Val Kilmer's Lifelong Regret: Turning Down This Legendary Director
Val Kilmer's career is filled with iconic roles, but one decision early on haunted him for decades. The celebrated actor turned down a part in a now-classic film for a surprising reason, a choice he would later call a major mistake. Discover the story behind the role that got away.
Some actors define an era, and Val Kilmer is undoubtedly one of them. His presence in American cinema is undeniable, leaving a void that would be impossible to fill. While he might not have reached the same level of superstardom as some of his peers, Kilmer's contributions are immense. His filmography is packed with powerful, often subtle performances that have stood the test of time. From his early days in movies like Top Gun and Willow to his unforgettable roles in Tombstone and Batman Forever, he consistently delivered top-tier work. And who could forget his uncanny transformation into Jim Morrison for Oliver Stone's 1991 biopic, The Doors? That performance, capturing the singer's look and spirit, became a cornerstone of his legacy.
A Path of Difficult Decisions
Like any performer navigating Hollywood, Kilmer faced his share of tough calls when selecting projects. Inevitably, hindsight brought a different perspective on some of those choices. Years later, he would admit to a certain amount of regret over opportunities he let slip by. In a candid interview with Attitude magazine, he reflected on passing on several films without a clear reason. “I was very naive when I was younger,” the actor confessed. “I said ‘no’ to a ton of really wonderful directors, and looking back now, I can’t remember the reasons why.”
It's fascinating to imagine an alternate timeline for Kilmer's career. Swapping out one of his legendary parts for another would have changed cinematic history. It’s hard to picture anyone else playing the iconic Doors frontman, but it's even stranger to think of Kilmer starring in one of David Lynch's most celebrated works.
The Role He Couldn't Take
When asked about the specific directors he turned down, Kilmer didn't hold back, naming two American titans. “I said no to Robert Altman twice, and David Lynch, although David Lynch I remember, because the second film I turned down was Blue Velvet because it was really graphic and I was just too shy back then,” he explained.
Blue Velvet hit theaters in 1986, a time when Kilmer was just starting to make a name for himself. His resume at that point included only Top Secret! and Real Genius. His career would soon explode with Top Gun and Willow, but the timing for Lynch's project was just slightly off for the young actor. The 1986 neo-noir mystery is now widly regarded as one of Lynch’s masterpieces.
A Lingering "What If"
The film, starring Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, and Laura Dern, follows a college student who discovers a severed ear, pulling him into a dark underworld of crime and a complicated relationship with a mysterious singer. It was a role Kilmer would later wish he had taken. He openly shared his admiration for the movie and revealed a more personal reason he should have accepted the part. “Blue Velvet is a wonderful film. I had a crazy, crazy crush on her [Isabella Rossellini], so I would have done it for free,” Kilmer remarked.
But the chance was gone, and the movie went on to achieve legendary status without him. This missed connection with a visionary director seemed to stick with the actor. The film is considered one of the greatest ever made, and its dark, intense tone would have been a perfect match for Kilmer's own powerful screen presence. Every performer has moments they wish they could do over, but passing on a collaboration with Lynch likely stung more than most. Even so, Kilmer can look back on a remarkable body of work, with films like The Doors, Heat, and Tombstone cementing his place as a true talent.