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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is the criminally underrated neo-noir black comedy that reintroduced the world to Robert Downey Jr. in a different light. The feature has turned 20 now, and marked Shane Black’s directorial debut in 2005, where Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan starred alongside the most beloved Marvel star.

But here’s the kicker, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang turned out to be the cult classic that gave us our Iron Man. This gloriously chaotic movie starred three actors who played superheroes, so let’s dive into the film’s brilliance, its creatives, and how it became Downey Jr.’s turning point!

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: The underrated gem that starred superheroes Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang | Credits: Silver Pictures

In Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Robert Downey Jr. plays Harry Lockhart, a thief who stumbles into an audition while running from the cops and lands a screen test.

Russell Crowe will always be known for his Oscar-winning work in Gladiator, but nine years ago, he starred in a beloved comedy that’s returning to streaming charts. Crowe stars alongside Ryan Gosling in The Nice Guys, the 2016 buddy cop bumbling detective film following two private eyes who investigate the death of an adult film star and a missing girl. The Nice Guys is currently streaming on Paramount+, and the film has surged back into the streamer’s top 10, sitting at #10 at the time of writing. This comes not long after director Shane Black provided an update on the long-awaited Nice Guys 2, mentioning that it is possible to make a sequel, but that the studio likely won’t want to spend even more money for a follow-up after the original flopped at the box office.

Although The Nice Guys earned rave reviews of 91% from critics and 79% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes,...

When thinking about the best buddy-cop partnerships in cinema, one stands above all others: Riggs and Murtaugh. Lethal Weapon’s central duo gets to the very essence of action’s most entertaining sub-genre – two mismatched colleagues, each with their own issues, forced to work together, learn each other’s rough edges, and become an unstoppable team come the closing credits. It’s a formula that proved hugely popular through the 1980s and into the ‘90s, but Lethal Weapon – boasting a Shane Black script and Richard Donner as director – did it best.

Partly that’s because the film’s buddy partnership has genuine frisson. Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) is an outright livewire, always unpredictable and prone to dangerous moves – a gung-ho attitude that, ironically, makes him a top cop, even when breaking all the rules. This is someone who saves a suicidal man by jumping off a building with him (onto...

NYC Weekend Watch is our weekly round-up of repertory offerings.

Roxy Cinema

The Matrix Reloaded and In the Spirit both play on 35mm this Friday, with the latter repeating Saturday; a print of Barry Lyndon screens on Sunday.

Film Forum

All five of John Cazale’s films play; the 4K restoration of Shall We Dance?, debuting Masayuki Suo’s cut, and a new 35mm print of 8½ continue; Elia Kazan’s A Tree Grows In Brooklyn plays on Sunday.

Museum of Modern Art

A Theater Near You includes films by Welles, Raoul Walsh, Ozu, Dreyer, Renoir, and more.

Film at Lincoln Center

The Monica Vitti retrospective continues.

Paris Theater

Bleak Week begins.

Anthology Film Archives

A series on the Griots Theater Company begins.

Museum of the Moving Image

Stagecoach leads “See It Big: Stunts!“; The Birdcage shows Saturday and Sunday.

IFC Center

Ran continues in a 40th-anniversary restoration; Before Sunrise, Before Sunset,...

Tom Kingsley’s “Deep Cover” (2025) offers Bryce Dallas Howard something that Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle” couldn’t: an investigative thriller plot that actually makes sense. Kingsley’s film has such a watertight script that no moment feels dull or dragged. It knows how to use every character without resorting to convoluted twists for the sake of cheap thrills. It also understands the strengths of its central cast to make the most of their skills. Take Nick Mohammed, for example. He is one of the breakout stars of “Ted Lasso,” who portrayed Nathan Shelly as an eternally petrified but well-meaning man, whose vulnerability ends up being his strength.

Kingsley’s film casts Mohammed in a fairly similar role, who is tired of being treated like garbage and feeling like a lost cause. It also casts Howard in a role that makes use of her casual liveliness, which helps underline her character’s internal pathos.

NYC Weekend Watch is our weekly round-up of repertory offerings.

Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research

In anticipation of The Jag, a new play produced by yours truly, Paul Felten and Joe DeNardo present Jean-François Stévenin’s Mountain Pass on Friday.

Film at Lincoln Center

Films by Antonioni, Buñuel, and more play in a retrospective of Monica Vitti.

Anthology Film Archives

Films by Stan Brakhage play in Essential Cinema.

Roxy Cinema

Tongues Untied screens on Friday; Dressed In Blue, Three Bewildered People In the Night, and The Wild Boys show Saturday; Ratcatcher plays on Sunday.

