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Val Kilmer was almost a lead in one of the cult classics of David Lynch. TheTop Gunactor could be a massive name early in his career if he accepted Lynch’s 1986 mystery-thrillerBlue Velvet.
Val Kilmer has been cast in several commercially and critically successful films throughout his career. He has also garnered attention from pop culture enthusiasts for his role as the Dark Knight inBatman Forever. However, the Iceman fame has also lost some iconic roles that could have elevated his career.
It is not new for stars to miss out on some great films due to tough decisions. Val Kilmer admitted that he had to rejectBlue Velvetas he was uncomfortable doing such an explicit film.
Why did Val Kilmer say no to David Lynch’sBlue Velvet?
David Lynchis known for his distinct style of surrealistic filmmaking. The filmmaker has iconic films likeThe Elephant Man,Wild at Heart, andMulholland Driveunder his collar. After the critical and commercial failure of 1984’sDune, Lynch made a comeback with his mystery-thrillerBlue Velvet.
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Blue Velvetreunited Lynch with theDunestar Kyle MacLachlan. However, he was not the first choice for the role. Initially, the role was offered toVal Kilmerwho rejected it as he was uncomfortable with the content. According toScreen Rant, the initial script received by Kilmer made it look like“a hardcore p*rno”.
Later, in an interview with Attitude Magazine (viaFar Out) Val Kilmer expressed that he regretted turning down the role of Jeffrey Beaumont in the 1986 classic. He claimed that he was very naive during his youth and missed out on some good roles.
I was very naive when I was younger. I said ‘no’ to a ton of really wonderful directors, and looking back now, I can’t remember the reasons why. I said no to Robert Altman twice, and David Lynch, although David Lynch I remember, because the second film I turned down was Blue Velvet because it was really graphic and I was just too shy back then.
TheHeatactor also added,“Blue Velvet is a wonderful film.”Despite generating a polarizing reception for its bold content,Blue Velvetaged like fine wine and is now hailed as one of David Lynch’s best.
Val Kilmer was reluctant to doTop Gun
Val Kilmer was also about to lose the project that had a major contribution to his career. The actor was reluctant to play Iceman as he did not like the initial script and was uninterested in starring in a war film.
“I consider him a real friend”: Val Kilmer Has Only Praises for Tom Cruise Despite Their Heated Relationship in the Original Top Gun
In theAmazon Prime documentaryVal, theBatman Foreverstar stated that he was reluctant to work in Tom Cruise’s action classic. If it was not for the contractual obligations, the Tony Scott directorial would have also been another major miss for Val Kilmer.
Believe it or not, I didn’t want to do Top Gun at first. I felt the script was silly, and disliked warmongering in film. But I was under contract with the studio, so I didn’t really have a choice.
The presently 64-year-old even tried to deliberately ruin his audition to miss out on the role. However, he was ultimately cast in the role and soon Tony Scott changed his perspective on the film. He found it an“enjoyable experience”and even wanted to return in the sequelTop Gun: Maverick.
Blue Velvetcan be streamed on MGM+ andTop Guncan be streamed on Paramount+.
Subham Mandal
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1461
Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.
