Tom Cruise is back in "Top Gun: Maverick," but don't forget about his wingman. Why are
some fans upset about Val Kilmer's role in the long-awaited sequel? Keep watching to find out.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Top Gun: Maverick"!
If you were expecting "Top Gun: Maverick" to indulge in the same iconic moments from
the 1986 films by way of dogfights and volleyball games, you'd be wrong. The supersonic 2022 sequel
breaks the mold by giving us dogfights and beach football this time around. Jokes aside, "Maverick"
does an excellent job honoring the legendary staple of '80s cinema that came before it.
Besides the incredible aerial spectacles and Tom Cruise's diamond-cut grin being on
constant display due to all the fun that he's having, "Maverick" spends
time reuniting two icons in what might be the most heartwarming scene of the entire movie.
"You are here at the request of Admiral Kazansky, aka 'Iceman.'"
The on-screen pairing in question comes with Pete "Maverick" Mitchell paying a
visit to his rival-turned-friend, Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, seeing Val Kilmer
as one of the few original cast members reprising his role. It's an appearance
that Cruise himself pushed to include as being integral to the new "Top Gun" chapter.
After being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and going through both chemotherapy and two
tracheostomies, Kilmer recently announced that he was cancer-free, but lost his voice as a result.
Nevertheless, Kilmer's appearance as Iceman is just as impactful, with the former foes having a
heartfelt sit-down and leading to what is easily one of the most memorable scenes in the film.
"You can be my wingman anytime."
Ultimately, though, this heart-to-heart talk leads
to what could be one of the poorest plot decisions in "Top Gun: Maverick."
Teased as soon as our hero returns to base in the new sequel, the former top-of-the-class candidate
is informed that Iceman suggested Maverick train the new recruits and see if they've
got the right stuff. To those who haven't gone over the cast list with a fine-tooth
comb following the film's announcement, it'd be fair to assume that the appearance
of Kilmer's gum-chewing alter-ego goes as far as a framed photo at the academy and not much else.
Instead, the film takes an emotional and impactful step by having Maverick's former "wingman" sitting
down in an office and telling the seasoned hotshot what's what. It's a perfectly executed
moment that could induce a minor tearing up, and deservedly so, given the history between
Maverick and Iceman from the original "Top Gun" as well as Kilmer's well-documented health issues.
Iceman talking through messages on a computer makes for an effective sequence thanks to Kilmer,
who manages to steal the scene with a glance or a smile that fits perfectly.
It's also fitting that "Iceman" is the only one to make Cruise's legendary hero face his demons.
However, that all gets undercut thanks to a creative choice that feels totally out of place.
While it's an understandable choice to include Kilmer's real-life condition in "Top Gun:
Maverick," the most questionable decision is having Iceman finally succumb to them,
for a moment that doesn't feel earned or necessary.
When Mav turns up at the Iceman household, he's told by the now-Admiral's wife that
his cancer has returned and that they've not told anybody, as he doesn't have much longer.
Shortly after, and following tensions already rising back on the base,
Maverick is told the news that his friend has sadly passed away.
It's an event that sends mixed messages, which never quite land for Maverick's character arc.
Is his former comrade's passing supposed to finally alert him to the fact he's the
last of a dying breed, or perhaps signal that he should slow down and
consider a future that he's flown right by for the past few years?
Either way, it's a poorly executed tug at the heartstrings that doesn't feel warranted.
Additionally, this makes the possibility of seeing Kilmer standing amongst the other
higher-ups following the completed mission a far more effective choice
and more enjoyable to see — even if Iceman would have died off-screen,
it would have been nice to see him live long enough to celebrate his friend's success.
As far as faults go in this near-perfectly designed blockbuster, this is where the
movie takes the biggest hit, but one that thankfully doesn't diminish one of the most
unexpected and effective moments — two old war heroes talking like old friends.
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