Museum of the Moving Image

The Raid, District 13, Stagecoach, and Jackass 3D screen in “See It Big: Stunts!“; Alien shows Saturday and Sunday.

IFC Center

Ran continues in a 40th-anniversary restoration; Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Happiness play daily; Romeo + Juliet, To Live and Die in L.A., Audition, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang show late.

NYC Weekend Watch is our weekly round-up of repertory offerings.

Roxy Cinema

We’re presenting an Ib Technicolor print of Howard Hawks’ Hatari! this Friday and Sunday; Friday also brings Mad Max: Fury Road on 35mm and Agnès Varda’s Lions Love (…and Lies); prints of John Ford’s The Grapes of Wrath and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan play on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Bam

The Sealed Soil begins playing in a new restoration (watch our trailer debut).

Museum of the Moving Image

Cassavetes’ Gloria plays Saturday and Sunday; Raiders of the Lost Ark and prints of Hooper and Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior screen in “See It Big: Stunts!“; Troma’s Curse of the Weredeer shows on Saturday, while films by Nadia Shahib are presented on Sunday.

IFC Center

Ran continues screening in a 40th-anniversary restoration; Before Sunrise and Goodfellas play daily; Children of Men, To Live and Die in L.

Signature Entertainment has announced it has acquired the U.K., Irish and Latin American rights to horror “The Beldham” from the Coven.

The feature is produced by Talia Bella (“Cottonmouth”), Angela Gulner (“The Summoned”), Mark Meir (“The Summoned”) and Randy Wayne (“Cottonmouth”), and is written and directed by first-time feature director Angela Gulner (“Binge”). The film stars Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Corbin Bernsen (“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”), Katie Parker (“The Fall of the House of Usher”) and Emma Fitzpatrick.

“The Beldham” had its worldwide premiere at Sitges Intl. Film Festival 2024, and also played at Filmquest, where Gulner won best director and Heaton won best supporting actress.

The film follows single mother who moves in with her own mother to renovate a fading suburban farmhouse. Soon, she finds herself haunted by a threatening presence who seems to have designs on her infant child.

The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment...

Actors in comedies are frequently called upon to sacrifice themselves on the altar of dignity to bring a gag to life. In Will Forte's 2010 SNL-original comedy MacGruber, several of these ego-killer visual gags are on full display - such as Forte's celery distraction scene, an image forever emblazoned on most viewers' minds. But in a movie rife with silly bits and crude jokes, there was one joke that the late Val Kilmer, who played the dastardly villain Dieter Von Cunth, refused to do.

In a recent appearance on The Lonley Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, MacGruber director Jorma Taccone recalled making the film and where the Top Gun star drew the line on what he was willing to do for comedy:

"There was one joke, though, that he refused to do. We did want to cut his penis off and shove it in his mouth. That was...

Chicago – Val Kilmer passed away on April 1st, 2025, after a long illness. He was once praised by Roger Ebert, “if there is an award for most unsung leading man of his generation, Val Kilmer should get it.” Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com took an Exclusive Portrait of Val Kilmer in 2012.

Val Edward Kilmer was born in Los Angeles. He subsequently became the youngest person in his era to be accepted into the Julliard School’s Drama Division. His first major film role was in the cult classic “Top Secret!” (1984), which paved the way to his next phase of breakout starring roles.

Val Kilmer in Chicago, circa 2012

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

He followed his debut with the beloved comedy “Real Genius,” then his notable turn in “Top Gun” (and later an unforgettable appearance in “Top Gun Maverick” in 2022 for his last role). These films...

Val Kilmer died from pneumonia, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health has confirmed. The veteran actor died April 1 in L.A. at age 65.

TMZ posted an image of Kilmer’s death certificate today. The beloved screen star was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and underwent two tracheotomy procedures but had recovered.

The Juilliard-trained Kilmer amassed more than 100 credits during his 40-year career, mostly on the big screen. He broke out with his first movie, 1984’s Cold War romp Top Secret! from the Airplane! crew of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, and shot to stardom with his second, the techie teen comedy Real Genius.

Related: Tom Cruise Admits To Tears When Working Once Again With Val Kilmer On ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Kilmer followed that up with his first smash movie, starring as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise in 1984’s Top Gun. He reprised the role for 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick,...

