In a poignant moment at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise honored his late co-star Val Kilmer, who tragically passed away at the age of 65 earlier this week. Cruise, who was there to promote his upcoming film "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," took a moment before diving into his high-octane stunts to pay tribute to his friend.

As he stood before a crowd of cinema exhibitors at Caesars Palace, Cruise shared his admiration for Kilmer's remarkable talent and their long-standing friendship. "I can’t express how much I admire his work," he began. "Val joined 'Top Gun' and later returned for 'Top Gun: Maverick.' He loved movies and gave so much to all of us. Let's take a moment to reflect on the wonderful memories we shared with him."

Following the heartfelt moment of silence, Cruise concluded with an emotional message: “I wish you well on the next journey.” This tribute not only showcased Cruise's respect for Kilmer but also resonated deeply with others in the industry who have felt the impact of Kilmer's career.

Cruise and Kilmer's paths first crossed in the iconic 1986 film "Top Gun," where they portrayed rival fighter pilots Maverick and Iceman. The film captivated audiences and became the highest-grossing movie of that year, earning over $350 million globally—an achievement that catapulted both actors into superstardom.

Nearly four decades later, they reunited in "Top Gun: Maverick," which featured an emotional scene that marked Kilmer's final on-screen appearance. The actor bravely battled throat cancer, which severely affected his ability to speak, necessitating the use of AI technology to recreate his voice for the film. In a heart-wrenching exchange, Cruise's character confides in Iceman, who is facing his own terminal illness. Iceman’s powerful words, "The Navy needs Maverick. The kid needs Maverick. That’s why I fought for you," struck a chord with audiences, adding depth to both characters’ journeys.

"Top Gun: Maverick" ultimately eclipsed its predecessor, grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide and receiving six Oscar nominations. The overwhelming success has ignited discussions about a potential third installment in the franchise, keeping the legacy of these beloved characters alive.

As attendees at CinemaCon reflected on Kilmer's contributions to film, they couldn't help but be reminded of the lasting impact he made on his peers and fans alike. Following the emotional tribute, Cruise reminisced about the difficulty of holding back tears during that final scene with Kilmer, a testament to their deep friendship and shared love for the art of filmmaking. Val Kilmer will always be remembered not only for his incredible work but also for the indelible mark he left on Hollywood.