Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis made a big splash on the big screen with Top Gun (1986). 36 years have passed, Tom is still handsome, stylish and strong when he returns for the sequel while his ‘on-screen lover’ has stepped back…
In 1986, Top Gun hit the box office and quickly became a hit with the story of Pete Mitchell/Maverick – a super pilot of the US Navy. The work directed by Tony Scott quickly dominated the domestic big screen and earned more than 357 million USD from the global box office while only costing 15 million USD to produce. The success of Top Gun also brought the names of a series of actors: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards… to new heights. Over the years, the old cast of stars has changed a lot.
Tom Cruise as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell.
When he played Top Gun, Tom Cruise was only 24 years old – masculine, strong, full of youth and enthusiasm. He transformed into Pete Mitchell (nickname: Maverick) – the brightest face in Top Gun (the training place for the best pilots of the US Navy). The actor impressed with the wild, powerful motorcycle riding scenes or a series of breathtaking aircraft control and combat scenes in the air.
The success of Top Gun made Tom Cruise the brightest star on the screen. The actor born in 1962 continuously achieved success with a series of works: The Color of Money, Rain Man, Born on the Fourth of July, War of the Worlds, Jerry Maguire, the Mission: Impossible series… He was honored as the last true movie superstar in Hollywood and is still a globally influential name.
Kelly McGillis as Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Blackwood.
Transforming into a female instructor of Top Gun and also the lover of the male lead Maverick, Kelly McGillis is memorable with her sweet and charming beauty. The image of a blonde beauty with captivating eyes and a radiant smile once made many audiences flutter.
The success of the film also made the name of the beauty born in 1957 famous all over the world. Later, this sexy star participated in many works: Made in Heaven, The House on Carroll Street, The Accused, Stake Land, The Innkeepers… but did not make a splash like before. In recent years, Kelly McGillis rarely appeared on screen.
Val Kilmer as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky
Joining Top Gun at the age of 27, Val Kilmer plays Iceman – a talented pilot but with a competitive nature, he and Maverick compete fiercely to become the top student of the Top Gun training course. At the end of the film, the two put aside their conflicts and became friends.
After his impressive performance in the blockbuster directed by Tony Scott, the career of the actor born in 1959 became even more successful. He is known through a series of films: The Doors, True Romance, Wonderland, Alexander, The Saint… especially the role of Batman in Batman Forever (1995)
Anthony Edwards as Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw
Anthony Edwards’ tall, slim figure, lively, humorous and brave personality in Top Gun left an unforgettable impression on the audience. The actor born in 1962 played the role of a male pilot nicknamed Goose – Maverick’s comrade. Near the end of the film, Goose died in a plane crash, leaving the male lead haunted and tormented by his inability to protect his best friend
After Top Gun, Anthony Edwards’ career continued to have spectacular breakthroughs. The talented star is familiar on screen with the role of Dr. Mark Greene in 8 seasons of the series ER. The role earned him a Golden Globe and four Emmy nominations. The veteran actor has also appeared in a number of films, including Zodiac, Miracle Mile, Law & Order True Crime, Drunk History, Billions, and more.