Pilots, parties, and pranks: Filming Top Gun with Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise

Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise are two iconic actors who starred together in the classic film Top Gun, which was released in 1986. The film became a cultural phenomenon and is still celebrated today. Behind the scenes, Val Kilmer was known for his playful spirit and sense of humor. One memorable moment involved him jokingly pretending to talk on a pack of cigarettes as if it were a phone, making a hilarious request to the studio boss for 'more' of everything, including 'more women' and 'less of Tom Cruise. ' His co-stars, Rick Rossovich and Barry Tubb, were also present, and they shared a lot of laughter during their breaks. Rick, who played Slider, even pretended to throw a chair at Val's head before dancing out of the trailer, showcasing the lighthearted atmosphere on set. Val Kilmer was always seen with his video camera, capturing candid moments and behind-the-scenes antics. He filmed everything, including their playful attempts to catch each other in embarrassing situations, like on the toilet. Barry Tubb recalled how they eventually just let Val keep filming because they were having so much fun. While Tom Cruise was more serious and focused on his role, the rest of the cast enjoyed their time together at a beach hotel, riding motorcycles down the hallways and creating unforgettable memories. The producers, Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, contributed to the fun by hosting parties every other night, making the filming experience feel like a wild adventure. Barry Tubb described working in Hollywood as 'like being in high school with money,' emphasizing the carefree and youthful spirit of the cast. They often went on spontaneous trips, like driving to Mexico for dinner in Val's old van, which added to their bond as friends. Val Kilmer portrayed Iceman, a rival to Tom Cruise's character, Maverick. While the film's plot was serious, focusing on elite fighter pilots, the off-screen moments were filled with laughter and camaraderie. Barry Tubb shared a funny story about a prank he pulled by switching a video tape at the academy with something inappropriate, which the director, Tony Scott, found amusing and decided to include in the film. Interestingly, Val Kilmer initially hesitated to take on the role of Iceman because he thought the script was silly and criticized its warmongering themes. To make a statement, he wore oversized, bright green shorts to his audition, hoping to deter the producers. However, they were impressed by his talent and cast him anyway. Val took it upon himself to create a backstory for Iceman, imagining a character driven by a need for perfection due to an absent father. This depth added complexity to Iceman's character, making him more than just a rival. Val and Tom played up their on-screen rivalry, which translated into their off-screen interactions as well. They formed two distinct groups among the cast, with Maverick and Goose on one side and Iceman, Slider, and the others on the other. Despite the playful competition, Val always regarded Tom as a friend, and they supported each other throughout their careers. Years later, when a sequel to Top Gun was finally made, Val had faced significant health challenges, including throat cancer, which affected his voice. However, Tom insisted that Iceman should return in the sequel, leading to a heartfelt reunion between the two characters. Their emotional scene, where Val's character typed out his dialogue on a screen, showcased the enduring friendship they had built over the years. Barry Tubb noted that many of the original cast members remained close friends after the film's release. They would often gather at Rick Rossovich's home, which became known as the 'Top Gun clubhouse. ' Val Kilmer was known for his incredible talent and ability to immerse himself in various roles. He raised the bar for his fellow actors, and his peers admired him for his artistry. Kelly McGillis, who played Tom's love interest in the film, expressed her gratitude for Val's presence in her life, describing him as a force with depth and weight. Will Kemp, another actor who worked with Val, shared how he was initially nervous about working with such a legendary figure. However, Val's warm personality and wicked sense of humor quickly put him at ease. He recalled a memorable moment during a scene when Val unexpectedly pulled out a cheeseburger and casually munched on it while asking if everyone was having fun. This spontaneity highlighted Val's unpredictable nature and his ability to create memorable moments on set. Val Kilmer's legacy as an actor and a friend will always be cherished by those who had the privilege of working with him and by his countless fans around the world.