It’s Time to Let Go: Val Kilmer’s Powerful Cinematic Moment In Midst of Suffering

News this week broke that Val Kilmer, a versatile actor of the 80s and 90s, died at 65 after battling throat cancer. Many who grew up in the 80s remember him as Iceman in Top Gun. What began as a rivalry between him and Maverick (played by Tom Cruise), the hit movie ended when Maverick became Iceman's wingman.  Nearly four decades later, Kilmer reprised his role in one powerful scene from Top Gun: Maverick.

The sequel to the 1986 classic follows Maverick instructing a group of pilots who will train to prepare for a mission. Maverick is struggling to help one pilot codenamed Rooster. He is the son of his best friend, Goose. When Iceman gets word, he asks Maverick to see him. Iceman fought for Maverick to stay around as an instructor to teach the newer generation of pilots as he had full confidence in Maverick. 

As Maverick visits the ailing Iceman, he writes words on a computer screen that would resonate through Maverick’s struggle, “It’s time to let go”.  Maverick was carrying around fear from what happened to Rooster’s father and feared that he was going to suffer the same fate as Goose.

In the end, Iceman’s final words to Maverick were that the kid and the Navy needed Maverick. They shared one last embrace before learning of his death.

This powerful scene teaches us to let go of the things that are holding us back while aiming for greatness.

As Hollywood mourns the loss of this talented actor, we can only thank him for giving us a lesson of faith to always remember.

It’s time to let go of the past and everything that is holding us back from receiving the mercy of God and sharing with whom needs to be amended.