ACTOR · BORN 1959 · DIED 2025
Val Kilmer
- Born
- 31 December 1959
- Died
- 1 April 2025
98 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (98)
- #001
While playing Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors, Val Kilmer sang the songs in his own voice. The performance was so convincing that the real members of The Doors admitted they had trouble telling Kilmer's voice apart from Morrison's.
- #002
Kilmer did not want to appear in the 1986 film Top Gun, but contractual obligations forced him to take the part. The film nonetheless became a major turning point in his career and stayed in audiences' memory.
- #003
During the filming of The Doors, Kilmer broke his arm when a stuntman failed to catch him as he jumped from the stage into the crowd. The accident left a permanent deformity in his left elbow that is clearly visible in the 1995 film Heat.
- #004
Warwick Davis, who starred alongside Kilmer in Willow, says in his audio commentary that the question he is asked most often is what it was like to work with Val Kilmer. Davis says he greatly enjoyed working with Kilmer, that he had a wonderful sense of humor and was an extremely committed actor.
- #005
During the filming of Streets of Blood, a strong friendship developed between 50 Cent and Val Kilmer. The two actors bonded over their shared interest in classic cars, and 50 Cent surprised Kilmer by gifting him the keys to a 1965 Chevy Impala he had bought for $100,000.
- #006
A long-time smoker, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in January 2015 after noticing a lump in his throat. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and two tracheotomies, he lost his ability to speak entirely in April 2017. From December 2017 he had to use an electric voice box, and by 2020 the progression of the disease meant he could no longer eat solid food.
- #007
Kilmer turned down the role of Ponyboy in the 1983 film The Outsiders because of his commitment to the theater company he was working with at the time; he believed that if he left the production it would be canceled and his friends would be left without work. Years later, in 2011, he reunited with Francis Ford Coppola on Twixt, making up for that loss.
- #008
Kilmer is frequently referenced as a character in the series Psych. In the show's finale he made a surprise cameo as Detective Dobson, a role that had never been seen before.
- #009
Kilmer turned down Patrick Swayze's role in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing because he did not want to be perceived as 'handsome.' The part then went to Swayze and the film became a great success.
- #010
Kilmer's connection to the New Mexico Film Investment Program led to an enormous increase in the state's annual production revenue. The figure rose from just $3 million in 2002 to $117 million in 2006.
- #011
Kilmer grew up in the San Fernando Valley as the middle of three sons. During his high school years, his younger brother Wesley drowned in the family swimming pool. Kilmer has said this tragic event inspired his performance in The Salton Sea (2002).
- #012
The role of Chris Shiherlis in Heat was initially given to Keanu Reeves, but after Reeves withdrew from the project the part went to Kilmer. Kilmer's performance became one of the film's most memorable characters.
- #013
During the filming of the 1988 film Willow, Kilmer met the English actress Joanne Whalley and they married shortly afterwards. The couple had two children, Mercedes (1991) and Jack (1995), and appeared together in four films: Willow, Kill Me Again, Played and Twixt. Interestingly, in Twixt they played a couple despite being divorced in real life. Whalley is also thanked in the credits of Kilmer's documentary Val.
- #014
In 1995, Kilmer learned he was divorced while watching CNN in a hotel room. He summed up the moment by saying, 'It was not fun at all.'.
- #015
Kilmer turned down Denzel Washington's role in the 1995 film Crimson Tide. Years later he admitted he regretted the decision and that it was one of the few films he wished he had accepted.
- #016
Kilmer used to prefer sending recorded auditions to producers instead of auditioning live. In his view, this method produced much better results than live auditions and reduced the pressure on him.
- #017
In 2007, Kilmer took part in the Orchard Beach Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show held in New York. The event was a one-day, non-profit fundraiser organized to provide financial support to the families of police officers who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks.
- #018
In 1981, at the age of 21, Kilmer was accepted into the drama division of the Juilliard School and became the school's youngest student at the time. That record was broken in 2002 by Seth Numrich, who was accepted at 15.
- #019
Kilmer wrote poems for actress Michelle Pfeiffer. This romantic gesture showed that his artistic side was not limited to acting, but also included a literary talent. The special bond between him and Pfeiffer is remembered as one of the rare intimate relationships in Hollywood's glittering world.
- #020
Kilmer refused to return for Batman & Robin (1997). His reason was his commitment to The Saint (1997) and the fact that he had lost interest in the Batman role. This decision showed his desire to move toward different projects in his career and that he valued artistic satisfaction over commercial success.
