While some movie moments become iconic because of the chemistry, others earn the spotlight for the chaos behind them. That’s exactly what happened with Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer during the filming of Shane Black’s crime comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Or to be specific, while filming their kissing scene in the 2005 film.
Turns out, the film, now considered a cult favorite and a perfect offbeat Christmas watch, features a brief kissing scene that somehow made Downey Jr. hate the film… jokingly. In a hilarious interview exchange with IGN, both actors openly joked about the kiss and how the MCU star complained repeatedly about Kilmer’s “jackal breath”.
Kilmer said,
I loved it. He complained, complained, complained.
Downey Jr. shared,
He smelled like the breath of a jackal. I don’t know why he saved jackal breath for our kissing scene.
So it seems, while audiences found the scene amusing, and Val Kilmer loved it, Robert Downey Jr. still kept complaining about the kiss. But overall, the duo’s banter turned this simple sequence into one of the film’s most talked-about behind-the-scenes stories.
Robert Downey Jr’s Awkward Kiss Earned Val Kilmer’s Praise
Now, even though Robert Downey Jr. often joked about hating the kiss in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Val Kilmer had a very different reaction. In interviews, Kilmer made it clear that he enjoyed the moment and never understood why Downey complained so much about it, even jokingly. For him, the scene was funny, playful, and quite enjoyable.
In fact, Kilmer even told The Guardian in 2005 that he would happily repeat the scene, or even take on another similar role, as long as it was opposite Downey Jr. He joked that if it wasn’t the MCU star, he wouldn’t be interested. Further comparing Downey Jr. to other male co-stars he kissed, like Colin Farrell, Kilmer said the Iron Man actor was the best.
I don’t know how I’d feel about having an actual relationship – separate from Robert. I think it’s got to be Robert or no one. It’s gonna be in my contract. You know, the only other guy I’ve kissed was Colin Farrell, and Robert was … better.
Colin’s sloppy. Well no, not sloppy – but he’s not a giver. He really did [slip in the tongue]. And there was some groping too. He looks like a groper, doesn’t he?
Late actor Val Kilmer’s comments showed just how comfortable and amused he was by the whole situation in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. So much so that he even turned what Robert Downey Jr. saw as uncomfortable into a lighthearted memory fans still talk about.
What Makes Kiss Kiss Bang Bang a Perfect Christmas Movie?
Steering away from the topic of Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr’s kiss, on the occasion of Christmas, have you ever wondered what made Shane Black’s neo-noir cult classic a perfect holiday movie? After all, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang doesn’t look like a typical Christmas movie at first glance.
A still from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang | image: Warner Bros.
Well, set in sunny Los Angeles, far from snow and sweaters, the movie is obviously not gonna evoke a holiday feel for most fans. But it’s indeed a quintessential LA Christmas movie. Shane Black uses the holiday season as a backdrop, filling the film with Christmas lights, music, and ironic cheer.
The story follows Harry Lockhart, a small-time thief who accidentally becomes involved in a murder mystery during the holidays. Alongside a sharp private detective and an old crush, Harry stumbles through crime, chaos, and Hollywood weirdness, all while Christmas decorations glow in the background.
The table contains basic details on Kiss Kiss Bang Bang:
MovieKiss Kiss Bang BangDirectorShane BlackCastRobert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Dash Mihok, Corbin BensenRotten Tomatoes Score86%Runtime1h 43m
So basically, that contrast is what makes the movie special. The festive setting clashes with dark humor, violence, and loneliness, creating a unique holiday vibe. But you have to understand, like many Shane Black films, Christmas isn’t about warmth here; it’s about irony. That’s why Kiss Kiss Bang Bang has become a quirky Christmas favorite over time.
Let us know your favorite Christmas moment from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is available for rent/buy on Prime Video and Apple TV.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
