Will Forte and Val Kilmer’s Missed Reality Show Opportunity?

It’s one of those stories that makes you think, What if? A could-have-been moment between two iconic actors, and yet, Hollywood bureaucracy stepped in to stop it from happening. Will Forte, former Saturday Night Live star, recently shared a heartwarming and bittersweet memory about his friendship with the late Val Kilmer, and it involves an unlikely adventure: The Amazing Race.

A Bond Between Friends

Will Forte and Val Kilmer’s friendship was one for the ages. The two first bonded over their shared work on the 2010 film MacGruber, where Kilmer played a memorable role. But it was after the film that their connection deepened. Kilmer, facing a dispute with his landlord, moved in with Forte for a couple of months, and that’s when their friendship became even more personal.

During this time, Forte introduced Kilmer to one of his favorite TV shows: The Amazing Race, a reality competition where teams race around the world for a grand prize of a million dollars. Kilmer, known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Heat, quickly became hooked on the show.

The Big Idea: A Dream Team for The Amazing Race

As the duo watched episode after episode, Kilmer grew more and more enthusiastic about the idea of competing on The Amazing Race. He turned to Forte one day and said, “Will, you and I have to go do The Amazing Race. We have to. Let’s do it.” It was the kind of moment where the infectious energy of adventure took hold. Who wouldn’t want to travel the world with a close friend and have a shot at winning a cool million?

Forte was all in. He shared the excitement, agreeing wholeheartedly, and the two actors began to imagine the fun they would have competing on the show. But that’s when the reality of Hollywood hit.

The Roadblock: Agents Say “No Way!”

After the duo got excited about the idea, they decided to call their respective agents and managers to make it happen. But the response? “There’s no way you guys are doing that.” According to Forte, that phone call was a huge disappointment. “That is, maybe to this day, the biggest regret of my whole career,” Forte admitted in his essay. He explained that while they may not have lasted long on the show, it would have been the experience of a lifetime.

It’s a bit surprising, isn’t it? Here were two major Hollywood stars who were genuinely excited to try something outside their typical roles, something that could have been incredibly fun and rewarding. But the agents put a stop to it, perhaps worried about the image or time commitments of these A-list actors. It’s a reminder of how the behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood can sometimes squash spontaneous dreams.

A Personal Loss: Val Kilmer’s Legacy

Sadly, just recently, Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65. His death on April 1, 2025, was a devastating blow to fans and those who knew him. Kilmer had battled throat cancer since 2014, and though the cancer went into remission, he continued to suffer from the aftereffects. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his death in a statement to the New York Times.

Kilmer’s legacy lives on in his unforgettable performances, including his iconic roles in Top Gun, True Romance, and Batman Forever. He even made a return to Top Gun in 2022 with Top Gun: Maverick, despite his vocal struggles, thanks to the help of technology that recreated his voice.

Remembering the Fun What-Ifs

Forte’s story about The Amazing Race may never be more than a “what if,” but it paints a picture of the strong bond between him and Kilmer. It’s a reminder that beyond the glamorous Hollywood roles, actors are people too – looking for adventure and excitement just like the rest of us.

While we’ll never see the pair racing across the globe, their friendship, and Kilmer’s unforgettable spirit, will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. As for Forte, he’ll always carry the regret of that missed opportunity, but it’s clear that, for him, the real prize was the friendship they shared.