Tom Cruise vehemently opposed the idea of using AI to bring back Val Kilmer's character, Iceman, in a potential Top Gun 3. Sources say Cruise's reaction was so strong that it stunned the meeting attendees.
Kilmer's appearance in Top Gun: Maverick, his final film role before his death, utilized AI to recreate his voice due to health issues. Cruise reportedly believes using AI to recreate Kilmer extensively would 'bastardize' his legacy, especially given the emotional impact of Iceman's appearance in Maverick.
The article emphasizes Cruise's dislike of AI technology, linking this to his rejection of the AI-based resurrection of Kilmer's character.
The article highlights the emotional scene between Cruise and Kilmer in Top Gun: Maverick, emphasizing that Cruise wanted to honor Kilmer's final screen performance. This underscores Cruise's motivation for opposing the AI-driven Kilmer in Top Gun 3.
The article also briefly mentions Cruise's past outburst at staff on the set of Mission Impossible 7, due to Covid-19 protocol breaches.
Cruise's fierce rejection of AI's use to recreate Kilmer stems from his deep respect for his co-star and desire to protect the integrity of Kilmer's final film appearance, aiming to maintain the positive audience response from the successful sequel.