- #021
While promoting Comanche Moon (2008) and waiting for the production of a new film to begin, Kilmer supported the V-Day campaign alongside Rosario Dawson, Jessica Alba, Katie Holmes, Gina Gershon and Kerry Washington. This global movement aimed to end violence against women and girls. The proceeds from the event were directed to various humanitarian projects around the world.
- #022
Kilmer collaborated with Sonantic, a London-based software company, to digitally recreate his voice. The voice models, developed using archive material and artificial intelligence technology, were designed for use in possible future projects. This innovative work stands out as part of his effort to regain the voice he lost due to health problems.
- #023
In a 1991 interview with Interview magazine to promote The Doors, Kilmer recounted that as a child his family employed a Vietnam War veteran as a full-time caretaker. When the man found another job, the family lost contact with him. Through the magazine, Kilmer made a call to reach this veteran and hoped to reconnect with him. This story is a touching example of his connection to his past and to people.
- #024
On the set of The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), Val Kilmer and Marlon Brando drove director John Frankenheimer to distraction. Frankenheimer swore he would never work with Kilmer again. However, all the actors who worked on the film said that Frankenheimer behaved like a dictator and a bully on set and that working with him was a nightmare. This incident shows how tense director-actor relationships can be in Hollywood.
- #025
During the crossroads scene in Willow (1988), as Kilmer was being let out of a metal cage, the rope holding the cage snapped and the cage fell on his foot, nearly breaking it. As a result of this accident, there were moments when Kilmer had difficulty walking while playing the swordsman Madmartigan in the film. This incident shows how dangerous action scenes can be and that actors continue their work despite these risks.
- #026
On the set of Forget About It (2006), Charles Durning told William Bolander that Val Kilmer was one of the most talented actors he had ever worked with. The two had previously worked together on The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains (1987). Durning's praise shows how respected an actor Kilmer is among his colleagues.
- #027
The Missing (2003) was shot about an hour away from Kilmer's ranch in New Mexico, and he called his old friend Ron Howard to ask for a role. Howard gladly agreed and gave him a role that lasted only three days. Kilmer's scene runs about 13 minutes, excluding the deleted scene on the DVD. This situation shows the value Kilmer places on his friendships and his practicality in seizing opportunities.
- #028
Kilmer is known for his love of buffalo and keeps several buffalo on his ranch in New Mexico. His interest in these animals shows his commitment to nature and wildlife. It also reveals that he prefers to lead a quiet life away from Hollywood's glamorous world.
- #029
Kilmer turned down the role of Jack Swigert in Apollo 13 (1995) in order to shoot The Ghost and the Darkness (1996). This decision shows his desire to move toward different kinds of projects in his career. Although Apollo 13 achieved great success, Kilmer's choice reflects his artistic priorities.
- #030
Kilmer has lived in New Mexico since 1983. The state became for him not only a residence but also a place where he contributes to the film industry. His work on the New Mexico Film Commission and the increase in the state's production revenue show his commitment to the region.
- #031
Kilmer turned down Kyle MacLachlan's roles in Dune (1984) and Blue Velvet (1986). He described the Blue Velvet script as 'pure pornography', but later admitted that a different version of the film had emerged and that he regretted his decision. This incident shows how difficult the decisions actors have to make in choosing scripts can be.
- #032
Kilmer ranked 62nd on Empire magazine's list of the '100 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time'. This ranking shows his lasting impact on the world of cinema and the mark he left on audiences. Throughout his career, Kilmer brought many unforgettable characters to life, and this list confirms that achievement.
- #033
Kilmer stated that he wanted to play a villain in a Batman film opposite Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne/Batman. This wish shows his interest in the superhero genre and his desire to portray different characters. However, this project has not yet come to fruition, which remains a source of curiosity for fans.
- #034
Kilmer has long been a board member of the New Mexico State Film Commission, which tries to persuade Los Angeles-based producers and studios to shoot in New Mexico. This role shows that he plays an important part not only as an actor but also as a figure who contributes to the development of the local film industry.
- #035
Kilmer's first auditions, at the age of 13, were for commercials. This early experience shows that he began his acting career at a young age and recognized his talent in this field early on. The commercial auditions were an important stepping stone on the path to his later major roles.
- #036
Kilmer, who was initially set to play the lead in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), wanted to change roles because of his divorce process. This decision shows how difficulties in his private life can affect his career. In the end he played a different character in the film, and this change also affected the dynamics of the production.
