Top Gun is making a triumphant return to movie theaters to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The iconic 1986 film will be shown in a limited one-week engagement at AMC Theatres nationwide starting May 13. Alongside the original, the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick will also be screened as part of a special double feature, giving fans who missed the original theatrical experience a chance to see both films on the big screen.
Tom Cruise: From Rising Star to Hollywood Legend
Tom Cruise, who played the rebellious pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, was already gaining fame before Top Gun. His breakthrough role in Risky Business (1983) set the stage for a career that would make him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. After Top Gun, Cruise starred in a string of hits including The Color of Money (1986), Rain Man (1988), and Born on the Fourth of July (1989). He continued his dominance in the 1990s with films like A Few Good Men (1992), The Firm (1993), Interview with the Vampire (1994), and Jerry Maguire (1996).
In the 2000s, Cruise expanded his repertoire with Vanilla Sky (2001), Minority Report (2002), The Last Samurai (2003), and Collateral (2004). His most defining role is arguably Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series, which began in 1996 and includes eight films. Cruise returned to his iconic role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which grossed $1.486 billion worldwide. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive $100 million-grossing movies, with 11 films from 2012 to 2025.
Val Kilmer: A Poignant Farewell
Val Kilmer, who played the cool-headed rival Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky, passed away at age 65 on April 1, 2025, after battling throat cancer. Despite his permanently damaged voice from treatment, Kilmer reprised his role in Top Gun: Maverick in an emotional scene that moved audiences. In his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, he wrote about begging to be in the sequel, saying, 'Tom was Maverick, but Maverick's nemesis was Iceman. The two went together like salt and pepper.' Kilmer also famously played Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and Batman in Batman Forever (1995). Posthumously, he will appear in As Deep As The Grave using AI technology, with approval from his estate and children.
Meg Ryan: The Rom-Com Queen
Meg Ryan, who played Goose's wife Carole Bradshaw, became a rom-com icon in the 1990s with hits like When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and You've Got Mail (1998). After her 2003 film In the Cut received harsh criticism, Ryan stepped back from Hollywood, feeling 'burnt out.' She later admitted she felt done with the industry. Ryan also faced scrutiny over plastic surgery, which changed her appearance. She was not asked to return for Top Gun: Maverick.
Kelly McGillis: Age-Appropriate and Unbothered
Kelly McGillis, who played Maverick's love interest Charlotte Blackwood, was not invited back for the sequel. Director Joseph Kosinski explained that he wanted to introduce new characters rather than look backward. McGillis herself said, 'I’m old and I’m fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is.' She stepped back from Hollywood after Top Gun but continued with smaller roles, including in The L Word and Dirty John.
Anthony Edwards: Goose's Legacy Lives On
Anthony Edwards played Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, Maverick's best friend who dies in the film. For obvious reasons, he did not return for the sequel, but his character's spirit was central through his son Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw, played by Miles Teller. Edwards is best known for his role as Dr. Mark Greene on ER (1994-2002), which earned him a Golden Globe and multiple awards. He has also appeared in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Zodiac, and Designated Survivor.
Michael Ironside: A Contentious Relationship
Michael Ironside, who played instructor Jester, did not return due to a strained relationship with producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Ironside turned down a project from Bruckheimer years ago, leading to a rift. Despite this, Ironside had a successful career with roles in Starship Troopers, Total Recall, and Desperate Housewives. His latest film is Marrow (2025).
Tom Skerritt: A Funeral Scene That Didn't Make the Cut
Tom Skerritt, who played Viper, was asked to film a funeral scene for Top Gun: Maverick but believes he did not make the final cut. He joked that the only way he'd be in the sequel was at his character's funeral. Skerritt's career includes roles in Contact (1997) and MASH. He recently appeared in the 2025 western Broke.
