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 was moved to tears during the filming of Top Gun: Maverick as he reunited with Val Kilmer, who died Tuesday at the age of 65 from pneumonia. Kilmer, despite his many starring roles, was arguably best known for playing fighter pilot Iceman in the 1986 classic Top Gun, a role which he reprised for the 2022 sequel.