How Val Kilmer Really Felt About Filming Top Gun: Maverick

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Top Gun: Maverick has reached ancient success and is now Tom Cruise's biggest domestic box office hit. But while many lovers went to see the movie to watch the actor fly fighter jets, others have been more excited about Val Kilmer's comeback after his battle with throat cancer. Here's the actual story at the back of his choice to do the sequel.

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What Made Val Kilmer Do 'Top Gun: Maverick'?

Kilmer did not need much convincing when offered to reprise his role as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. "Tom called me. I said yes immediately," stated the Batman Forever star. Director Joseph Kosinski additionally told Entertainment Weekly that they wanted Iceman to be an "authentic" part of the brand new movie. "You had to figure out a way to bring Iceman in," he explained. "We met with Val. He had the idea of how to integrate Iceman in a really authentic way." However, they confronted some demanding situations operating round Kilmer's incapability to talk. "Obviously [we] spent a lot of time on that scene, writing it, getting ready," Kosinski mentioned of having persona be in contact by the use of written word just like the actor in real existence.

"I wasn't sure how it was going to work. … It's a really beautiful scene," the filmmaker persevered. "We shot it in Los Angeles in a really beautiful house up on a park. Very special to see not only Val and Tom, but Maverick and Iceman back on the screen together." Kilmer echoed the similar sentiments. "We blew a lot of takes laughing so much. It was really fun … special," he raved, including that "it was like no time had passed at all" once they started filming. "We were all so young during the making of the first movie, but even then there was a special bond between us all," the actor shared. "Even after shooting we would laugh and dance the night away!"

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How Much Was Val Kilmer Paid For 'Top Gun: Maverick'?

Kilmer's wage for Maverick hasn't really been showed by means of a competent source. But according to showbizgalore.com, he was paid $400,000 whilst glamourfame.com says he made $2 million within the film. Some studies additionally cited the actor's initial lack of interest and eventual "begging" for the position as elements in those figures. In his 2020 memoir, I'm Your Huckleberry, Kilmer admitted that he pleaded to be part of the sequel. "As the Temptations sang in the heyday of Motown soul, 'ain't too proud to beg.' The producers went for it and Cruise went for it,'" he wrote.

The Heat celebrity was so decided to do Maverick that he right away referred to as his agent after hearing about its chance. "I called the agent immediately. Yes, Top Gun has all the perfect elements for a sequel," he shared. He was also serious about developing Iceman's tale. Kosinski stated that he got here up with the idea of his personality serving as the high-ranking mentor which was also licensed by Cruise. "It is nice to see Iceman reach such success in the career he loved," Kilmer stated of Iceman's admiral standing. "It's a good story arc. And it was very exciting to be back at it with Tom."

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How's Val Kilmer's Health These Days?

The Doors actor fearful numerous fans when he announced that he could no longer speak because of throat cancer. In his documentary, Val, fans were given to peer his journey into Hollywood, why he earned the reputation of being difficult to work with, and how he continues to fight cancer. "I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel," the actor expressed in the film. "I can't speak without plugging this hole [in his throat]. You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It's an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me."

Still, he said he's hoping to proceed appearing despite his situation. "I have behaved bizarrely to some," he mentioned of his recognition. "I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed. I am blessed." Recently, Kilmer instructed USA TODAY by the use of electronic mail that he was "moved" to see the new Top Gun film. "I was very moved the first time I saw it. Almost 40 years is a long time for a reunion," he wrote. "We laughed all day. Tom is great and surprisingly funny!!" When requested if he's planning to do more films, he said: "I'm feeling strong and excited to play any chance I get."

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