This week, we are pleased to introduce Rushes Extra, a new series of reported pieces that go beyond the headlines to take a closer look at developing stories from throughout the film world. In this first installment, Vikram Murthi reports from the picket lines of the New York cinema workers strike at Alamo Drafthouse.Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. To keep up with our latest features, sign up for the Weekly Edit newsletter and follow us @mubinotebook on Twitter and Instagram.NEWSFerris Bueller’s Day Off.Chinese authorities are reportedly considering “reducing or banning the import of US films” in response to President Trump’s global tariffs. Though US studio earnings in China have decreased as the country has invested in their own film industry, losing access to the world’s second-largest film market would be a major blow to the American film industry.The...

While chatting with guest Kevin Bacon on her eponymous daytime program, Drew Barrymore fondly reminisced about working with Val Kilmer, who along with director Joel Schumacher, convinced her to star in Batman Forever.

The tender moment came up as The Bondsman star reflected on various old projects of his, including 1990’s Flatliners, which the late Schumacher also helmed. Jumping in to bond with her colleague, Barrymore recalled her own fond experience.

“I was friends with Joel Schumacher, the director, who I thought of this morning because it was he and Val Kilmer that pulled me into Batman Forever,” she said. “And Val Kilmer was so nice to me. He was so nurturing and kind and safe, which was a very important thing for me.”

Bacon chimed in that that was “probably not that common in those days.”

Barrymore agreed,...

Will Forte has written about his friendship with Val Kilmer, recalling their time as roommates and a shared interest in joining The Amazing Race. The two actors first met while filming MacGruber, a movie based on the Saturday Night Live sketch spoofing action thrillers. Kilmer played the film’s villain, Dieter Von Cunth, opposite Forte in the title role.

Forte said that he had been a longtime admirer of Kilmer’s work, calling his casting in MacGruber something he hadn’t expected to happen. After filming, they became close and ended up living together for nearly three months when Kilmer needed a temporary place to stay.

“I got the impression that it was going to be a couple days,” Forte wrote in an essay for Vulture. “So he showed up on a Monday, and later that day, his assistant came over with two huge duffel bags filled with books… It...

Val Kilmer died on April 1 at the age of 65 from pneumonia. His death followed a long period of health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer that permanently affected his voice.

Kilmer’s death led to an outpouring of tributes across the entertainment industry. Saturday Night Live recognized the actor during its latest episode, acknowledging his 2000 appearance as host. During that episode, Kilmer performed sketches including a parody of his role as Iceman from Top Gun. He hosted alongside musical guest U2.

Kilmer trained at Juilliard and worked across genres throughout his career. He appeared in films such as The Doors, Batman Forever, Tombstone, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, The Saint, Willow, and Thunderheart. His final screen appearance came in Top Gun: Maverick, where he reprised the role of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, despite speaking limitations caused by his illness.

At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise opened his appearance with a statement about Kilmer.

Saturday Night Live paid tribute to the late Val Kilmer with a card at the end of the April 5 show. The Doors star died April 1 at the age of 65 from pneumonia.

The prolific dramatic and comedic actor had previously hosted the late-night show Dec. 9, 2000, alongside musical guest U2, where he even parodied his character Iceman from the original Top Gun.

The Juilliard-trained Kilmer, beloved for his wide range as a versatile performer, as well as his genuine personality, died earlier this week after having previously been diagnosed with and recovered from throat cancer, which permanently altered his voice. He was known for his leading turns in films like The Doors, The Saint, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Batman Forever, Tombstone, Thunderheart, Willow and his last credit, Top Gun: Maverick.

Tributes poured in from across the industry in the days following, including from fellow Saturday Night Live alum and close friend Will Forte,...

After Will Forte and Val Kilmer co-starred in MacGruber, the film adaptation of a recurring Saturday Night Live sketch spoofing high-intensity spy dramas, the two became close friends and even shared an apartment for a few months. In a heartwarming essay published in Vulture, the SNL alum reflected warmly on their relationship and what he called the “biggest regret” of his professional life.

Forte initially characterized himself as a “huge fan” of the Top Gun actor’s, saying that the idea of casting him in the eventual role of the villainous Dieter Von Cunth was originally a long shot. When he eventually signed on, Forte and his co-star became fast friends, paving the way for them to become roommates for three months after Kilmer was looking to move out of his Malibu home.

While they lived together, Forte would typically watch The Amazing Race, the popular CBS reality show in...

On April 1st, 2025 the world lost Val Kilmer to pneumonia after a decade-long fight with health problems including a throat cancer diagnosis. Val Kilmer, born on New Year's Eve 1959, has been on the acting scene since the fatefully threshold that is the age of 65. His illustrious career, which spanned for nearly four decades, this one lasted until his imminent unofficial retirement in 2022 after which he gradually withdrew from public life due to his declining health. A legend of many faces, a performer whose presence was felt across screens, immortalized in roles that transcended time and place. On Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times that his deeply beloved father had passed away that same day at the venerable age of 65 after a tragically failed one final stand against fate’s unrelenting grip battle with pneumonia. His journey stands as a stoic testament to the resilience...

