It’s hard to fathom that the heartfelt reunion between Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer in Top Gun: Maverick would be Kilmer’s final appearance on the big screen. Their last meeting was described as “emotional,” according to a 2023 interview Cruise had on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Kilmer sadly passed away on April 1 due to pneumonia at 65. Just a few years prior to his passing, he returned to one of his most well-known roles as Adm. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick. This film was the last time he and Cruise shared the screen.

“That was pretty emotional,” Cruise reflected during his Live appearance. “I’ve known Val for many years, and him stepping back into that role, with his immense talent, he transformed into that character instantly. You were truly seeing Iceman again.”

He admitted, “I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.”

The powerful moment shows Cruise’s character, Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, turning to Iceman for advice. “The only reason I’m here is you,” Maverick tells him through tears.

In the scene, Iceman is typing his responses to Maverick as Kilmer underwent a tracheotomy that impacted his speaking voice during a bout with throat cancer.

Kilmer told USA TODAY in 2022 that he “was very moved” when he first watched that scene. “Almost 40 years is a long time for a reunion,” he said. “We laughed all day. Tom is great and surprisingly funny!!” He added that the hug they shared later in the scene came “straight from the heart.”

“I love Tom. We’ve always gotten along great,” he said of his co-star.

Cruise has yet to speak out about Kilmer’s passing. But the official Top Gun X account praised the late actor with a tribute.

“Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman,” they wrote.

Scroll up to watch Cruise talk about that emotional reunion on Jimmy Kimmel Live.