Tom Cruise’s rise to fame is closely linked to the iconic film ‘Top Gun,’ directed by Tony Scott. Released in 1986, the movie features thrilling action, memorable quotes, and a legendary soundtrack. As excitement builds for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and the upcoming ‘Top Gun 3,’ 15 intriguing facts about the original film reveal behind-the-scenes insights, including Val Kilmer’s reluctant casting, the authenticity of flight scenes, and the film’s unexpected impact on Navy recruitment.
When you mention ‘Top Gun’, the name Tom Cruise naturally comes to mind. Renowned today for his thrilling action sequences, Cruise’s journey to stardom began with this iconic film.
Back in the 1980s, Tom Cruise and his character Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell were not household names. However, thanks to the visionary direction of Tony Scott, both have remained unforgettable since 1986. With exhilarating action sequences, memorable lines, and a soundtrack that continues to echo through the years, ‘Top Gun’ has secured its place in the hearts of countless fans.
As the buzz for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ grew, devoted fans dusted off their vintage bomber jackets. Excitingly, production for ‘Top Gun 3’ is already in progress!
Did you know that Tom Cruise needed some persuasion to join the original ‘Top Gun’? Or that certain scenes were filmed even after official shooting had wrapped up? If you’re intrigued by these secrets, we’ve compiled 15 captivating facts about ‘Top Gun’ that might surprise you.
Val Kilmer’s Reluctant Role
In the film, Maverick’s fiercest competitor, Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky, was portrayed by Val Kilmer, who was perfect for the role. Interestingly, Kilmer was not initially eager to take on the part; it was a contractual obligation that brought him to ‘Top Gun’.
Kilmer later became famous for portraying real-life figures such as Jim Morrison in ‘The Doors’ and Elvis Presley in ‘True Romance’. Nevertheless, his role as ‘Iceman’ remains one of the highlights of his career, and fans were thrilled to see him reunite in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.
Maverick Takes Flight
Tom Cruise had his reservations when he first heard Tony Scott’s ambitious vision for ‘Top Gun’. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that Cruise was invited on a Navy trip, where he experienced g-forces up to 5g and took part in exhilarating flight maneuvers that would test anyone’s mettle. This experience ignited his passion for the project.
All ‘Top Gun’ pilots had the chance to participate in test flights with the Navy for authenticity. Remarkably, Anthony Edwards, who played Goose, was the only one who managed to avoid getting sick during these flights.
Height Matters
It’s common knowledge that Tom Cruise is not the tallest star in Hollywood. Over the years, playful jabs have been made about his height, yet this was cleverly masked on screen. The film industry has a plethora of techniques to create the illusion of height, from strategic camera angles to special footwear.
Cruise stands about seven centimeters shorter than Kelly McGillis, which posed a challenge for Paramount. To address this height discrepancy, Cruise donned specially designed cowboy boots for an extra boost, while McGillis opted to go shoeless during her scenes. In one memorable bar scene, she even stood in a trench to appear shorter.
The Real Charlie
Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Blackwood, played by Kelly McGillis, is inspired by a real-life civilian flight instructor. Initially, the producers had different plans for her character until they encountered Catherine Fox. The real Charlie was a mathematician known for her striking high heels that announced her presence. She retired in 2014 as the Deputy Secretary of Defense, making history as the highest-ranking woman in the Department of Defense.
Filming the Love Scene
In ‘Top Gun’, when Maverick is grounded, he finds solace in his feelings for Charlie. Interestingly, the love scene between them was filmed after the main production had concluded.
You might notice that in the elevator scene and the romantic silhouette scene, McGillis’s hair isn’t clearly visible. This was because she had dyed it for her next project, and Cruise’s hair was longer than in previous scenes.
Budgeting for the Action
While the thrilling aerial scenes were made possible with the support of the US Navy, this collaboration came at a hefty price. Paramount incurred significant costs for fuel when the planes were used off-duty. For the ideal shot of the aircraft carrier, director Tony Scott had to fork over more than 20,000 euros.
The cost of launching rockets was so high that they could only be fired twice, and the footage had to be utilized throughout the film. These unexpected expenses and overtime proved so burdensome that they nearly cost Tony Scott his job on three separate occasions.
Iconic Soundtrack
The ‘Top Gun’ soundtrack features some of the most iconic songs from the 1980s. From ‘Danger Zone’ to ‘Take My Breath Away’, these unforgettable hits nearly overshadow the film’s storyline. Initially, artists like Bryan Adams and Toto were considered for the soundtrack, but their participation fell through for various reasons. Ultimately, the title track was given to Kenny Loggins, and Berlin’s contribution won an Oscar for their previously lesser-known song.
Inspiration Behind Maverick
Tony Scott’s legendary film was sparked by an article titled ‘Top Guns’, showcasing fighter pilots at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, San Diego, published in ‘California’ magazine in 1983. Paramount later described the film to Scott as ‘Star Wars on Earth’.
Navy Recruitment Tool
Producer John Davis remarked that ‘Top Gun’ functioned as a recruitment video for the US Navy, glossing over the less glamorous aspects of being a fighter pilot in a country frequently at war. Originally, Cougar’s tragic end was supposed to occur during a crash while landing on an aircraft carrier, but the Navy requested a change to avoid negative publicity.
The film’s success resulted in the Navy actively recruiting viewers immediately after screenings in certain theaters, leading to a noticeable rise in enlistments in 1986. Suddenly, a wave of interest in becoming a pilot swept through the audience.
Top Gun’s Quirky Rules
Aspiring pilots who head from the cinema straight to the airfield should be cautious. In the actual Top Gun school, quoting lines from the cult classic is strictly prohibited. Those who slip up must pay a fine of five US dollars for each infraction. Which memorable quote would you be willing to pay for?
Maverick’s Signature Style
Maverick’s iconic aviator sunglasses have become a symbol of the film’s legacy, representing not just style but also the adventurous spirit embodied by Tom Cruise’s character.