So, let’s dive into the cockpit of Top Gun: Maverick, a film that soared to unexpected heights, bringing Maverick back into our lives after a whopping three decades. In a recent chat on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, director Joseph Kosinski spilled the beans on the Oscar-winning sequel that had everyone buzzing.
Top Gun: Maverick’s Success Led to a New Sequel
Thirty years after the iconic Top Gun, Maverick returned to the big screen in 2022, proving to be the second most successful film of the year. Tom Cruise reprised his role as Pete Mitchell, bringing his undeniable charm back to the skies. But here’s the twist – Jon Hamm almost missed the flight! Yep, the Mad Men star was almost replaced by Marvel’s Josh Brolin, as revealed by Kosinski himself.
“Absolutely, Brolin was on my mind,” Kosinski admitted, laying bare the behind-the-scenes decisions. The director shared that in the world of filmmaking, you can’t put all your eggs in one basket. For Kosinski, the top contenders were Brolin and Hamm. A tough call, considering both actors bring their A-game to the table.
Responding to the podcast host, Kosinski confirmed that Brolin, the Marvel maestro known for playing Thanos, was interested. “Yeah, Josh would have done this role. We did actually talk about it, but he was having a baby literally the moment we were going to start photography, so I knew it just wasn’t a possibility. Brolin and Hamm, both guys I’d be thrilled to work with again.” Now, that’s some real talk about the unpredictability of showbiz!
Reunion and New Faces
Kosinski and Brolin had previously collaborated on Only the Brave in 2017, adding another layer to the casting drama. Meanwhile, Jon Hamm stepped into the role of Beau “Cyclone” Simpson, a military figure not thrilled with Maverick’s maverick methods. The sequel, armed with a script by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie, boasted a star-studded cast including Cruise, Hamm, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, and more.
Maverick’s Triumph
Top Gun: Maverick wasn’t just a nostalgic joyride; it was a box office behemoth. Despite an initial delay, the film hit theaters on May 27, 2022, raking in $1.4 billion and securing the second spot after James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water. Critics and audiences alike applauded the film, with a stellar 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and a jaw-dropping 99% audience score.
The Birth of Top Gun 3
Such success doesn’t go unnoticed. The triumph of Maverick paved the way for a new sequel, with Top Gun 3 now in development. Tom Cruise, the Maverick himself, is set to return, joined by familiar faces Glen Powell and Miles Teller. Kosinski and writer Ehren Kruger are reportedly back on board, steering this cinematic jet into uncharted territory.
While Kosinski hasn’t officially confirmed his return to the director’s chair for Top Gun 3, he ponders the evolution of the story. In the midst of developing other projects, including an F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, Kosinski jokes, “It took 36 years for Maverick, it could take 36 for the next one.” A playful tease that leaves us wondering what’s next for the fearless Maverick. Stay tuned for more cinematic turbulence!
