Val Kilmer death: Hollywood star earned $9 million, his highest pay, for this film and it's not Batman Forever

Val Kilmer death: Val Kilmer, a popular name in Hollywood, died on Tuesday due to complications related to pneumonia. The Hollywood legend was just 65. He began his career with Top Secret (1984). It was, however, the Tom Cruise-led Top Gun that established him as a bankable name. He went on to emerge as one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. According to Marca, a tabloid, he earned $7 million for playing the titular role in Batman Forever (1995), a film that endeared him to the younger generation. This, however, was not the most he earned for a role in the 90s.

Val Kilmer was paid $9 million for a flop

Val Kilmer, who passed away yesterday, amassed quite a fortune in the 90s courtesy his career in the film industry. In addition to charging $7 million for Batman Forever, he took home $6 million for his work on The Island of Dr Moneau (1997). He also made $7 million for his work on The Saint the same year.

Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman. pic.twitter.com/a3jQ8ENma9

¡ª Top Gun (@TopGunMovie) April 2, 2025

It was, however, At First Sight (1999) that helped him earn his highest pay for a single project. He charged $9 million for the project. This translates to roughly $12 million in today¡¯s times.

At First Sight was a romantic drama directed by Irwin Winkler. The film collected $22 million against a budget of $60 million and ended up being a flop.

About Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer entered the industry with Top Secret (1984). He then delivered a strong performance comedy Real Genius, which hit the screens the next year. He, however, rose to fame with the Tom Cruise-fronted Top Gun. He also garnered attention with his work in Batman Forever, The Doors, and Tombstone. Val was married to actress Joanne Whalley for a few years.