Top Gun at 40: The Backstory of the Legendary Tom Cruise Action Film

      On the 40th anniversary of its release, Hasitha Fernando examines the story behind Top Gun…

      Top Gun is often regarded as the quintessential summer blockbuster of the 1980s. With its exhilarating aerial cinematography, a charismatic Tom Cruise, and one of the most memorable soundtracks in cinematic history, Top Gun set a new standard for "popcorn cinema" at the time of its release. As we commemorate its 40th anniversary, let's revisit some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film.

      Numerous writers initially turned down the project

      The original concept for Top Gun emerged from an article titled “Top Gun” by Ehud Yonay, published in the May 1983 issue of California magazine. This piece highlighted the routine lives of real fighter pilots at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego and included striking aerial photography by Lieutenant Commander Charles “Heater” Heatley. Producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer were captivated by this article and envisioned a “sports movie in the sky,” prompting them to seek out various screenwriters for a viable screenplay. Initially, many writers declined the opportunity due to a lack of perceived potential; however, they eventually found a willing writing duo in Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. By attending several declassified Top Gun training sessions at Miramar and even experiencing an F-14 flight, Epps gained insights that added authenticity to their screenplay, though the first draft ultimately did not impress Bruckheimer and Simpson.

      Tony Scott was hired due to the success of his commercial

      The late Tony Scott gained recognition for his influential role in shaping the action film genre with his dynamic visual style, seen in works like Beverly Hills Cop II, True Romance, Crimson Tide, and Unstoppable. At the start of Top Gun's production, Scott was primarily focused on television commercials, including a memorable ad for Saab that featured a Saab 900 turbo racing against a Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet, which caught the attention of Bruckheimer and Simpson. They subsequently brought Scott on board to direct their action-packed film. Before Scott's involvement, David Cronenberg and John Carpenter had been approached for the directorship, but both declined.

      Producers sought Tom Cruise after his performance in Risky Business

      Tom Cruise epitomizes the blockbuster movie star. His remarkable dedication as an actor and willingness to perform risky stunts for entertainment value distinguish him from his contemporaries. Fresh off the success of the coming-of-age comedy Risky Business, Cruise was approached by Bruckheimer and Simpson for the lead role in Top Gun. Initially hesitant, Cruise was persuaded by Ridley Scott, Tony's brother, who was directing him in the fantasy film Legend. The turning point for Cruise came when he was flown with The Blue Angels, after which he enthusiastically declared his commitment to the film.

      Prior to Cruise being cast in this now-iconic role, several other actors, including Matthew Modine, Emilio Estevez, Sean Penn, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, Charlie Sheen, Rob Lowe, and Michael J. Fox, were considered for the part.

      Kelly McGillis’ character was inspired by a real flight instructor

      Kelly McGillis was chosen to portray Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood in Top Gun after her acclaimed breakout performance in 1985’s Witness. The character was modeled after Christine Fox, a civilian flight instructor at Miramar during the producers' research phase. Fox went on to have a distinguished military career and served as the Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama, becoming the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. Department of Defense.

      Like Fox, McGillis’s character was tall, blonde, and wore high heels. However, during her scenes with Cruise, she had to go barefoot to match his height. Originally conceived as a mere love interest for the male lead, Charlie's character was significantly reworked after Dawn Steel, then head of Paramount, declined to greenlight the project. Before McGillis was ultimately cast, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, Brooke Shields, and Julianne Phillips were considered for the role.

      Val Kilmer participated in the film out of contractual obligation

      Val Kilmer, a notable actor of his generation, delivered outstanding performances in films like The Doors, Tombstone, and Heat, earning him the title of “the most unsung leading man of his generation” from film critic Roger Ebert. For Top Gun, Kilmer was initially uninterested in the project, finding the script derivative and disliking its warmongering themes. Ultimately, however, he was obligated by contract to take on the role of Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. In hindsight, many praise Kilmer's performance in Top Gun as one of his best, with the actor himself acknowledging that it was both fun and educational.

      Tom Cruise had no prior motorcycle experience before Top Gun

      Much like Tom Cruise’s signature run, which is a hallmark of many of his films, his association with