Tom Cruise Honors Val Kilmer in Touching Tribute at CinemaCon

In a moving moment at CinemaCon, Tom Cruise expressed deep admiration for Val Kilmer, celebrating their friendship and Kilmer's contribution to cinema following the actor’s recent passing.

Tom Cruise led a touching tribute to his longtime friend and co-star Val Kilmer during Paramount Pictures' presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The actor honored Kilmer, who died earlier this week at the age of 65, with a poignant moment of silence in front of a packed audience, calling him "a dear friend" and recounting how much he cherished working alongside him in the iconic film Top Gun.

Cruise praised Kilmer for his remarkable talent and the impact he had on their shared filmography. "I 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," Cruise said, referencing Kilmer's role as Ice Man in the 1986 film.

Kilmer's last performance was in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which showcased the enduring bond between the two actors. Audiences were moved as Cruise bowed his head in acknowledgment of their friendship and stated, “Thank you, Val - wish you well on your next journey.”

During the presentation, Cruise also unveiled a sneak peek of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, his latest film set for release later this year. The trailer showcased his trademark high-octane action, including scenes involving fighter jets and stunning stunts.

In a reflective moment, Cruise shared how emotional it was to work with Kilmer on the Maverick set and recalled shedding tears over their reunion. He emphasized Kilmer’s talent and their friendship, saying, "He's such a brilliant actor. I love his work."

Kilmer’s family announced that he passed away due to complications from pneumonia following a battle with throat cancer, which had significantly affected his ability to speak. In his last film appearance, Kilmer communicated through a voice box, a poignant reminder of his strength and resilience. Their final scene in the film, where Iceman urges Maverick to return to flight school, showcased the deep camaraderie they shared on and off-screen, leaving a lasting legacy in cinematic history.