“I simply wanted to express how emotional that was. “I’ve known Val for decades,” Cruise stated on Jimmy Kimmel Live! recently.
“For him to return and play that character… He’s such a talented actor that he instantly transformed back into that role. You are staring at Iceman.”
“I was sobbing. I got emotional,” Cruise said. “He’s a fantastic actor, and I adore his work.”
Iceman is Maverick’s main competitor in the military aviation training program in the original Top Gun. After saving Iceman’s life, Maverick gains Iceman’s respect, prompting Kilmer to say the classic statement, “You can be my wingman anytime.”
