‘Top Secret!’ Directors Reveal Why Val Kilmer Was the Perfect Elvis Parody—And It’s Not Just the Looks

In a recent guest column for The Hollywood Reporter, David Zucker, co-director of the 1984 comedy Top Secret!, opened up about the challenges of casting the film’s lead role and how Val Kilmer’s breakout performance led to one of the most iconic roles of his career. Top Secret!, a fast-paced spoof that parodies spy thrillers, Elvis musicals, and World War II films, was a significant follow-up for Zucker and his fellow directors Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, who had already achieved tremendous success with Airplane! a few years prior.

A Challenging Search for the Right Lead

Zucker reflected on the difficulty they faced in finding the perfect actor for the film’s lead role, Nick Rivers, a charismatic rock star thrust into a world of espionage and absurdity. Despite auditioning numerous actors, none seemed to fit the quirky, comedic tone that the filmmakers were aiming for. The breakthrough came when casting director Susie Arnold discovered a young Val Kilmer, performing in the off-Broadway play Slab Boys. The play, which also featured Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon, caught Arnold’s attention, prompting her to suggest Kilmer for the role.

Intrigued by the actor’s potential, Zucker and the team flew to New York to watch the performance. While Zucker admitted he didn’t remember much about the play itself, he couldn’t ignore Kilmer’s undeniable presence and acting ability. He knew they had found someone special.

The Audition That Sealed the Deal

Following the theater performance, Kilmer was invited to audition at the filmmakers’ offices in New York. According to Zucker, the actor’s reading was “spot-on,” capturing exactly what the directors had envisioned for the character. But it was Kilmer’s impromptu performance of Elvis Presley’s “Turn Me Loose” during the audition that truly sealed the deal.

Zucker recalled, “This kid somehow knew where the joke was,” referring to Kilmer’s natural comedic timing and ability to effortlessly inject humor into the role. This spontaneity and sense of humor were key for the film’s comedic style, and Kilmer’s ability to make the directors laugh confirmed he was the right fit.

Kilmer’s Fit for the Role: The Elvis Connection

Jim Abrahams, who co-directed the film alongside Zucker and Jerry Zucker, also weighed in on Kilmer’s casting, explaining that the role of Nick Rivers was essentially “the role Elvis never got but should have.” This comment highlights the central Elvis-like qualities that Kilmer brought to the character, who parodied the iconic rock-and-roll star in the context of a spy film.

Kilmer’s audition, where he showed up dressed as Elvis Presley, further reinforced this fit. His uncanny ability to channel the king of rock ‘n’ roll while maintaining the comedic aspects of the character helped shape one of the most memorable roles of his career.

Kilmer’s Contribution Beyond Acting

While Kilmer’s comedic talents were central to Top Secret!‘s success, his contribution extended beyond acting. The film’s soundtrack, which includes songs like “Skeet Surfin’” and a rendition of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” saw Kilmer showcasing his musical talents as well. This musical aspect likely played into the directors’ decision to cast him, given the film’s parody of Elvis Presley musicals, making Kilmer’s vocal performances a natural extension of his role.

The film, described as a “free-swinging spoof” by Rotten Tomatoes, parodied a wide range of genres, from spy thrillers to musicals. Kilmer’s ability to seamlessly blend humor and music was essential in carrying the film’s energetic and often absurd tone.

The Legacy of Val Kilmer’s Role in Top Secret!

Top Secret! did not rely heavily on cameos, unlike the directors’ previous hit, Airplane!. Instead, it focused on the strength of its lead performance, and Kilmer’s turn as Nick Rivers remains a defining moment in his career. As the film’s central figure, Kilmer’s blend of physical comedy, musicality, and charisma helped establish him as a rising star in Hollywood.

The film’s humor, which included political jokes, slapstick comedy, and musical gags, aligns perfectly with Kilmer’s natural comedic instincts. His portrayal of Nick Rivers, a rock-and-roll icon caught in a ridiculous spy plot, remains one of the standout performances in Top Secret! and a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Conclusion: A Star is Born

Looking back on Top Secret! and Kilmer’s role, it’s clear that his casting was a pivotal moment in both the film’s success and his career. What began as a chance discovery in an off-Broadway play turned into an iconic performance that helped launch Kilmer’s career. As the film continues to be remembered for its slapstick humor and clever parodies, Kilmer’s portrayal of Nick Rivers remains a key highlight of the 1984 classic—a performance that not only fit the comedic tone of the film but also showcased his natural charm, timing, and musicality.

For David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, casting Val Kilmer in Top Secret! was more than just finding the right actor—it was about discovering a star in the making.