In the original Top Gun which was released in 1986, Tom Cruise’s Maverick spends a lot of time butting heads with Val Kilmer’s Iceman. However, the film’s ending saw the two turn their rivalry into an unexpected friendship and thus gave fans one of the best bonds in the film. Val Kilmer then returned to the role in Top Gun: Maverick, although for a short period of time.
Unfortunately, Iceman passed away before the sequel could come to an end meaning that the character will never be seen again in the future installments of the franchise. While Iceman’s death had a huge impact on both Maverick’s life as well as the audience, it poses a huge challenge for Top Gun 3.
How Val Kilmer’s Death in Top Gun: Maverick Could Affect its Sequel
To take a stroll down memory lane, Val Kilmer’s Iceman shows up in Top Gun: Maverick for a brief moment where he engages in a conversation with Tom Cruise’s Maverick. Now, all Maverick wanted to do was respect the wishes of Rooster (Miles Teller)’s dying mother to not let her son become a pilot. Unaware of this, Rooster absolutely resents Maverick.
Maverick begs Iceman to let him go into the dangerous mission instead of Rooster. Iceman tells him that “it’s time to let go” and that both the Navy and Rooster need him. Undoubtedly, this was the most impactful and emotional scene in the film which was then lightened by Iceman asking, “Who’s the better pilot, you or me?” to which Cruise’s character replied, “This is a nice moment. Let’s not ruin it.” Soon after, Iceman dies from terminal cancer bringing an end to Kilmer’s run in the Top Gun franchise.
Now, his death has unintentionally created a bit of a problem for Top Gun 3, whenever it comes out. Kilmer’s character was the only one whose return to the sequel could have made a huge impact on the film and on Cruise’s Maverick, which it did perfectly. With him gone, there are no such characters from the original Top Gun who could satisfy the fans’ thirst for nostalgia and play such an important role in the next sequel.
Sure, characters like Viper (Tom Skerritt) could make a comeback in Top Gun 3 but it wouldn’t be as impactful as Iceman’s cameo which was so important in shaping Cruise’s Maverick. Plus, Viper is much older than Maverick and Iceman and if he were to return to the franchise, it would mean that he, too, would be in his last days and an emotional heart-to-heart between him and Maverick would seem a bit too repetitive.
Thus, Iceman’s death takes away the film’s power to incorporate a nostalgic moment that would be both heart-wrenching and impactful in the next sequel.
Val Kilmer’s Return Brought Tom Cruise to Tears
Iceman’s cameo in Top Gun: Maverick was not only emotional for the fans but also for Cruise who has a lot of respect for the actor. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and the treatment for his illness resulted in the damage of his vocal cords, causing him extreme difficulty while speaking. Thus, his return to Iceman was even more emotional for those who had worked with him, especially Cruise.
During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Cruise said,
I just want to say that was pretty emotional. I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… He’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again. You’re looking at Iceman.
When Jimmy Kimmel admitted that he cried while watching Maverick and Iceman’s exchange in the sequel, Cruise stated, “I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.” Well, who wouldn’t get a little teary-eyed in such a scene?!
You can stream both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick on Paramount+ or Prime Video.
