In “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kazansky — who had risen to the rank of admiral — was dying of throat cancer and unable to speak, but wanted to talk with Maverick one final time. During the emotional reunion that took place in a home office, Kazansky gave Maverick the advice, “It’s time to let go.”

Tom Cruise paid tribute to his "wingman" Val Kilmer at CinemaCon on April 3. Cruise attended the event in Las Vegas to promote Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, but when he walked onstage, his Top Gun costar and friend was on his mind.

Tom Cruise held a moment of silence for the late Val Kilmer while on stage at Cinema Con. Cruise, who appeared at the convention to introduce the trailer for Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning,