Without a doubt, Val Kilmer has a polarizing reputation, especially given his antics behind the scenes. However, there is no doubting his capabilities on the big-screen, heck, at a young age, he became the youngest person to be accepted at the Julliard Drama Division, becoming a member of 'Group 10'.
A comedy turned out to be his first ticket to fame, 'Top Secret!' put him on the map, and later, he would show his range in a multitude of other projects, including the 1993 film, 'Batman Forever'. The film is to this day, highly contested, with some calling it a classic, while others believe it was forgettable, especially given Kilmer's ways behind the scenes.
As the years went along, it seemed like his reputation worsened and these days, he isn't appearing in much. However, there was a certain flick in 2005 that he actually enjoyed, so much so that he still speaks glowingly about his co-star. That very co-star was struggling at the time and was almost completely canceled by Hollywood.
Kilmer and the film put him back on the right track and later, he would return to A-lister status thanks to a certain MCU film.
Let's take a look at Kilmer's troublesome past, along with the actor he bonded with and helped bring back to life.
Kilmer Has A Bad Reputation
He could act, though the problem was behind the scenes, Kilmer was very opinionated and not the best at taking direction.
After many years of silence, Kilmer finally addressed the rumors of his behavior via Reddit. According to the star, a big part of it was wanting to thrive as an actor, and not caring about anything else.
"I didn't do enough hand-holding and flattering and reassuring to the financiers," Kilmer wrote. "I only cared about the acting and that didn't translate to caring about the film or all that money. I like to take risks and this often gave the impression I was willing to risk their money not being returned, which was foolish of me."
Looking back, Kilmer realizes he could've acted a little differently in certain situations.
"I understand that now. And sometimes when you are the head of a project and the lead actor is usually the reason a film is being made, unless it's a superstar director, then [it's] only fair to make people feel good and happy they are at work. I was often unhappy trying to make pictures better."
It wasn't all negativity and in fact, back in 2005, Val had a blast working alongside a certain actor.
The Two Instantly Clicked
They met at a party and only a week later, the stars were cast in a film together, according to IMBD. At the time, Kilmer's co-star was in recovery, it is said that Val went as far as to refuse a drink or smoke during the entire production on 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang'.
Kilmer had a great relationship with his co-star, though fans expected the opposite given their personalities. Ultimately, Robert Downey Jr. called the film one of his favorites, and it put his career back on the map.
Alongside IGN, the two joked about getting along, Robert Downey Jr. made mention that it might've made for a better film had the opposite taken place, "Wouldn't it be great if we never spoke? That's the Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang version after everything I go 'You are a son of a b***h."
It all worked out for the better and to this day, Kilmer praises Downey Jr.
Kilmer Still Holds Downey Jr. In A High Regard
Given his words with Indie Wire, years later, Kilmer still feels the same way about his co-star. When asked who he'd work alongside as his partner-in-crime, the answer was an easy one, "Always Robert Downey Jr till the day I die. Man is he a monster talent. Also a secret. Sean Penn is super hilarious and hasn’t yet exploited that major gift. And people know this about Ryan Gosling, but he would be great to do a buddy film with. I’ve been talking for years with another buddy, Owen Wilson.”
Only three years later, Downey Jr. starred in the MCU's 'Iron Man,' completely changing his career for the better.
Who knows what would've gone down had he not hit it off with Kilmer, perhaps his career might've been done.
The unlikely friendship restored his career.
