Tom Cruise Reportedly Erupts Over 'Top Gun 3's Controversial Plot Twist

In a move that stunned insiders, Tom Cruise allegedly unleashed a furious tirade during a "Top Gun 3" production meeting when a controversial idea was floated.

This was after a suggestion was made to bring back Val Kilmer's character using artificial intelligence.

The incident has sparked conversations about Cruise's stance on AI and the delicate legacy of Kilmer, who died earlier this year.

Cruise, long known for his intense dedication to authenticity, reportedly exploded when a team member suggested digitally reviving Val Kilmer's Iceman using AI.

Sources told the Daily Mail that the star leapt from his seat and "let rip," leaving the entire room in stunned silence.

"Someone suggested bringing Val Kilmer back via AI," one insider said. "Tom jumped to his feet and let rip, leaving the entire room silent for literally minutes. You could almost hear a pin drop and see steam coming out of his ears."

Cruise, 62, is said to have a deep disdain for artificial intelligence, believing that it would "bastardize everything" Kilmer stood for as both an actor and a friend.

The actor was reportedly adamant that any attempt to recreate Kilmer's image posthumously would cross a line he's unwilling to tolerate.

Val Kilmer made his final on-screen appearance in "Top Gun: Maverick," with his iconic voice recreated through AI technology due to his battle with throat cancer.

Kilmer's vocal cords were damaged following a tracheotomy in 2014, and London-based AI firm Sonantic was enlisted to help him speak both in the film and in real life.

"I'm grateful to the entire team at Sonantic who masterfully restored my voice in a way I've never imagined possible," Kilmer said at the time.

The 2022 sequel marked Kilmer's last film before his death from pneumonia in April 2025 at the age of 65. The emotionally charged reunion between Iceman and Cruise's Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell was one of the film's most unforgettable moments.

"The Navy needs Maverick," Kilmer's character said in the film. "The kid needs Maverick. That's why I fought for you. That's why you're still here."

The pair then embraced, with Iceman cheekily adding, "One last thing — who is the better pilot, you or me?"

Director Joseph Kosinski described the scene as deeply emotional. "After one of the takes — we only did a few — I noticed that both Tom and Val had tears in their eyes. It felt like a genuine moment between two old friends."

Though Kilmer's character dies in "Top Gun: Maverick," some early ideas for "Top Gun 3" included referencing or even digitally recreating Iceman. Cruise reportedly shut the idea down immediately.

"Val only managed to make a brief appearance in Maverick due to his long battle with cancer," one source explained. "Tom knew it would be Val's screen farewell and wanted to give him the honorable send-off he deserved."

Another insider added, "The moment he shared with Val in Maverick was such a beautiful experience, that when an AI Val was brought up, he wasn't happy and quickly killed it because that would just bastardize everything."

Cruise was allegedly firm that if Kilmer isn't alive to approve the portrayal, he won't be involved in any form of digital resurrection.

"Will the movie reference Val? Yes, but Maverick is the last time we'll see him," the source said.

This is not the first time Tom Cruise has made headlines for his passionate outbursts.

In 2020, during the filming of "Mission: Impossible 7," audio leaked of the actor unleashing a profanity-laced rant at crew members who violated COVID-19 safety protocols.

"If I see you do it again, you're f-cking gone," he shouted in the now-infamous recording. "No apologies. You can tell it to the people who are losing their f-cking homes because our INDUSTRY is shut down."

As one of Hollywood's most dedicated perfectionists, Cruise is known for going to extreme lengths to maintain the integrity of his projects.

"People loved the sequel, so Tom will do nothing to ruin the audience's goodwill," a source emphasized. "To add an AI Val would be graceless."

Despite his death, Kilmer remains one of the greatest actors in Hollywood history, and there are many movies to prove this.

In addition to his portrayal of Iceman in "Top Gun" (1986) and "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022), he starred in many other blockbusters.

In "The Doors" (1991), he stunned fans with a hauntingly real portrayal of Jim Morrison. Kilmer then stole hearts as the witty Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" (1993), coining the legendary line, "I'm your Huckleberry."

He brought complexity to Bruce Wayne in "Batman Forever" (1995) and delivered quiet brilliance as a conflicted thief in "Heat" (1995).

Kilmer's performances were bold, emotional, and unforgettable.

Although he's gone, his work lives on, reminding fans of his singular talent and lasting impact on the entertainment industry.