Val Kilmer on His ‘Difficult’ Reputation: ‘It Cost Me Some Really Fun Roles’

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Eight years before Val Kilmer’s death, the Batman star addressed claims about his reputation as a “difficult” actor in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit, where he invited questions from the public. Kilmer had a reputation for being difficult to work with, and reportedly had some feuds with his co-actors, including The Island of Dr. Moreau co-star Marlon Brando and Red Planet and Heat co-star Tom Sizemore. Kilmer's Tombstone co-star Michael Biehn once said, "People ask me what it's like to work with Val Kilmer. I don't know. Never met him. Never shook his hand. I know Doc Holliday, but I don't know [Kilmer]."

Richard Stanley, who directed Kilmer in The Island of Dr. Moreau before being fired, recalled, "Val would arrive, and an argument would happen." John Frankenheimer eventually replaced Stanley, and later said, "I don't like Val Kilmer, I don't like his work ethic, and I don't want to be associated with him ever again."

‘It cost me some really fun roles’

During a Reddit AMA, a user expressed admiration for Val Kilmer's work, stating, “Hello Val, I have been a long-time fan of yours. In your younger years, you were often labeled as a 'difficult actor,' which typically implies someone unafraid to advocate for their beliefs. Now that you have gained more life experience, do you have a different perspective on that? Was it an exaggeration? Do you wish you had handled things differently, or would you choose the same path again? Any comments referencing the Island of Dr. Moreau would be particularly appreciated... Thank you for participating in this.”

In response, Kilmer shared, “Oliver Stone, of all people, cautioned me about how vindictive our industry can be, advising that 'YOU better make time for them...' Back then, 'them' referred to the press, studio executives, casting agents, and other stars and agents. I cherished my life in New Mexico and began to defend myself when this misconception started to gain momentum, albeit a bit too late. Unlike many of my peers, I did not cultivate a public persona.”

He continued, “When you think of Sean Penn, Tom Hanks, or Johnny Depp, you immediately associate them with a specific character or image. For instance, Tom Hanks often has an American flag in the background, while Johnny sports a hat. These are the personas they have crafted. It’s entertaining and helps them secure their place in the industry, but it only represents a small fraction of who they truly are. These are their cultivated identities.”

Kilmer reflected that, with age, he wishes he had spent “a bit more time defending myself, as it cost me some enjoyable roles and a significant amount of money that I assumed would always be available.” He remarked, “For the sake of my children, it would have been nice to have a few properties around the world to retreat to. More importantly, the various nonprofits I support would benefit from substantial funding, similar to what some of my friends can provide now. However, Robert Downey Jr. was once at his lowest point and now he owns the HOLLYWOOD sign, if I’m not mistaken.”

Val Kilmer passed away recently at the age of 65, with his daughter confirming that pneumonia was the cause of his death.

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