation of the young, healthy man who had first played Iceman in Top Gun decades ago. Cancer had ravaged his physical strength, stealing his ability to speak properly, and left him really weak.

Jerry Bruckheimer, a producer on the sequel, said in 2022 that Tom Cruise was the "driving force" behind getting Val Kilmer to return for the movie.