After a 36-year hiatus and as the highly anticipatedTop Gun: Maverickhas recently made its theatrical debut, Val Kilmer reflects on his experience filming the originalTop Gun. Kilmer’s rise to fame began in the ’80s when he starred in a series of breakout films that quickly made him one of the most highly sought-after actors in Hollywood.
The films that he attributes his early success to include 1984’sTop Secret!, 1985’sReal Genius, and last but not least 1986’sTop Gun. The originalTop Gunwas helmed by director Tony Scott and featured Kilmer starring alongside the beloved Tom Cruise.Top Gunfollowed young naval aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and his wingman Nick “Goose” Bradshaw as they are granted the opportunity to train at the US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School - at the Naval Station located in San Diego, California (otherwise known as TOPGUN). It’s at TOPGUN that the pair meet the top student of their class, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. Kazansky ends up belittling and constantly criticizing Maverick for his careless attitude and lack of respect for protocol. The intensified rivalry and tension between the two becomes amajor plot point ofTop Gun, which satisfyingly ends with them reconciling their differences.
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It’s almost impossible for die-hard fans to picture anyone else other than Kilmer taking on the role of Iceman. His presence and character arch are one of the most crucial elements thatthe originalTop Gunfilm can attribute to its praise and popularity. Now, in a recent feature withEntertainment Weekly, Kilmer took a trip down memory lane to reflect on filming the originalTop Gun. Apparently, the actor was initially quite hesitant to accept the role and wasn’t very interested in the character of Iceman.
However, Kilmer revealed that it was director Scott’s persistence and passion that eventually led him to sign onto the project. Kilmer shared, “We were all so young during the making of the first movie, but even then there was a special bond between us all. Even after shooting we would laugh and dance the night away!” Followingthe release ofTop Gun, rumors started to circulate that the on-screen rivalry between Iceman and Maverick was also taking place off-screen between co-stars Kilmer and Cruise.
Later, it was clarified that the rumor was far off from the truth, as both Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer were dead set on Kilmer returning forTop Gun: Maverick. The sequel showcases Maverick being challenged by now Admiral Iceman to train a brand-new batch of TOPGUN graduates for a life-threatening mission, taking place on enemy soil. The latest film sees Maverick and Iceman continue to forge and build upon the strong bond they built in the originalTop Gun. Iceman now has full trust in Maverick’s capabilities and believes he is the only one capable of assuring thatMiles Teller’s Bradley “Rooster” Bradshawis battle-ready.
