Tom Cruise became a legend through action films like “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible”. But did you know that Cruis almost didn’t take on the role of Maverick? We have 15 exciting “Top Gun” facts for you.
Maverick is finally back! The “Top Gun” sequel was a huge success in the cinema! (Source: tmdb.org/Paramount)
Anyone who thinks of “Top Gun” also thinks of Tom Cruise, that’s for sure. Today, even more than in the 80s, Cruise stands for high-quality and exciting action films thanks to his full use of his body when filming.
Once upon a time, hardly anyone knew the name Tom Cruise or Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, but thanks to Tony Scott, we haven’t forgotten either since 1986. With exciting action, cool sayings and a soundtrack that sticks with you even three decades later, “Top Gun” still has many fans today.
When a sequel to the classic, “Top Gun 2: Maverick,” was announced, fans delightedly took their dusty bomber jackets out of their wardrobe. “Top Gun 3” is now in the works.
But did you know that Tom Cruise first had to be convinced to even take part in the first “Top Gun”? Or that some scenes were only filmed after production had ended? No? Then here are 15 exciting facts about “Top Gun” that you haven’t heard before.
Val Kilmer hesitated The antipathy between Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer is not fiction; the two actors have probably never really warmed up to each other. (Source: tmdb.org/Paramount)
Maverick’s (Tom Cruise) greatest adversary, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, was played by Val Kilmer and who could have done it better? But the actor didn’t choose the role. Because of a contractual obligation with the studio, Kilmer had to appear in “Top Gun.”
The actor is now known for impersonating real people, including celebrities such as Jim Morrison (“The Doors”) and Elvis Presley (“True Romance”). However, “Iceman” remains one of the most iconic roles of his career. In “Top Gun: Maverick” there is a reunion with Kilmer.
Maverick’s first flight Tom Cruise is behind the wheel in the new “Top Gun: Maverick” trailer. (Source: TMDB.com)
Tom Cruise was also initially skeptical when he first heard Tony Scott’s vision for the film. Jerry Bruckheimer reported that the actor was invited on a trip with the Navy. During this he experienced a g-force of up to 5g and took part in daring flight maneuvers that would tax even the strongest stomach, but Cruise’s enthusiasm was awakened.
Each of the “Top Gun” pilots was allowed to go on test flights with the Navy to get a better feel for it. Anthony Edwards, who played Goose, was said to be the only one who didn’t vomit on one of these flights.
A big thing “Top Gun” isn’t the only film that plays with size. (Source: Screenshot Netflix/Paramount)
It’s probably no secret that Tom Cruise isn’t one of the giants in Hollywood. Over the years it’s been made fun of behind the camera, but it’s hardly noticeable in front of the camera. Because the film industry offers a whole arsenal of tricks, from clever camera angles to platform shoes and trenches.
Tom Cruise is about three inches shorter than Kelly McGillis, which really bothered Paramount (for some reason). To compensate for their height, Cruise wore special cowboy boots that gave him a small height boost, while McGillis wore no shoes at all during her scenes. In the final bar scene, she even stood in a ditch to appear smaller.
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