Val Kilmer's Iceman Top Gun: Maverick character returns with noticeably very minimal dialog in the movie, and there are both real-world and story reasons why Val Kilmer doesn't speak. Overcoming numerous delays, the Top Gun sequel became a massive box-office success and was even nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Top Gun: Maverick sees Cruise return as hotshot pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he is now tasked with training TOPGUN graduates for a challenging mission. He is also joined by his co-star from the original, with Val Kilmer's Iceman Top Gun character appearing in a very special cameo.

https://screenrant.com/why-iceman-val-kilmer-doesnt-talk-in-top-gun-2/