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During a heartfelt presentation at CinemaCon on Thursday, renowned actor Tom Cruise took a moment to honor his late co-star Val Kilmer, who passed away earlier this week. In front of an audience eagerly awaiting news about Paramount Pictures' upcoming films, Cruise reflected on Kilmer's immense talent and the deep respect he held for him as both a performer and a person.

Expressing his sentiments, Cruise stated, "I really 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' and then came back for 'Top Gun: Maverick.'" This poignant tribute was reported by multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and Entertainment Weekly. Following his heartfelt words, Cruise invited those present to observe a moment of silence, a fitting tribute to Kilmer's lasting impact on the film industry.

"Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey," Cruise concluded, paying homage to a man who had not only been a colleague but also a dear friend.

Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles on Tuesday, with his daughter confirming to The New York Times that pneumonia was the cause of death. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, a diagnosis he received in 2014, and although he had managed to recover, the subsequent health issues had taken a toll on him.

In the wake of Kilmer's death, tributes flooded in from a wide array of celebrities, former co-stars, directors, and fans alike, all expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the talented actor.

Within the iconic "Top Gun" film franchise, Kilmer portrayed the character Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, a memorable rival to Cruise's character, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The original "Top Gun," released in 1986, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the thrilling lives of naval fighter pilots and solidifying its place in cinematic history. More than three decades later, the sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," hit theaters in May 2022, reigniting interest and nostalgia for the franchise.

Despite facing significant health challenges, including a tracheostomy that permanently affected his voice, Kilmer collaborated with a tech company to leverage artificial intelligence to recreate his voice. This innovative approach allowed him to reprise his role in the highly anticipated sequel, a testament to his dedication and resilience. During the red carpet premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick," Cruise expressed how committed he was to seeing Kilmer return to the screen. He was quoted saying, "The kind of talent that he has, and you see that scene, it's very special. It's just very special."

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who worked on the sequel, shared insights into Cruise's determination, stating, "He said, 'We have to have Val, we have to have him back. We have to have him in the film.'" Bruckheimer noted that while everyone involved wanted Kilmer back, it was Cruise's passionate insistence that ultimately made it happen.

Reflecting on their time together during a February 2023 appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Cruise revealed the emotional weight of filming scenes with Kilmer. He confessed, "That was pretty emotional. 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. I was crying. I was crying; I got emotional. He's such a brilliant actor, and I love his work."

As the news of Kilmer's passing continues to resonate throughout the film community, a representative for Cruise has indicated that there will be no further comments from the actor at this time. Attempts to reach a representative for Paramount Pictures for additional comments were met with silence, including a delay in response outside of regular business hours.