- #037
Kilmer's paternal grandfather worked as a gold miner in New Mexico. This family history may explain his connection to New Mexico and his love for the region. It also offers a clue about his family's adventurous past in the American West.
- #038
Kilmer appeared in Tony Scott films across three different decades: Top Gun in 1986, True Romance in 1993 and Deja Vu in 2006. These three films show the continuity of his collaboration with Scott and the strong bond between them. Each film revealed a different side of Kilmer, and these collaborations hold an important place in his career.
- #039
Kilmer auditioned for the role of Sergeant Elias Grodin in Platoon (1986). According to Oliver Stone, the audition was highly unusual; Kilmer played the character like a Native American shaman. Although this strange interpretation caught Stone's attention, Kilmer did not get the part. The episode shows Kilmer to be a creative actor willing to take risks.
- #040
Kilmer attended the Big Apple Comic Book, Art, Toy & Sci-Fi Expo held in New York. The event was a two-day charity drive for several nonprofit organizations, and Kilmer donated all the proceeds. The gesture shows his philanthropic side and his willingness to contribute to the community.
- #041
Kilmer appeared on the stage alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon in the play 'Slab Boys'. This theater experience shows that he was not limited to film acting and also valued the stage arts. The play was an important turning point in his career.
- #042
Oliver Stone had considered Kilmer for the role of Alexander the Great in the long-delayed Alexander (2004) project. When the film was finally made, Kilmer instead took the role of King Philip, the father of the Alexander played by Colin Farrell. The change gave Kilmer the chance to portray a different character and once again displayed his talent.
- #043
When Kilmer was offered the role of Batman in Batman Forever (1995), he was in the Kalahari Desert in Africa researching a story about witch doctors. This curious coincidence shows that he was not only interested in acting but also curious about different cultures and subjects. The research may have contributed to his creative process.
- #044
Kilmer studied at Chatsworth High School alongside Kevin Spacey and Mare Winningham. The school held an important place in his acting career, because there he met and befriended future famous actors. These early connections laid the groundwork for his Hollywood career.
- #045
While on a break from shooting Streets of Blood (2009), Kilmer joined 50 Cent in supporting Cuba Gooding Jr.'s First Star Celebration for Children's Rights. The event aimed to raise awareness about children's rights. Kilmer's participation in such social responsibility projects shows his sensitivity and his desire to contribute to society.
- #046
Kilmer is a big fan of Michael Fassbender. The two became close friends after working together on Song to Song (2017) and The Snowman (2017). When Kilmer appeared in the series Life's Too Short (2011), he invited Fassbender to the set. The friendship shows the two actors' mutual respect and the bond they formed outside of work.
- #047
During the production of Batman Forever (1995), Joel Schumacher offered Kilmer the lead role in A Time to Kill (1996). However, their relationship became so strained during the shooting of Batman Forever that Schumacher vowed never to work with Kilmer again and publicly claimed he had 'mental health issues'. The incident shows how destructive director-actor conflicts in Hollywood can be.
- #048
Kilmer is 1/8 Cherokee because his father's grandmother was Cherokee. In Thunderheart (1992), he played a character who is 1/4 Sioux. This connection shows his interest in Native American culture and his desire to reflect that heritage in his acting.
- #049
In 1999, Kilmer stated that At First Sight (1999) was the most difficult role of his career up to that point. In the film he played a blind man, and the role was an experience that tested his acting ability. The statement shows how seriously he approaches his work and that he does not shy away from demanding roles.
- #050
Kilmer turned down John Travolta's cameo role in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). The decision shows his distant stance toward comedy and his desire to move toward different projects. The brief role played by Travolta was one of the film's key moments, but Kilmer did not take the opportunity.
- #051
Kilmer turned down Woody Harrelson's role in Indecent Proposal (1993). The film was one of the most talked-about productions of its time, and Harrelson's performance was well received. Kilmer's rejection of the role shows his tendency to make different choices in his career.
- #052
Kilmer attended the same high school as Mare Winningham, and in his biography he wrote that he fell in love with her because she was old enough to drive and he was not. The candid confession reveals a sweet memory from his youth and exposes Kilmer's emotional side.
- #053
Kilmer auditioned for the lead role in Full Metal Jacket (1987), but the part ultimately went to Matthew Modine. The loss meant an important opportunity slipped away in his career. Even so, Kilmer later proved his talent by appearing in many successful projects.
- #054
In his spare time, Kilmer enjoys scuba diving and traveling. These hobbies show his adventurous spirit and his desire to explore the world. They also reveal that he prefers activities in touch with nature to escape the stress of his intense acting career.
