Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer’s Infamous On-Screen Kiss: The Real Story

Some film moments stick in the memory for their chemistry, while others are remembered for the chaos that happened off-camera. That’s exactly what went down between Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer during the making of Shane Black’s crime comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, especially when it came to their now-famous kissing scene in the 2005 release.

Behind the Scenes: A Kiss to Remember

What’s now a cult classic and a quirky Christmas favourite features a brief kiss that, according to Downey Jr., left him less than impressed—at least, that’s what he claimed in jest. In a tongue-in-cheek chat with IGN, both actors had a laugh about the moment, with Downey Jr. repeatedly ribbing Kilmer about his so-called “jackal breath”.

Val Kilmer didn’t hold back, saying,

I loved it. He complained, complained, complained.

Downey Jr. fired back,

He smelled like the breath of a jackal. I don’t know why he saved jackal breath for our kissing scene.

While punters found the scene hilarious, and Kilmer was clearly a fan, Downey Jr. kept up the banter, turning a simple moment into one of the film’s most talked-about stories from behind the scenes.

Val Kilmer’s Take: All in Good Fun

Even though Downey Jr. often joked about his dislike for the kiss, Kilmer saw things differently. In interviews, he made it clear he enjoyed the moment and couldn’t quite understand why Downey Jr. made such a fuss, even if it was all in good fun. For Kilmer, the scene was light-hearted and a bit of a laugh.

He even told The Guardian back in 2005 that he’d happily do it all again, as long as it was with Downey Jr. He joked that if it wasn’t the Iron Man star, he wouldn’t be interested. Comparing Downey Jr. to other blokes he’d kissed on screen, like Colin Farrell, Kilmer reckoned Downey Jr. was the best of the lot.

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?

Val Kilmer’s comments showed just how at ease he was with the whole thing, turning what could have been awkward into a running joke that fans still remember.

Why Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Is a Christmas Classic

Moving away from the infamous kiss, it’s worth asking what makes Shane Black’s neo-noir flick such a perfect Christmas watch. On the surface, it doesn’t look like your typical festive film. Set in sunny Los Angeles, there’s not a snowflake or ugly jumper in sight. But it’s a classic LA Christmas story, with Black using the season as a backdrop, filling the film with fairy lights, carols, and a good dose of irony.

The story follows Harry Lockhart, a small-time crook who stumbles into a murder mystery during the holidays. Teaming up with a sharp detective and an old flame, Harry finds himself caught up in crime, chaos, and Hollywood oddities, all while Christmas decorations twinkle in the background.

That contrast is what makes the film stand out. The festive setting clashes with dark humour, violence, and a sense of loneliness, creating a unique holiday vibe. Like many of Shane Black’s works, Christmas here isn’t about warmth—it’s about irony. That’s why Kiss Kiss Bang Bang has become a quirky seasonal favourite over the years.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is available to rent or buy on Prime Video and Apple TV.

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire