The Scene Tom Cruise Waited 40 Years to Film: “I Got to Do That Six Times”
The Scene Tom Cruise Waited 40 Years to Film: “I Got to Do That Six Times”
Tom Cruise has built a legendary reputation as one of Hollywood’s most fearless stunt performers. Known for throwing himself off towering heights, piloting speeding vehicles, and tackling death-defying feats with barely a flinch, Cruise’s commitment to authenticity has become a hallmark of his career—especially in the Mission: Impossible franchise. But even after more than four decades in the industry, Cruise keeps pushing the envelope, with some of his most ambitious stunts unfolding in the Top Gun sequel.
From 1986 to 2022: A Maverick Returns
Cruise first donned the iconic flight suit of Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in Top Gun (1986). Fast forward 36 years, and he reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel that not only amplified the thrilling aerial action but also deepened the emotional stakes. The introduction of Miles Teller as Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw—the son of Maverick’s late friend Goose—added new layers to the story, giving Cruise’s character a nuanced mentor role alongside heart-pounding dogfights.
The Catapult Launch: A Dream Deferred
One of the most memorable and adrenaline-fueled moments Cruise revealed he’d been eager to shoot for nearly 40 years was the aircraft carrier catapult launch. Speaking in the DVD extras for the sequel (via Showbiz Cheat Sheet), Cruise shared, “One of the first things that didn’t get filmed during Top Gun, the first one, was getting catapulted off of the aircraft carrier. So I did on this [movie], and I got to do that six times. It’s unbelievable.”
Back in the 1980s, filming such a stunt was impossible due to the heavy camera equipment that couldn’t be placed inside fighter jets. Advances in technology meant by 2022, lightweight cameras could capture jaw-dropping cockpit footage in real time. Actors, including Cruise, endured intense training and the physical rigors of high-speed flight to get authentic in-air shots—certainly more than they’d bargained for when signing on.
Raising the Bar: From Tony Scott to Joseph Kosinski
The original Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott, was already known for its exhilarating action sequences. But under Joseph Kosinski’s helm, Maverick pushed the envelope further. With immersive cockpit perspectives and breathtaking aerial choreography, the sequel elevated the audience experience—especially in the climactic battle scenes.
The film’s success was undeniable: it became Tom Cruise’s first movie to surpass $1 billion worldwide, hailed by many as a cinematic lifeline after the pandemic’s impact on theaters.
What’s Next for Cruise?
At 60-plus and still breaking barriers, Cruise shows no signs of slowing. With ever-evolving cinematic technology and his unmatched dedication to doing his own stunts, fans and industry insiders alike wonder what he might attempt next. If he keeps this pace, the day might come when Cruise literally crashes an F-18 at full speed—and walks away without a scratch.
For now, that long-awaited catapult scene stands as a testament to his relentless drive—and proof that some dreams really do take decades to realize.
