Tom Cruise Honors Val Kilmer at CinemaCon 2025: A Tribute to a Legendary Friendship

At CinemaCon 2025 on April 3, Tom Cruise stepped into the spotlight at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to promote Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. But it was his heartfelt moment honoring his late Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer, who passed away on April 1 at age 65 from pneumonia, that left the audience in awe.

With a voice full of warmth and sorrow, Cruise paid his respects to a man he called a "dear friend," weaving a tribute that celebrated both Kilmer’s talent and their decades-long bond—a moment now etched in Hollywood history.

What Did Tom Cruise Say During His CinemaCon 2025 Tribute?

Cruise’s words at CinemaCon were simple yet profound. "I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer," he began, as captured by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

He spoke of Kilmer’s brilliance, saying, "I really can’t tell you how much I admired his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how grateful and honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back for Top Gun: Maverick."

He then invited the audience to join him in a moment of silence, adding, "I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us." Closing with a personal farewell—"Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey"—Cruise turned a promotional event into a deeply moving reflection.

How Did Cruise Reflect on Working with Kilmer in Top Gun?

The Top Gun films were more than just blockbusters for Cruise and Kilmer—they were milestones in their friendship. At CinemaCon, Cruise highlighted Kilmer’s iconic role as Iceman, noting how he "gave a lot to all of us with his performances" in both the 1986 original and the 2022 sequel.

This echoed earlier sentiments from a 2023 Jimmy Kimmel Live interview, where Cruise recalled their Maverick reunion: "I’ve known Val for decades… I was crying, I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor." At CinemaCon, he marveled at Kilmer’s ability to slip back into character, a nod to the seamless chemistry that defined their on-screen dynamic.

What Kept Their Friendship Strong Over the Decades?

Their story began in 1986 on the Top Gun set, where Cruise’s Maverick and Kilmer’s Iceman sparked a rivalry that turned into a real-life friendship. Over nearly 40 years, their connection deepened, surviving Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer and the physical toll it took.

Kilmer’s return for Top Gun: Maverick was a testament to this bond, driven by Cruise’s insistence. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer told Deadline in 2021, "Tom was really adamant that if he’s going to make another Top Gun, Val had to be in it." Kilmer later shared in a 2022 Entertainment Weekly interview, "Coming back to work with Tom… it was like no time had passed at all." That reunion became a symbol of their enduring loyalty.

How Did Their Off-Screen Moments Show Their Closeness?

Beyond the cameras, their friendship thrived on mutual respect and lighthearted gestures. For Cruise’s 60th birthday in 2022, Kilmer tweeted, "Happy Birthday Mav @TomCruise from Ice!"—a playful callback to their roles.

Cruise, meanwhile, has often spoken of Kilmer’s artistry, a theme he revisited at CinemaCon when he praised his friend’s love for movies.

Their Maverick collaboration was especially telling. Cruise admitted to PEOPLE in 2022 that he teared up filming with Kilmer, whose voice was recreated via AI due to his health challenges. "He’s a long-lost friend," Kilmer said of Cruise in the same piece, capturing the warmth that defined their off-screen rapport.

Why Does This Farewell Hit So Hard in 2025?

Cruise honoring Kilmer at CinemaCon feels monumental because it celebrates a friendship that transcended Hollywood’s glitz. Kilmer’s final Maverick role, made possible by Cruise’s support, was a victory of spirit over adversity.

When Cruise said, "He gave a lot to all of us," he spoke to Kilmer’s legacy—and their shared journey. It’s a reminder that some connections, built on trust and admiration, outlast even the brightest spotlights.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Tom Cruise honoring Val Kilmer at CinemaCon 2025 was more than a tribute—it was a window into a friendship that soared from Top Gun’s cockpit to life’s toughest moments. Their story, marked by laughter, tears, and unwavering support, shows what true camaraderie looks like.

As Cruise bid Kilmer farewell with a wish for his "next journey," he left us with a legacy of loyalty that will echo through Hollywood and beyond, proving some friendships are as timeless as the films they create.

Rest easy, Val. You did well!