- #055
When Kilmer started high school, he was only 4' 11" tall. He admitted this on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. The statement offers a detail about his physical development in his youth and shows that Kilmer can speak comfortably about himself.
- #056
Kilmer was considered for Keanu Reeves's roles in Point Break (1991) and The Matrix (1999). He was also set to star in Johnny Mnemonic (1995), but he left the project after taking a role in Batman Forever (1995). These decisions show which projects he prioritized in his career.
- #057
Kilmer shot his role as Elvis Presley in True Romance (1993) in just one day. The short time shows his professionalism and his ability to adapt quickly to a role. The cameo stuck in viewers' memories and revealed Kilmer's versatility.
- #058
Kilmer had two children from his marriage to Joanne Whalley: his daughter Mercedes (born October 29, 1991) and his son Jack (born June 6, 1995). Both children later stepped into acting careers. These family ties form an important part of Kilmer's private life.
- #059
Val Kilmer was considered for the role of Louis in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994). The role ultimately went to Brad Pitt. Kilmer's absence from the project can be seen as one of the missed opportunities of his career, though he went on to deliver successful work in other projects.
- #060
Val Kilmer is the only actor to have played both Doc Holliday (Tombstone, 1993) and Wyatt Earp (Wyatt Earp's Revenge, 2012). These two characters are legendary figures of Wild West history. Kilmer taking on both roles shows his interest in historical characters and the breadth of his acting ability.
- #061
Val Kilmer appeared alongside Charlton Heston in Tombstone (1993). Five years later, he replaced Heston by voicing both Moses and God in The Prince of Egypt (1998). This transition shows Kilmer's talent in voice acting and his capacity to take part in major productions.
- #062
Val Kilmer's father was from Texas and had English, Welsh, Scotch-Irish/Northern Irish, French Huguenot and German ancestry. His mother was from Indiana and of Swedish descent. This multicultural family background may have influenced Kilmer's interest in different cultures and his search for identity.
- #063
Over the course of his career, Val Kilmer played two legendary rock and roll musicians: Jim Morrison and Elvis Presley. He also played the painter Willem DeKooning. These roles show his interest in artist characters and his ability to portray figures from different disciplines.
- #064
While on a break from the set of his latest film, Val Kilmer read passages from Eve Ensler's new book about ending violence against women and girls, together with former ambassador Joseph Wilson, Jonathan Richards, former CIA officer Valerie Plame Wilson, Mary-Charlotte Domandi, Jane Fonda and Ali MacGraw. Proceeds from the event went to various nonprofit projects around the world. Kilmer's participation in such events shows his sensitivity to social issues.
- #065
In Willow (1988), Val Kilmer performs a variation of his signature move of spinning objects: during the fight at the snow camp, he spins a sword. This detail shows his creativity in adding distinctive physical traits to his characters. Such small touches make his performances more memorable.
- #066
Val Kilmer appeared on stage in Minneapolis alongside Patti LuPone in the play 'As You Like It'. This theatre experience shows his talent in Shakespeare's plays and his commitment to the performing arts. Working with an experienced actress like LuPone was an important opportunity in his career.
- #067
Val Kilmer was considered to voice the Beast in Beauty and the Beast (1991). The role ultimately went to Robby Benson. Kilmer's absence from this project can be seen as one of the missed opportunities of his voice-acting career, though he demonstrated his talent by doing voice work in other projects.
- #068
Val Kilmer was cast as Detective Fanning in Collateral (2004), but he left the project before filming began due to a scheduling conflict with Alexander (2004). The role was later given to Mark Ruffalo. This situation shows that Kilmer sometimes had to choose between projects during his career.
- #069
In 1981, Val Kilmer was one of the co-writers of a play titled "How It All Began", staged at the Public Theatre as part of the New York Shakespeare Festival. The play is one of the early works that show the versatility of Kilmer, who is known for his success in cinema as well as his theatre career. The play is significant in that it also reveals his writing talent.
- #070
Val Kilmer is the only blond actor to have played the character of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Bringing this iconic role to life in Batman Forever (1995), Kilmer cut a physically different profile from the other, dark-haired Batman actors. This made his interpretation of Batman unique in both visual and performance terms.
- #071
Val Kilmer and his son Jack Kilmer have appeared in different films by director Shane Black. Val Kilmer appeared in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), while his son Jack appeared in The Nice Guys (2016). This is a striking coincidence in that the father and son each appeared separately in the same director's projects, and it forms one of the points of intersection in the pair's acting careers.
