Val Kilmer's final acting role in Top Gun: Maverick had Tom Cruise in tears

News of Val Kilmer's death , just three years after his final film credit, has left his fans, friends and Hollywood co-stars utterly heartbroken. The Batman Forever and Top Gun actor's family confirmed he died on Tuesday after battling pneumonia.

It came after a battle with throat cancer, which Val was diagnosed with in 2014. Despite getting the 'all clear' the star was left with a due to the treatment he endured.

Despite this, it didn't stop Val from reuniting with for Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, which later became his final onscreen role before his death, as he reprised his role as fighter pilot Iceman.

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The script from the movie reflected Val's real life, as Iceman also had cancer and was communicating through typing. Kilmer's voice in the film had been revived due to AI. Kilmer had supplied company Sonantic with hours of archival footage featuring his voice.

Speaking on Val's role in the sequel, Tom . "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. I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional. He's such a brilliant actor, I love his work," he told Jimmy Kimmel Live.

During the emotional scene in , Maverick heads to see Iceman for help on how to manage his friend Goose's son Rooster. Unable to speak as he is suffering from cancer, Iceman has a message for Maverick.

"You need to let it go," he writes, as the men share a moment. "I don't know how," Maverick tells him, "I'm not a teacher. I'm a fighter pilot. A naval aviator. It's not what I am, it's who I am. How do I teach that? Even if I could teach it, it's not what the navy wants, it's why they canned me the last time. The only reason I'm here is you.

"If I send him on this mission, he might never come home and if I don't send him, he'll never forgive me. Either way, I lose him." Unable to speak, Iceman reminds him of what's on the screen.

Speaking, Iceman tells him: "The navy needs Maverick. The kid needs Maverick. That's why I fought for you. That's why you're still here." The pair then shared a hug before Iceman asked: "One last thing, who's the better pilot? You or me?" referencing their rivalry.

"This is a nice moment, let's not ruin it," Maverick tells him as they shared a laugh and another hug.

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