Val Kilmer: The Journey of an Iconic Actor
Val Kilmer has had an inconsistent career, but his impact on the film industry is undeniable. From his iconic roles in Tombstone and Batman Forever to his triumphant return in Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer's journey as an actor has been filled with highs and lows.
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Tombstone
Val Kilmer celebrates the 30th anniversary of Tombstone through sharing behind-the-scenes videos. Released in 1993, the Western movie was loosely based on true events and revolved around iconic Western lawman Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and other outlaws as he has to come out of retirement to put a stop to lawlessness running rampant in his town. Kurt Russell led the ensemble Tombstone cast alongside Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Michael Biehn, Powers Boothe and Charlton Heston. In honor of the movie's 30th anniversary, Kilmer took to his Instagram to share heartwarming behind-the-scenes video from the set of Tombstone. In the caption for the post, Kilmer honored the three-decades-old release date of Tombstone to theaters. The actor said that “it seems like yesterday” while wishing his followers “Merry Christmas and of course Happy Hollidays!,' referencing his Doc Holliday role.
Val Kilmer as Wyatt Earp in Wyatt Earp's Revenge
Instagram article posted by valkilmerofficial
The Career Trajectory After Tombstone
Following Tombstone, Val Kilmer went on to play another iconic role in the form Bruce Wayne / Batman in the 1995 movie Batman Forever. While the Joel Schumacher-helmed movie, and by extension Kilmer’s Wayne, is far from the best-regarded in the franchise, the movie introduced some iconic villains, including Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent / Two-Face and Jim Carrey as Edward Nygma / Riddler. Batman Forever was Kilmer’s only stint as the iconic caped crusader. Following Tombstone and Batman Forever, Kilmer voiced one of the main characters in The Prince of Egypt before slowing down his career significantly. Kilmer’s 21st century work has included primarily B-movies or appearances in largely unseen miniseries such as The Spoils of Babylon. In 2017, Kilmer made a foray back into higher-potential films when he acted in Terrence Malick’s Song to Song and the Michael Fassbender-led thriller The Snowman, but both films turned out to be flops. Kilmer took a turn in 2022 when he reprised his 1986 Top Gun role in Top Gun: Maverick. In the Tom Cruise-led sequel, Kilmer showed the same charisma that made him great when originally playing Iceman in the 1986 action-thriller, as well as in his earlier works like Tombstone. As Kilmer makes a triumphant return to acting in the 2020s, it is nice to fondly remember some of the roles that brought him to fame, as in the case of Tombstone.
Angelia Jolie, Colin Farrell, and Val Kilmer in Alexander
The Impact of Val Kilmer's Career
Val Kilmer's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from iconic roles in Tombstone and Batman Forever to a period of slowed-down projects, and finally, a triumphant return with Top Gun: Maverick. Despite the ups and downs, Kilmer's impact on the film industry is undeniable. His ability to bring characters to life on the big screen has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. As fans celebrate the 30th anniversary of Tombstone, it's a reminder of Kilmer's enduring legacy as an actor.
val kilmer jim morrison the doors