- #072
Val Kilmer turned down the roles played by William Baldwin in Backdraft (1991), Sliver (1993) and Fair Game (1995). These decisions marked an important turning point in Kilmer's career, leading him to move toward different projects by not taking part in these action and thriller productions. The roles he rejected show that he is a selective actor who deliberately steered his career.
- #073
Val Kilmer visited six countries in five days to promote The Prince of Egypt (1998). As part of this intense promotional tour, he stopped in Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Paris and Zurich. This fast-paced schedule shows the importance he placed on the film's international promotion and his determination to meet his fans around the world.
- #074
Val Kilmer turned down the role in In the Line of Fire (1993), which starred Clint Eastwood. This decision is regarded as an important choice in Kilmer's career, since the film was widely acclaimed for Eastwood's performance and achieved box-office success. Kilmer's rejection of this role reflects his independent stance in choosing projects and his desire to move toward different genres.
- #075
In London, Val Kilmer appeared on stage in a production of David Mamet's play "The Postman Always Rings Twice". This theatre experience shows Kilmer's commitment to the performing arts alongside his film career. Mamet's dark and tension-filled play provided a suitable ground for the actor to display his dramatic abilities.
- #076
Keith Campbell has served as Val Kilmer's stunt double in many films; more recently, Chuck Borden has taken on this duty. Stunt doubles stand in for actors in action scenes, ensuring safety in dangerous moments. Kilmer working with more than one stunt double over his career shows the intensity of his work in action films and his professional collaboration in this field.
- #077
Val Kilmer turned down the role played by Kiefer Sutherland in Flatliners (1990). The film tells the story of medical students who experience the afterlife and is an important production in Sutherland's career. Kilmer's rejection of this role reveals his tendency to move toward different projects in his career and his preferences when it comes to taking risks.
- #078
When Val Kilmer was nine years old, his parents divorced, and his father Eugene died in 1993. These early family experiences may have influenced Kilmer's personal life and perhaps the emotional depth reflected in his acting. His father's death was an important turning point in his life, and this loss affected him deeply, as he has also expressed in some interviews.
- #079
In interviews, Val Kilmer openly admitted that he is a terrible cook. The candid confession reveals an ordinary, modest side to his daily life, in contrast to his perfectionist and serious image, and shows a humble, humorous personality willing to speak so freely about his lack of skill in the kitchen.
- #080
Val Kilmer was considered for the role of Jeffrey Wigand in The Insider (1999), a film about the tobacco industry scandal in which the lead performance drew great acclaim. That he was evaluated for the part shows that industry producers recognized his talent for serious dramatic roles.
- #081
Along with his portrayal of Elvis Presley in True Romance (1993), Val Kilmer is said to be of Cherokee descent. The claim points to Native American roots for both Kilmer and Presley; his turn as Elvis demonstrates his ability to embody an iconic figure, while the shared ancestry creates an intriguing link between the two names.
- #082
During the shooting of The Real McCoy (1993), when director Russell Mulcahy refused to change a scene to his liking, Val Kilmer angrily fired a gun at a car. The incident lays bare his difficult and perfectionist attitude on set, and the dispute with the director shows his involvement in the creative process and how far he would go to get the result he wanted.
- #083
Val Kilmer took part in the shoot of Tony Scott's Deja Vu (2006) in New Orleans alongside Denzel Washington, Paula Patton and Jim Caviezel. The film is an action-thriller about time travel and terrorist incidents, and Kilmer's role in the project shows his continued presence in big-budget Hollywood productions and his ability to work with major casts.
- #084
Val Kilmer shared two roles with Adam West. West played Doc Holliday in the series Sugarfoot (1957), Colt .45 (1957) and Lawman (1958), while Kilmer played the character in the film Tombstone (1993); West also played Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman (1966), Batman: The Movie (1966), Super Friends (1973) and other productions, while Kilmer took on the role in Batman Forever (1995). Two iconic characters played by two different actors in different eras form an intriguing parallel in film history.
- #085
Val Kilmer was born on New Year's Eve and died on April 1. The two dates create a symbolic link between the beginning and the end of his life: being born on New Year's Eve suggests a life entered amid celebration and new beginnings, while dying on April 1 stands out as an ironic date, adding an interesting dimension to his personal story.