The world of cinema suffered a huge loss when legendary actor Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a glorious legacy. His portrayal in the ’90s blockbuster Top Gun (1986) as ‘Iceman ‘ cemented him as a Hollywood heartthrob, while his turn as ‘Batman’ in Batman Forever (1995) added another star to his resume.

Val Kilmer as Perry van Shrike in Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Hollywood mourned and celebrated Kilmer’s legacy, each having their own piece to share about the gifted artist. James Roday Rodriguez, the beloved star of Psych, could not help but share how Kilmer influenced the iconic character of Shawn Spencer.

Kilmer’s influence on Psych stemmed from his role as Chris Knight, a character Rodriguez credits as the spiritual blueprint for Shawn Spencer.

James Roday Rodrigue’s tribute to Val Kilmer James Roday Rodriguez on Val Kilmer’s influence/ Credits: Gage Skidmore...

Over the past decade, Robert Downey Jr. has emerged as one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, earning not only fans love and appreciation but also critical acclaim, including an Oscar under his name.

The movie that the actor has described as pivotal to his success is the 2003 musical, The Singing Detective. Downey Jr. previously reflected on how closely he resonated with his role in the movie, describing it as a project that saved him in many ways.

The Singing Detective | Credit: Paramount Robert Downey Jr. reflected on how The Singing Detective saved him

The Hollywood star, prominently known for playing the beloved superhero Iron Man in the MCU, Robert Downey Jr. has had quite a journey both in life and in his career.

Despite his undeniable talent, Downey Jr. struggled with substance abuse, leading to multiple run-ins with the law amid a skyrocketing career. These very struggles made...

Val Kilmer was often underrated as an actor, despite his prolific career spanning films like Real Genius, Top Gun, True Romance, and more. As Robert Ebert famously described him, he was the most unsung leading man of his generation, a legend whom we now mourn.

While the world recalls his legacy of being ‘hard to work with,’ here is an instance from behind the scenes of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang that showcases what a man he was behind the scenes. Apparently, as an act of solidarity for his co-star Robert Downey Jr., Kilmer did not drink during the film’s production, a profound act of friendship and a testament to Kilmer’s character that one should not forget.

Val Kilmer in Batman Forever | Credits: Warner Bros. Val Kilmer’s profound act of friendship for Robert Downey Jr. Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang | Credit: Warner Bros.

Actor Val Kilmer was regarded as one of the most talented actors in the industry as he portrayed characters in various genres, including comedy, drama, action-adventure, crime drama, and more. He was one of the most bankable actors who rose to prominence after he played Lt Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in 1986’s Top Gun, followed by portraying comic book character Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever and more.

Val Kilmer as Perry van Shrike in Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

The actor released his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry: A Memoir, in 2020, followed by a documentary titled Val in 2021. The memoir and the documentary went on to detail Kilmer’s health and career challenges over the years. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, and underwent a tracheal procedure, but his vocal cords were damaged, and he found it difficult to speak. The actor passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. Fans,...

Val Kilmer had a face that belonged in movies. A stunningly beautiful heartthrob known for his chiseled jaw and shock of blonde hair that looked great either messy or perfectly coiffed, Kilmer practically glowed whenever he was onscreen, as if he was put on Earth by God himself for the purpose of getting immortalized on film.

What made Kilmer not just a flash-in-the-pan but an icon of the ‘90s, though, is that he was far more than just a pretty face. Trained at Julliard and initially finding work as a stage actor, Kilmer took his craft seriously, and in his peak years held all of his roles with equal weight, whether it was a prestige drama like “Heat” or a silly comic book blockbuster like “Batman Forever.” His choices in projects, especially later in life when he spent years playing his hero Mark Twin in live stage shows, reflected someone...

Val Kilmer, the versatile and intense actor known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors, died on Tuesday night in Los Angeles at 65, surrounded by family and friends. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he died from pneumonia following a decade-long battle with throat cancer.

In 2019, uInterview captured exclusive footage of Kilmer talking about his health challenges at the Novus Conference.

Kilmer’s career was marked by dedication to his craft, and he often immersed himself deeply into his roles. He first gained recognition in the 1980s with standout performances in Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985). However, his role as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986) catapulted him to fame. His confident portrayal opposite Tom Cruise made him a fan favorite, and he later reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

In 1991, Kilmer took on the demanding role of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors,...

The late Val Kilmer had a couple of Disney connections fans may have forgotten about!

