In the history of cinema, there have been several impeccable actors who have gone on to push the limits of the craft of acting. Among these many ‘visionaries’ is Val Kilmer, who has no less than defined and refined the modern film industry with his excellent performances across genres. Originally a stage actor, Kilmer now stands out from his contemporaries for his perfect portrayals.
Over the years, the actor has starred and appeared in several brilliant movies, Kilmer has also turned down many equally brilliant roles. Once, in an interview, the Top Gun star revealed the one graphic movie he regrets turning down now, despite having a huge crush on its lead actress.
The One Graphic Movie Val Kilmer Regrets Turning Down
It is but natural for actors like Val Kilmer to be offered a wide range of roles, most of which they end up turning down for a variety of reasons. Kilmer too has turned down several roles and directors, which he has now come to deeply regret. In an interview with Attitude Magazine (via Far Out Magazine), the actor got candid about which roles and movies he turned down.
Talking to the magazine, he stated how he said no to several roles without any real reasons,
I was very naive when I was younger. I said ‘no’ to a ton of really wonderful directors, and looking back now, I can’t remember the reasons why.
He then revealed the directors he turned down as well as the role he deeply regretted not playing.
I said no to Robert Altman twice, and David Lynch, although David Lynch I remember, because the second film I turned down was Blue Velvet because it was really graphic and I was just too shy back then.
Blue Velvet is one of the best movies of David Lynch and even got Lynch his second Best Director Oscar nomination. While the movie became a huge success without the help of Kilmer, the actor regrets turning down the role be had a huge crush on its lead star.
Blue Velvet is a wonderful film. I had a crazy, crazy crush on her [Isabella Rossellini], so I would have done it for free.
While he never got to work with Rossellini again, the actor has built up a brilliant career on his own, showcasing his talents in different genres and proving himself as an actor.
Val Kilmer Never Wanted to Portray One of His Most Famous Role
Val Kilmer has starred in several movies and portrayed a variety of characters over his decades-long career. Yet, when it comes to his most famous roles, the actor’s portrayal of Lt. Tom Kazansky aka Iceman in Top Gun is a definite stand-out. Yet in his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, the actor revealed it was a role he did not originally want to play.
I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me. My agent, who also represented Tom Cruise, basically tortured me into at least meeting Tony Scott, saying he was one of the hottest directors in town.
Despite trying to sabotage the audition, Kilmer ended up bagging the role. Even though the actor had no interest in playing the fan-favorite role, Kilmer’s character is one of the best in the movie and his portrayal is now one of the best he has ever done!
Blue Velvet can be rented on Apple TV, while Top Gun can be streamed on Netflix.
