Following the success of "Top Gun," Kilmer landed roles in several successful films in the '90s, including "The Doors," "True Romance," and "Batman Forever." The actor continued working well throughout the end of the '90s and into the 2000s, but by 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. After receiving chemotherapy and a tracheotomy, Kilmer has limited use of his voice, but that didn't stop him from taking on acting projects like "Top Gun: Maverick."
In the film, Kilmer's character Iceman has limited lines, but his voice is loud and clear on-screen due to the help of a company that recreated his voice using AI technology. In 2020, he vaguely discussed his role in the "Top Gun" sequel with ET, and praised his co-star Tom Cruise, saying, "I have to tell you, Tom Cruise is very cool. That is all I can tell you. The rest you will have to [find out]."