- #086
Val Kilmer and his old friend Kevin Spacey both played iconic DC Comics characters: Kilmer played Batman in Batman Forever (1995), while Spacey took the role of Lex Luthor in Superman Returns (2006). The two actors' portrayals of different heroes and villains in the DC universe mark a significant intersection in their careers and left their stamp on different eras of superhero cinema.
- #087
Val Kilmer formed close friendships with the actor Frank Whaley and the musician David Crosby. These friendships show that he was not confined to the film world but built strong ties in music and artistic circles as well; finding common ground with Whaley in acting and with Crosby in music and creativity reveals his multifaceted social circle.
- #088
After his death, Val Kilmer's body was cremated in accordance with his will, and no public memorial or funeral was held; his ashes were given to family members. This private and simple farewell reflects his personal preferences and his devotion to his family, and despite intense public interest, the modest way he took his leave continues the independent, private stance he maintained throughout his life.
- #089
Val Kilmer, a follower of Christian Science, appeared in commercials for the church. He attributed his recovery from throat cancer to his faith, but it was reported that he underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment at the insistence of his children, who are not Christian Scientists. He later denied having had cancer and claimed that conventional treatments caused him to "suffer." These statements lay bare his complicated relationship between faith and medicine and his personal health struggle.
- #090
Val Kilmer is the second cousin of the journalist and poet Joyce Kilmer. Joyce Kilmer and his famous poem "Trees" are referenced in Superman II (1980). The connection shows that Kilmer has a literary heritage and that his family had cultural influence; the reference in Superman II is one of the reflections of his family background in popular culture.
- #091
Val Kilmer is the second actor to play Batman in the film series. He took over the role after Michael Keaton with Batman Forever (1995), and was followed by George Clooney (Batman & Robin, 1997), Christian Bale (Batman Begins, 2005; The Dark Knight, 2008; The Dark Knight Rises, 2012) and Ben Affleck (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 2016). Counting two separate film series and a television series as well, Kilmer is regarded as the fifth actor to play Batman, a ranking that shows his place in superhero cinema and marks him as an important link in the character's evolution.
- #092
Val Kilmer was considered for the role of Vincent Mancini in The Godfather Part III (1990). The part ultimately went to Andy Garcia, whose performance is remembered to this day; although Kilmer's involvement in the iconic crime drama was raised, the project did not come together for him, and the episode can be seen as one of the significant missed opportunities of his career.
- #093
Val Kilmer shared two roles with Peter Dobson. In True Romance (1993) Kilmer played Elvis Presley, while Dobson played the character in Forrest Gump (1994); Kilmer also took the role of Chris Shiherlis in Heat (1995), a remake of L.A. Takedown (1989), in which Dobson had played the same part. These two shared roles show the intriguing parallels between the two actors' careers and the connections within film history.
- #094
Val Kilmer shares two roles with Christian Bale. Kilmer played Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995), while Bale played the character in Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012); Kilmer also voiced Moses in The Prince of Egypt (1998), while Bale played the character in Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014). Two different actors interpreting these two iconic characters in different eras is a striking coincidence in film history.
- #095
Val Kilmer was considered for the role played by Hugh Jackman in Swordfish (2001). The film is a hacking- and action-themed production that drew attention for Jackman's performance; that Kilmer was evaluated for the part shows his interest in action projects and his standing in the eyes of industry producers. The role ultimately went to Jackman, and Kilmer moved on to other projects.
- #096
Val Kilmer was initially considered for the role played by Bruce Willis in Bandits (2001). The film is a crime comedy about two bank robbers that stood out for Willis's performance; that Kilmer was the first choice for the part shows he was being considered for the era's major projects. In the end the role went to Willis, and Kilmer appeared in other productions.
- #097
Val Kilmer turned down the lead in Captain America (1990) in order to play Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991). The decision proved a defining turning point in his career, and his performance in The Doors won great acclaim. Interestingly, Captain America later faced off against Kilmer's Batman in the 1996 DC vs. Marvel comic book story, a notable case of a role he rejected turning into a fictional reckoning with another character he played.
- #098
Val Kilmer was considered for the role played by Jeff Bridges in Blown Away (1994). The film centers on the tension between a bomb expert and his former friend in Boston; that Kilmer was evaluated for the part shows that industry producers recognized his talent for action and thriller projects. The role ultimately went to Bridges, and Kilmer moved on to other projects.
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
Sources for the entries on this page
- IMDb IMDb
Information from external sources is independently selected, consolidated and edited by Arka Evren. Sources are listed for verification and further reading. Encyclopedia text is used under its licence (CC BY-SA). How we work