Why Val Kilmer Begged to Be on Set with Werner Herzog—Even Without a Script

Val Kilmer’s career is often defined by his unpredictability—whether it’s his iconic roles in The Doors, Heat, or Top Gun, or his more recent work, like the 2021 documentary Val, which offered an unprecedented glimpse into his personal life and the world that had often misunderstood him. Kilmer was never one to be easily boxed in by genre or expectation; he consistently pushed the boundaries of his image, both as an actor and as a creative individual.

But perhaps one of his most surprising career decisions came when he took a small role in the 2009 film Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans, directed by the legendary Werner Herzog. While the film, starring Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes, follows a police officer spiraling into addiction after Hurricane Katrina, Kilmer’s role was less about the script and more about the opportunity to work with Herzog—a director he had long admired.

In a candid interview, Kilmer explained why he took the part: “Like Werner Herzog—I did that small role because I love Nic Cage and I love Werner. It was a great opportunity to hang out with Werner and watch him work, but there wasn’t even a role—they kind of made it up so we could hang out together.” Kilmer’s confession sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of his career: his genuine desire to work with the directors he admired, sometimes even at the expense of traditional roles.

Herzog, renowned for his deeply immersive filmmaking style, has spent decades creating bold, often controversial documentaries and narratives that explore the human spirit’s resilience. His works like Grizzly Man, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, and Into the Inferno are as much about the filmmaker’s journey as they are about the subjects themselves. Herzog’s rare foray into fiction films made Bad Lieutenant a unique and exciting opportunity for Kilmer, who relished the chance to observe the legendary director’s process, even if his role in the film was minimal.

For Kilmer, it was never about the role—it was about the chance to learn from one of cinema’s most daring auteurs. “Werner is someone that I’ve always wanted to work with, but I was just either foolish or conceited that I thought because we like each other he’s looking as actively as I am. And it doesn’t happen like that,” Kilmer added, emphasizing how the process of collaborating with Herzog was more important to him than the character itself.

This sentiment reveals Kilmer’s deeper understanding of his craft—he wasn’t just seeking fame or recognition. He was driven by a desire to work with the best and to immerse himself in unique creative experiences. Kilmer humorously noted, “Do you think Tom Cruise didn’t court these directors? He went after Spielberg!” This self-aware comment underscores the competitive nature of the film industry, where even A-list stars must take proactive steps to collaborate with those they respect.

In hindsight, Kilmer’s decision to work with Herzog on Bad Lieutenant might seem like a small chapter in his illustrious career, but it speaks volumes about his approach to acting and artistry. It wasn’t about the size of the role; it was about the opportunity to observe a master filmmaker at work and to build a personal connection with someone whose work he revered.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans remains a testament to Herzog’s unique directorial voice and the unpredictable, fascinating nature of Kilmer’s career. Though Kilmer’s role in the film may have been minor, the experience was far from forgettable. It was a rare chance for the actor to step outside of his usual box, not just for the sake of a role, but for the opportunity to witness, and be inspired by, the genius of one of cinema’s most enigmatic filmmakers.

Kilmer’s reflections on the experience show that sometimes, the most significant moments in an actor’s career come not from the roles they play, but from the relationships they build and the creative journeys they embark on with those they admire. The chance to “hang out” with Werner Herzog may have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it also highlights the unorthodox ways Kilmer continued to carve his path in Hollywood.