Val Kilmer is officially returning to his role as Iceman for the long-awaited sequel to Tony Scott’s 1986 action blockbuster Top Gun.

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The new film Top Gun: Maverick will follow the exploits of Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he mentors a new generation of US Navy fighter pilots. Kilmer is expected to co-star alongside Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, who served as Cruise's main rival in the first film.

Back in 2015, Kilmer had announced on Facebook that he was attached to the project, saying that “[N]ot often you get to say ‘yes’ without reading the script.” However, soon after he commented that his announcement was premature, saying "This is a long way off so calm down." About three years too soon, it would seem.

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Directed by Joseph Kosinski, production on Top Gun: Maverick began in May in anticipation of a July 12, 2019 release date. The script has been written by Eric Warren Singer, Peter Craig and Justin Marks, with Jerry Bruckheimer of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, David Ellison of Skydance and Tom Cruise serving as producers.

(via The Wrap)