Title: Top Gun 2: Why Tom Cruise Wasn't Allowed To Fly An F-18 Fighter Jet
Headings: Top Gun 2: Why Tom Cruise Wasn't Allowed To Fly An F-18 Fighter Jet
Top Gun 2: Why Tom Cruise Wasn't Allowed To Fly An F-18 Fighter Jet
Next: Top Gun 2: Who The Villain Is In Maverick
Key Release Dates

Content: Maverick does feature the F-18 jet, those scenes were all completed with the assistance of Navy pilots. According to Bruckheimer, Cruise does get to fly a P-51 propeller-driven fighter plane in addition to some helicopters, so with the help of some judicious editing, the aerial scenes should remain highly convincing. Bruckheimer has yet to divulge any specifics about why the Navy might have nixed Cruise's aspirations to pilot the Super Hornet. The most logical reason is insurance concerns, which is always enough to prevent actors from doing their own stunts. It's worth noting, however, that a real F-18 would constitute roughly half of Maverick 's $152 million budget, which would likely create some logistical nightmares when it comes to insuring the film, not to mention insuring Cruise himself, who, though a certified pilot, has little experience piloting supersonic military aircraft. Insurance woes aside, should an inexperienced pilot such as Cruise lose control of a high-speed aircraft, it could also mean peril for civilians and/or military personnel on the ground. Fans will have to wait until summer of 2021 to see Cruise return to the danger zone as Maverick. Judging from interviews and trailers, it appears as though Bruckheimer and Cruise are sincere in their claims that Top Gun: Maverick emphasizes practical effects over CGI. Both the actor and the producer seem committed to creating the most immersive experience possible.