It’s always sad when a major star passes away at a seemingly too young age. Val Kilmer may have fallen from his 1990s limelight, but it was still jarring to his many fans to hear the actor had passed away at the age of 65 on April 1 after a long battle with throat cancer and pneumonia.

The actor debuted in the 1984 cult comedy Top Secret! That led to turns in Real Genius before his star-making role as Iceman in the 1986 smash Top Gun. After that, Kilmer was a much-in-demand actor starring in numerous hits, including a turn as the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever as well as Heat, The Saint, The Ghost, and the Darkness, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and more.

Kilmer was, by his own admission, a temperamental man who could cause some messes on set.

Val Kilmer’s career was a journey marked by iconic roles and memorable performances. From his breakthrough in “Top Gun” to his return in “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kilmer’s career spanned over four decades and left an indelible mark on the film industry. His versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, each showcasing his unique talent and dedication to his craft.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Val Kilmer’s early career began with appearances in films such as “Top Secret!” (1984) and “Real Genius” (1985). His breakthrough came in 1986 with the blockbuster “Top Gun,” where he played the role of Iceman, an arrogant yet skilled fighter pilot. Kilmer’s on-screen chemistry with Tom Cruise and his ability to bring depth to a seemingly one-dimensional character showcased his talent as an actor. The film’s success opened many doors for Kilmer, and he quickly became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.

Hollywood legend Val Kilmer has shown how to transform into any role and completely master it. His journey began through stage performances, which led him to move on to movie roles. His attractive charisma, together with his raw talent, wound up grabbing quick audience attention. In 2014, throat cancer brought him serious health troubles, yet he fought successfully against the disease. Unfortunately, he lost his life on April 1, 2025, to pneumonia at the age of 65.

For about 40 years in the entertainment industry, Kilmer generated about $4 billion through his movie releases worldwide. The actor secured roles in big productions like Top Gun and Batman Forever and was also critically acclaimed. He is often considered the most underrated leading actor of his time.

Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick | Credit: Paramount Pictures

From the beginning of his career, Kilmer maintained a steady dedication to his artistry. His last appearance in the...

Val Kilmer's death at the age of 65 has been met with an outpouring of love and heartfelt tributes across social media from devoted fans of the prolific actor and his vast body of work. The star, famed for his versatile roles in the likes of Batman Forever, Top Gun, and Heat, among many, many others, died on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from pneumonia. In the hours that followed the announcement, movie enthusiasts came together online to mourn the loss of a Hollywood great and remember some of his most iconic cinematic performances.

Kilmer made his feature debut in the 1984 spy spoof Top Secret!, in which he starred as rock and roll singer Nick Rivers, but that was only the beginning of his acting career on screen. He went on to star in some of the biggest movies of the 1980s and 90s, including playing Bruce Wayne and his superhero alter ego in Batman Forever,...

The world dimmed a bit upon hearing the news of Val Kilmer’s passing. The legendary actor, known for iconic roles in films like Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, left behind a legacy that will always be remembered in Hollywood. Beyond his stellar performances, he was a mysterious figure with deep spiritual beliefs, often defying Hollywood norms. He was one of those rare actors who truly stood out.

Kilmer was also widely recognized for his method of acting. He was known to push the boundaries of immersing himself in his roles. For instance, when preparing to portray Jim Morrison in The Doors, he spent a year studying Morrison’s music and life, perfecting his mannerisms, and even had cast members call him “Jim” to fully embody the character.

Val Kilmer in Batman Forever | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

He was undeniably a great actor, but stepping away from his...

Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65. “The Top Gun” and “Batman Forever” star died on Tuesday, April 1, after a bout with pneumonia. His daughter informed The New York Times, adding that her father was also diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but recovered.

Kilmer made his final film appearance in the 2022 movie and sequel to Top Gun, “Top Gun: Maverick”, sharing a pivotal moment with Tom Cruise’s character.

Val Kilmer’s Life

Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, and grew up in a middle-class family in L.A, the second of three boys. At the age of 17 he was the youngest student enrolled at New York’s Julliard, one of the most prestigious drama conservatories across the globe.

In 1983, Kilmer appeared in an off-Broadway show called “The Slab Boys”, with Jackie Earle Haley, Sean Penn, and Kevin Bacon. In addition, his first onscreen role, excluding TV commercials, also took...

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Sad news out of Hollywood this week:

Val Kilmer, a veteran actor best known for roles in 1986’s Top Gun in 1995’s Batman Forever — passed away on April 1.

He was 65 years old.

Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65. Rip. (Getty)

The star’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, spoke to the New York Times and said her father died due to pneumonia.

