Val Kilmer's Iceman is officially back in 'Top Gun: Maverick' and we just can't keep cool
'Top Gun: Maverick', the much-talked-about sequel to Tom Cruise's 1986 action drama has finally begun to pick up steam and after that headline-grabbing casting of Miles Teller as Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw's son, another popular name has come aboard. But this time it's from director Tony Scott's original cast Hollywood star Val Kilmer, who will be making a comeback in the Top Gun sequel as Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky.
Although the news of Kilmer's addition in the second installment was floated back in June — The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report it — the official nod was pending until now. According to The Blast, however, the 58-year-old actor has finally shown the green light to the rumors surrounding his casting.
"I'm officially in the sequel to TOPGUN," Kilmer was quoted as saying. "[I'm] looking forward to working with Tom, Joe (Kosisnski) and Jerry (Bruckheimer), all such unique pros." With this latest update, 'The Snowman' actor will be joining an absolutely star-studded cast, especially since Cruise himself is back to take it forward with his role as the United States Naval Aviator LT Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell.
Back in 86's 'Top Gun', the pair (Maverick and Iceman) would start off on the wrong foot only to eventually do away with their differences and even develop a mutual respect by the end of their time at the NAS Miramar. How this relationship will unfold in the anticipated sequel (where drones are making their presence felt), though, is up for speculations as of now. But there shouldn't be any lacking when it comes to the drama, especially since Bradley Bradshaw (Teller) is also signing up for the ride.
Celebrating the beginning of this journey, Cruise had earlier tweeted a photo, all suited up and with the caption "Day 1'
Given the 'Mission Impossible' actor's stardom, it goes without saying that he will continue to grab attention in the 'Top Gun' sequel. While Maverick gets his share of the limelight, though, the action flick has proven to be quite a bit in pushing the career of Kilmer as well. After all, when the actor suited up to play Iceman on the big screen, he was as good as brand new in the industry.
Hence when news of a sequel surfaced, his excitement was more than justified. He even shared a wordy social media post back in 2015, acknowledging that it's all positive response from his end. "I just got offered [Top Gun 2]. Not often you get to say 'yes' without reading the script," he had written.
When Maverick takes off, however, fans can expect a mix of old and new creatives - meaning Harold Faltermeyer is returning as the composer while Joseph Kosinski is taking over the director's chair.
The film is slated for a July 12, 2019 release.
