In “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kazansky — who had risen to the rank of admiral — was dying of throat cancer and unable to speak, but wanted to talk with Maverick one final time. During the emotional reunion that took place in a home office, Kazansky gave Maverick the advice, “It’s time to let go.”

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. I’ve got to do some really cool things that I take with me. I’ll say one of the things that jumps out is FaceTiming my dad and Tom Cruise taking the phone and talking to my dad on FaceTime while we were shooting Top Gun,

Maverick to be a pale imitation of the young, healthy man who had first played Iceman in Top Gun decades ago. Cancer had ravaged his physical strength, stealing his ability to speak properly, and left him really weak.