Val Kilmer made his final appearance on film in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, a sequel to the aforementioned classic.

The actor reprised his role from the original movie in this hit project, sharing an emotional scene with Tom Cruise.

“I just want to say that was pretty emotional,” Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel back then about acting alongside his friend again. “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.

Hollywood is mourning today following the death of the much-loved and celebrated actor Val Kilmer. The star, known for his iconic performances in Batman Forever, Top Gun, and Heat (to name but a few), died on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, aged 65, from pneumonia. Tributes immediately started to pour in for Kilmer once the news of his death was announced, with Michael Mann and Josh Brolin among the top entertainment industry figures paying their respects. They reflected on the unique qualities the late actor possessed that shone through the various roles he brought to the screen during his diverse acting career.

Filmmaker Michael Mann, who famously directed Kilmer alongside fellow Hollywood heavyweights Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Jon Voight in the critically acclaimed 1995 crime-thriller Heat, remembered Kilmer for his "range" and "brilliant variability" as an actor. He said in a statement, per Variety:

"While working with Val on Heat I always marveled at the range,...

Unfortunately, Val Kilmer left his legacy behind at the age of 65, on April 1, 2025. From now onwards his legacy will be cherished through his onscreen performances alongside the likes of Tom Cruise and Al Pacino. But on this heartbreaking occasion, we came across something even more tormenting—Kilmer’s last regret surrounding Robert Downey Jr.

After collaborating with Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, while Val Kilmer admitted having fond memories from the set, he also admitted having a heartbreaking regret about Downey Jr. that left him feeling blindsided. Seven years ago, in a Reddit Ama, Kilmer shared how a surprising incident with the MCU star and Michelle Monaghan broke his heart.

Val Kilmer in Batman Forever | image: Warner Bros. Val Kilmer’s heartbreaking regret about Robert Downey Jr.

Val Kilmer might have appeared in a bunch of movies that remained cult classics through generations, but nothing stood close...

Actor Val Kilmer, the film star of “The Doors”, “Tombstone”, “Heat” and a whole lot more, has died:

Kilmer’s features included “Real Genius” (1985), the military action film Top Gun (1986) and the fantasy film Willow (1988).

Kilmer gained acclaim for his portrayal of ‘Jim Morrison’ in director Oliver Stone's “The Doors’ (1991).

He then starred in a variety of films, including the western “Tombstone” (1993) and the crime dramas “True Romance” (1993) and “Heat” (1995).

In addition, he portrayed ‘Batman’ in director Joel Schumacher's “Batman Forever” (1995) and appeared in “The Ghost and the Darkness” (1996), “The Saint” (1997), “The Prince of Egypt” (1998), “Alexander” (2004), “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (2005), and “The Snowman” (2017).

In 2022, Kilmer reprised his role as ‘Iceman’ in “Top Gun: Maverick”, marking his final film performance.

Click the images to enlarge…...

Beloved actor Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65 in Los Angeles, his family has confirmed. Kilmer had long faced throat cancer, of which he received a diagnosis in 2014; his daughter Mercedes has said the cause of his death was pneumonia.

After becoming one of the youngest students ever accepted to acting school Juilliard, entering their program at 17, Kilmer went on to star in multiple cinematic favourites. Following roles in Top Secret! And Real Genius, he broke out with his role as pilot Iceman in 1986’s Top Gun. From there, he played swordsman Madmartigan in Ron Howard’s fantasy Willow, on which he met his future wife (and mother of his children) Joanne Whalley. Through the early ‘90s, he starred as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors biopic, played Doc Holliday in Western hit Tombstone, and briefly popped up as the spirit of Elvis in True Romance.

Known for his roles in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Tombstone, the prolific actor’s cause of death was pneumonia

Remembering Val Kilmer: an ethereally handsome actor who evolved into droll self-awarenessA life in pictures

Val Kilmer, the actor best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors, has died at the age of 65.

His daughter Mercedes told the New York Times that the cause of death was pneumonia. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, after treatment with chemotherapy and trachea surgery that had reduced his ability to speak and breathe.

It's with a heavy heart that we report tonight that Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65 in Los Angeles after a short battle with pneumonia. His daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed news of his passing to The New York Times earlier this evening.

Kilmer had also battled throat cancer since 2015, and had a procedure on his trachea that damaged his vocal cords to the point where it significantly limited his ability to speak. He had also undergone chemotherapy treatments and two tracheotomies.

He is survived by his two adult children, Mercedes and Jack, who he had with ex-wife Joanne Whalley.

