Watch Val Kilmer’s final film scene as he reunited with Tom Cruise in Top Gun... but was so ill his voice was cloned by AI
Val Kilmer's final film scene in Top Gun: Maverick features a reunion with Tom Cruise, but his voice had to be replicated using AI technology due to his illness. The actor's performance in the movie marks a bittersweet moment for fans. Despite his health struggles, Kilmer's presence in the film is a testament to his enduring talent. The use of AI to replicate his voice showcases the advancements in technology in the film industry.
This is the moment Val Kilmer stars in his final ever film role after returning to the Top Gun franchise alongside Tom Cruise. The Batman and Heat star passed away from pneumonia at the age of 65 on Tuesday after almost four decades in Hollywood.
Val Kilmer in Top Gun
Val Kilmer found fame in the Hollywood blockbuster Top Gun back in the 80s alongside Tom Cruise. Kilmer became a household name when he played fighter pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun alongside Cruise in 1986. Both actors played two of the best pilots in the Top Gun Navy program in the film as the pair shared a competitive rivalry. Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell was a pilot who risked it all every time and was known as a confident and cheeky aviator who wasn’t afraid to step on any toes.
Return in Top Gun: Maverick
Thirty-six years after their first roles in the action drama, both men returned to the Top Gun franchise in 2022. Cruise played the titular role in the sequel Top Gun: Maverick as Kilmer reprised his role with a brief cameo. He had to bravely fight to return to the big screen as the Iceman after almost a decade battling with serious health issues.
In Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer’s character stayed with the force and became the all-conquering commander of the US Pacific Fleet. The film presented Iceman as facing a serious battle of his own with his condition said to be rapidly deteriorating. Kilmer’s death was tragically confirmed by his daughter Mercedes, 33, this morning who said he died surrounded by his family and friends.
Health Battles
Val Kilmer was left using an electronic voice box and feeding tube after bravely battling throat cancer before his death aged 65. The legendary actor began his battle in 2014 and later underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. This tough fight forced him to step back from the Hollywood spotlight for a number of years.
After undergoing both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the star underwent a tracheostomy in 2015 to help him breathe. This procedure permanently damaged his vocal cords and left the iconic actor’s voice forever altered. He was forced to use an electric voice box on the artificial hole in his throat in order to speak.
Tributes and Final Post
Tributes have already started to pour in for Kilmer as fellow actor Josh Gad labelled him “an icon.” On Instagram, the voice of Frozen‘s Olaf said: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Co-stars and friends have shared their touching tributes and memories of the talented actor. Kilmer's final post on Instagram showed his charisma and humor despite his health struggles, as he interacted with fans in a Batman mask, showcasing his enduring spirit.
Career Highlights
Val Kilmer spent 38 years in the industry, working with some of the world’s biggest movie stars. From his breakout role in Top Gun to iconic performances in films like Batman Forever and Heat, Kilmer's talent and versatility shone through. Despite health challenges, he continued to act, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood.