Tom Cruise, forever our fearless action hero (and part-time airborne daredevil), took a break from defying gravity to honor his late Top Gun co-star and real-life legend, Val Kilmer.
At CinemaCon 2025 on Thursday (April 3), the 62-year-old (yes, sixty-two, and still running faster than people half his age) took the stage and led an emotional moment of silence for Kilmer, who sadly passed away earlier this week at 65.
“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Tom said, his voice dripping with sincerity and nostalgia. “I can’t tell you how much I admire his work.” (Translation: He was the absolute GOAT, and we all knew it.)
Tom reminisced about Val’s time on Top Gun and his triumphant return for Top Gun: Maverick, adding, “I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us.” And just like that, the entire audience transformed into a puddle of emotions.
As if we weren’t already holding back tears, Cruise wrapped it up by saying, “I wish you well on the next journey.” Cue the sniffles.
For those who need a refresher (seriously, go rewatch these movies now), Tom and Val played the ultimate pilot rivals—Maverick and Iceman—in the original Top Gun (1986). Decades later, Kilmer reprised his role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) for one last, tearjerking showdown with Cruise. And if you made it through that scene without ugly crying, you’re probably a robot.
Rest in peace, Iceman. The sky just got a little cooler. ✈️💙
