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Hollywood icon Val Kilmer was set to make a comeback as Batman before his untimely passing.
The legendary actor, who died on Tuesday, had been in discussions with studio executives about a potential role in the next Caped Crusader film alongside Robert Pattinson— with insiders suggesting he would have portrayed an “older, battle-hardened” version of the Dark Knight.
In 2022, Kilmer made a memorable return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, and it’s believed that Batman executives were eager to give him a similar cameo in Batman Part II, set for release in 2027.
The actor, who starred as the Caped Crusader in 1995’s Batman Forever, donned the iconic mask one last time in his final Instagram video, saying, “I’m ready.” This has only fueled speculation that he was lined up for a role in the upcoming Batman film.
A source revealed: “Val had discussed portraying an older, battle-worn Batman who spoke through a voice box.
“It’s the kind of nostalgic moment that franchise fans would have loved, so it’s easy to see why filmmakers were eager to include him.
“It would have mirrored his role in Top Gun: Maverick, where he returned as a wiser, more weathered version of his iconic Iceman character.”
Kilmer, who was also celebrated for his portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), passed away at 65 after years of suffering following a throat cancer battle that left him reliant on a voice box.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he died in Los Angeles due to complications from pneumonia. His health had been severely impacted by breathing issues, following years of heavy smoking.
She shared that he passed away “peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.”
Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 after coughing up blood and underwent aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a tracheotomy, which resulted in permanent vocal damage and left him reliant on a voice box to speak.
Though declared cancer-free in 2016, he continued to struggle with severe health complications, particularly breathing difficulties and a reduced ability to stay active.
Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer built a reputation as a magnetic screen presence, rising to become one of the most bankable and highest-paid actors of the 1980s and ’90s.
He rose to international stardom as Iceman in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun and later donned the cape and cowl in Batman Forever, a role he later admitted he disliked.
Kilmer is survived by his daughter, Mercedes, 33, and his son, Jack, 29, whom he shared with his ex-wife, actress Joanne Whalley. The couple were married from 1988 to 1996.
Tributes to the beloved star have been pouring in from across Hollywood.
Actor Josh Brolin paid tribute on social media, sharing a nostalgic photo of the two together along with the heartfelt message: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you.”
Describing Kilmer as a “smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker,” Brolin added, “There’s not a lot left of those.”
Meanwhile, Frozen star Josh Gad honored Kilmer by posting an image from Top Gun, writing: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
