Back in May 2022, the sequel to Tom Cruise's hit movie, Top Gun, was finally released. And since Top Gun: Maverick came out 36 years after the first one, many can't help but wonder whether the stunts in the movie were real. The movie also had the help of CGI to do some action scenes.
But as for the stunts in the movie, many can't help but ask if these are real stunts and flying. Here's what we know:
Does Tom Cruise Really Fly a Plane in Top Gun: Maverick?
Despite his age (he's 60 now!), Cruise has actually turned into a daredevil over the past two decades. And he has his series of Mission: Impossible movies to thank for this. In these films, hang of the side of a real plane and do many of his stunts by himself. Additionally, this film franchise urged him to learn how to fly a helicopter. But does he fly a plane in Top Gun: Maverick?
As it turns out, Cruise did actually fly a plane for the movie. Years after Top Gun was released in 1986, Cruise got his pilot's license. So when it was time to make the sequel, he actually requested to fly a Boeing F-18 fighter jet.
But even though he was a certified pilot and has his own fleet of jet planes, the US Navy actually denied the actor's request. And this is because the plane is priced at $70 million. Not to mention, the insurance for the jet would take up half of the film's budget.
What Kind of Plane Did Tom Cruise Fly in Top Gun: Maverick?
Instead of the Boeing F-18, Cruise flew his own P-51 Mustang; which has an estimated value of $4 million. The jet was originally called Kiss Me Kate after Cruise's ex-wife Katie Holmes. But ever since their separation, Cruise removed the name from the jet.
In the movie, however, Cruise is seen flying in a Boeing F/A 18F Super Hornet jet and the fictional Hypersonic "Darkstar" jet. But in real life, Cruise did not get to fly neither plane. He was seated on the back while the jet was flown by another pilot.
Will Top Gun: Maverick Be On Netflix?
Right now, there is no word yet on when Top Gun: Maverick will be coming to Netflix. But if you have an account with Paramount+, you can already stream the film on the platform. The movie was added on Paramount+ last December 22, 2022.
You can watch the trailer here: