Val Kilmer aka “Iceman” returns for ‘Top Gun 2’
With week one production nearly in the books, we have word that Maverick’s former Top Gun rival-turned-unofficial “wingman” has officially joined the cast of Top Gun 2!
A source close to production confirmed with The Wrap that the 57-year-old will reprise his role as Lt. Tom Kazansky, also known by his iconic call sign “Iceman”. Sources also said Kilmer has been spotted in San Diego where production for Top Gun 2 is currently underway.
While news of Kilmer’s return comes with a ton of fanfare, I can’t say I’m totally surprised since it was Kilmer himself who first announced he had been offered the role to his Facebook followers in 2015:
“I just got offered #TopGun2,” Kilmer wrote “Not often you get to say 'yes' without reading the script... Jerry Bruckheimer and Tom Cruise!!! 'Yes.' We will all miss Tony Scott one of the kindest gentlemen I've ever met in the film biz, but let's fire up some fighter jets again!!!”
After 32 years, we haven’t forgotten about Maverick and Iceman’s new found respect upon Top Gun’s harrowing conclusion. Which prompts some interesting questions now that the original stars are officially in the cockpit (as we are to presume) for Joseph Kosinski’s sequel. For starters, is the former Top Gun trophy winner an Instructor? Does he work in the private sector as a defense contractor? Does he still have that awesome crew cut? Is he still good at Volleyball? Has he kept in touch with Slider???
Such pressing questions and I suppose it’s only a matter of time until we get some answers!
Top Gun 2 is co-written by Peter Craig (The Town, Blood Father) and Justin Marks (The Jungle Book), along with Thor and X-Men First Class writers Ashley E. Miller and Zack Stentz. Harold Faltermeyer is also returning to score!
Top Gun 2 is slated to hit theaters on July 12, 2019!
