Kilmer recently revealed to the Los Angeles Times how the on-screen reunion was “very moving,” and it was felt by the whole set as there wasn’t a dry eye on set. It wasn’t just other cast and crew who grew emotional while Kilmer and Cruise acted out their scenes. The film’s director, Joseph Kosinski, admitted, “After one of the takes (we only did a few) I noticed that both Tom and Val had tears in their eyes. It felt like a genuine moment between two old friends.” Elaborating on why Iceman and Maverick’s scenes evoked such strong emotion, Kosinski said, “You’ve got two masters at the top of their game playing the most iconic characters of their careers. I think there is a lot of Maverick in Tom, and Iceman in Val, so what you are seeing onscreen is an authentic friendship that has lasted over 36 years.” Top Gun: Maverick is both a reunion for Iceman and Maverick, as well as Kilmer and Cruise. The last time the two acted on screen together was the original Top Gun film, which came out in 1986. In Top Gun: Maverick, Iceman and Maverick generally communicate via writing, though there is one touching moment when Iceman speaks to his old friend in his own voice. Given the many layers of the movie’s big reunion of these two stars, it’s no wonder that the set was filled with tears. Next, find out where to watch the original Top Gun before seeing Top Gun: Maverick!
