Val Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and underwent cancer treatment privately. He had a procedure on his trachea that damaged his vocal cords to the point where he had extreme difficulty speaking. Kilmer has since shared information about his cancer journey and recovery, including in his 2020 documentary "Val". While he is now cancer-free and in remission, his voice remains permanently damaged. However, with the help of AI technology from a UK-based voice-cloning company, he has been able to regain the ability to talk. Despite the challenges presented by his health, Kilmer has continued to work, including his return to the role of Iceman in "Top Gun: Maverick".