Kilmer's breakthrough performance was in 1986's Top Gun, where he played Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky, and his career reached new heights in 1991 when he played Jim Morrison in The Doors. His most prominent credits also include playing Doc Holliday in 1993's Tombstone, Bruce Wayne/Batman in 1995's Batman Forever, and Chris Shiherlis in Heat.

Val Kilmer was, to put in the parlance of his fellow 1980s icon Demi Moore, a popcorn actor. He was Iceman. He was Batman. He was Madmartigan. He was Jim Morrison. He was a Real Genius. He was our huckleberry.

Kilmer, the versatile, volatile teen idol-turned-brooding leading man, has died at 65 after a heroic battle with throat cancer, according to The New York Times. He leaves behind a screen legacy that, per IMDb, tallied 105 acting credits. Those included zeitgeist comedies, blockbuster action epics, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and animated features — many of them indisputable classics helmed by a who's-who of filmmakers and starring some of Hollywood's greatest legends. Despite his enviable C.V., Kilmer never merited an Oscar nomination or an Emmy bid. The closest he got to a major award was a 2012 Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for The Mask of Zorro. But that's not to say Kilmer didn't deserve accolades.

Kilmer, who has died aged 65, made his name with Top Gun and The Doors – but his exceptional talents were often under-appreciated by the mainstream film industry

Val Kilmer, star of Top Gun and The Doors, dies aged 65A life in pictures

Why do some movie careers take off … and others go a bit sideways? Val Kilmer was a smart actor, a looker, a terrific screen presence and in later years an under-appreciated comic performer. His finest hour as an actor came in Shane Black’s comedy action thriller Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in 2005, when he was quite superb as the camp private investigator Gay Perry Shrike: a gloriously sleek, plump performance which was transparently – and outrageously – based on Tom Ford. If only Kilmer could have started his acting life with that bravura performance, and shown the world what he could do. Instead, and at a crucial stage in his career,...

Val Kilmer, the Hollywood star whose credits included The Doors, Batman Forever, and Top Gun, has died. He was 65.

The actor’s daughter Mercedes Kilmer, by his ex-wife Joanne Whalley, told The New York Times he died of pneumonia.

Kilmer was born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959, and eventually attended the prestigious The Juilliard School in New York, becoming at 17 the youngest actor ever to be admitted.

He performed on Broadway in The Slab Boys in 1983 alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon and a year later landed his first film role in the spoof Top Secret!

Kilmer went on to...

Michael Mann, Francis Ford Coppola, Nicolas Cage, Jim Carrey and Josh Brolin were among the many entertainment industry figures who paid tribute to Val Kilmer after news of his death was announced.

Kilmer died of pneumonia in Los Angeles, his daughter, actress Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times. He was 65. The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015.

His death was announced as the actor was meant to be arriving for a rare red carpet appearance at the Beverly Hills Film Festival on Tuesday night. “It was a shock to find this out. We had just confirmed Val to attend the West Coast premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective this past weekend,” Nino Simone, founder and president of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, said on Wednesday.

The much-loved and incredibly versatile actor had a diverse filmography, excelling both as a leading man (Batman Forever, The Saint, Top Secret!,...

The iconic actor Val Kilmer, best known for roles such as Jim Morrison in 1991's The Doors and "Ice" (Adm. Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky), in 1986's Top Gun, has died at the age of 65 according to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, who told The New York he died of pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This follows a decade of medical issues for Kilmer. The actor's final film fittingly found him reprising his role as 'Iceman' in Top Gun: Maverick, though the actor would continue to be involved in the arts with his painting. His final Facebook post, on March 22, 2025, included his last painting. He wrote, "It’s got that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down but you’re still wide awake." Rest in peace, sir.

It’s got that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down...

Some horrible news to start the day. Actor Val Kilmer has died at the age of just 65, it’s been announced,

Just awful news, this. Actor Val Kilmer has died, at the age of just 65. It’s no secret that he’d been diagnosed with cancer of the throat just over ten years ago, but still: reading the news coming in overnight is a terrible shock.

According to a report at the New York Times, the cause of his death has been attributed to pneumonia. He leaves behind one heck of a body of a work, and no shortage of film stories too.

Top Secret! was his movie debut, the film that the Zucker Abrahams Zucker team made after Airplane!. It remains a sublimely funny piece of work, with a superb performance at the heart of it.

Of course, from there, Kilmer built up a career with a collection of memorable roles.

Actor Val Kilmer has passed away. Known for several fan-favorite roles, from Doc Holliday to Batman, the actor was 65 years old.

The New York Times reported on the passing of Kilmer, with his daughter, actress Mercedes Kilmer, confirming the news. According nto his daughter, Kilmer died in Los Angeles due to pneumonia. He'd previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015. His subsequent health struggles had been chronicled in the documentary Val, released in 2021.

