Tom Cruise Was Once Thought That Making a Sequel to Top Gun Was Irresponsible
In a revealing 1990 interview with Playboy, Tom Cruise expressed his strong opinion about the idea of making a sequel to Top Gun, calling it irresponsible. This sentiment was voiced more than three decades before Top Gun: Maverick was released, the long-awaited sequel that reintroduced Cruise to audiences worldwide.
A Change of Heart
Top Gun: Maverick is the follow-up to the original Top Gun (1986), the film that significantly boosted Tom Cruise’s career. However, there was a time when Cruise was adamant about not returning to the iconic role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. In the 1990 interview, a then 28-year-old Cruise made it clear that he would not participate in any sequel to Top Gun under any circumstances.
During that interview, a journalist compared Top Gun with another war-themed film starring Cruise, Born on the Fourth of July (1989). This comparison led Cruise to assert that he had no intention of taking on additional roles in war-themed entertainment films.
Tom Cruise’s Concerns
Cruise highlighted concerns about how war is portrayed in films. He noted that while Top Gun was extremely popular with younger audiences, some saw it as military propaganda. He emphasized, “I want young people to understand that war isn’t like that. Top Gun was just a fun ride, a light film for all ages. It wasn’t made to depict reality.”
Because of these concerns, Cruise felt that expanding the Top Gun series would be irresponsible. He stated, “That’s why I disagreed with the idea of going on with Top Gun II, III, IV, and V. Those are irresponsible ideas.” It took Cruise 18 years to change his perspective on the series.
Impact of the Original Film
Released in 1986, Top Gun became a massive commercial success for Paramount Pictures. With a production budget of $15 million, the film grossed over $357 million worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Its success cemented Tom Cruise’s status as a leading man in Hollywood.
When Top Gun: Maverick finally premiered on May 27, 2022, it was a testament to Cruise’s growth as an actor and his willingness to revisit roles that defined him. The sequel received widespread acclaim, proving that audiences were ready to take to the skies with Maverick once again.
Tom Cruise’s initial resistance to a Top Gun sequel reflects his commitment to authentic storytelling. His journey from skepticism to embracing the sequel shows his evolution as an artist. With Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise not only honors the legacy of the original but redefines his character for a new generation. This evolution underscores the importance of understanding the themes and meaning behind the stories we tell, especially in the context of war and heroism.