Val Edward Kilmer was born on New Year's Eve in 1959. At the age of 17, he started studying acting at Juilliard in New York. This led to his work in theater, and he made his Broadway debut in 1983 with a role in Slab Boys. He'd make his debut in film by playing teen idol Nick Rivers in the 1984 film Top Secret!, following it up with a role in tthe1985 film Real Genius.

A big break came quickly for...

Val Kilmer, who starred in a string of high-profile films such as Batman Forever and The Doors before receding from the silver screen amid health issues, died on Tuesday at the age of 65.

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the actor’s death to The New York Times, adding the cause was pneumonia. She said Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered.

The actor shot to fame in the Eighties with features in Top Secret!, Real Genius, and the mega blockbuster hit Top Gun playing naval aviator Tom...

Val Kilmer, the star of films such as “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever,” “The Doors,” and many more classics, has died, his daughter told The New York Times. He was 65.

Kilmer died of pneumonia at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 1, his daughter told Nyt. He had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, rendering him unable to speak and having him disappear from Hollywood for years, but he had recovered.

The Iceman in “Top Gun” opposite Tom Cruise, Kilmer was one of the coolest leading men around but also one of Hollywood’s most unsung stars. He had a handsomeness and charm but also a guarded, reserved presence and mystique that made him perfect to play a rock star like Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors,” one of his most acclaimed performances, as well as tentpole roles like Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever.” He broke out in films such as “Real Genius,...

Val Kilmer, the charisma-oozing leading man who lost himself portraying such tormented, self-loathing characters as Jim Morrison, gunslinger Doc Holliday and Batman during his all-too-brief career, died Tuesday. He was 65.

Kilmer, who came to fame for playing the competitive naval aviator Tom “Iceman” Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise in Tony Scott’s 1986 mega box-office hit Top Gun, died of pneumonia in Los Angeles, his daughter, actress Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times.

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, and Val, a stirring documentary about his life that premiered at Cannes in July 2021, showed him needing a breathing tube.

His death was announced as the actor was meant to be arriving for a rare red carpet appearance at the Beverly Hills Film Festival on Tuesday night. “It was a shock to find this out. We had just confirmed Val to attend the west coast premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective this past weekend,...

Val Kilmer, who played Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever,” channeled Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” and starred as a tubercular Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” died Tuesday in Los Angeles. His daughter Mercedes told The New York Times the cause was pneumonia. He was 65. He had been battling throat cancer for several years.

Kilmer’s reps did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.

The baby-faced blonde actor had a solid run as a leading man with a volatile reputation in the ’80s and ’90s, starring in “Top Gun,” “Real Genius,” “Willow,” “Heat,” and “The Saint.” He returned briefly to screens in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick” although he could no longer speak due to his cancer.

In 2021, a documentary on his life, “Val,” was released. His son provided the actor’s voice and the film utilized hundreds of hours of video he had recorded over the years,...

Marshmallow, the upcoming horror film coming to theaters next month, just got an exciting new look. Collider is happy to partner with Hemlock Circle Productions to unveil a new sneak peek at Marshmallow, which shows Morgan (Kue Lawrence) coming into the cabin to warn Franklin (Maxwell Whittington-Cooper) and Rachel (Giorgia Whigham) that someone is inside his room. The two clearly don’t believe him, and then Lauri (Samantha Neyland Trumbo) and Kaszwar (Pierson Fode) stumble in and are accused of planting this story in his head. Marshmallow shows what happens when a once-fabled campfire tale becomes real, and a group of campers discovers something that forces them to question their very existence. The film is coming to select theaters on April 11, and it promises to be one of the more intriguing horror movies of the year.

Marshmallow star Giorgia Whigham is best known for her role as Chrissy in Sierra Burgess is a Loser,...

It's easy to forget that Jon Favreau's "Iron Man" was considered something of a risk when it was released in 2008. Marvel hadn't yet been purchased by Disney at that point, while the onslaught of the eventual Marvel Cinematic Universe was but a glint in Favreau's eye. When he included a cameo appearance from Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, delivering lines about the Avengers Initiative, Favreau meant for it to serve as nothing more than a wink to fans. It wasn't until the following year that Disney purchased Marvel and put plans for the Avengers into proper motion.

Robert Downey Jr. starred as Tony Stark/Iron Man, and the film proved to be a boon for his career. The actor has spoken very openly about how the years 1996 to 2001 were a time of intense substance abuse for him, culminating in him finally going to rehab in November 2001 after eating...