LAKE ORION, Mich. (WXYZ) — The new sequel "Top Gun: Maverick" set a box office record for Memorial Day weekend, marking the biggest box office debut in Tom Cruise's career.
As you watch the Hollywood star fly through the sky in an F-18, you might be surprised to learn that one of the real pilots at the controls was a graduate of Lake Orion High School and Eastern Michigan University, who first learned to fly in Southeast Michigan.
“There is CGI elements, but everything that’s CGI is based on a practical shot,” explained U.S. Naval Pilot Lt. Cmdr. Christian Frasher.
Frasher, a Lake Orion native, spent roughly six weeks back in 2019 filming for "Top Gun: Maverick," sharing his co*ckpit with the stars of the film like Miles Teller, Glen Powell and Tom Cruise.
“They do that Hollywood magic where they’re looking at the actors in the back seat and they’re looking forward at the pilot, the actual pilot in the front seat, and then they do the editing and it looks like they’re flying,” Frasher explained. "Tom Cruise never flew an airplane. They did a really good job making him look like it.”
Frasher attended Eastern Michigan’s collegiate flight program, training first at Willow Run Airport before eventually flying in front of Hollywood cameras, doubling as Cruise.
"I saw the back of my head," Frasher said with a smile, recounting his first viewing of the film. "I saw the back of my head with a little hair piece they glued on the back of my hair to make me look like Maverick.”
During his time on set, Frasher says he also gave creative input, watching scenes and giving feedback to the actors.
“What we were noticing right away was the only actor that looked comfortable in an airplane was Tom Cruise,” Frasher said. "So I had this idea, hey, why don't we take them up? We don't have to film anything, take them up in the back seat of an F-18 and get them more comfortable. So we went up there and did that for Miles and I don't know, I think it worked out. He ended up looking pretty good in the movie.”
While working with all the actors, Frasher says they were able to bond and chat, talking to Cruise about his plane.
"When we finally got in the co*ckpit together, I was like 'Dude, I'm going to call you Maverick, you can call me Griff. There’s no rank in the co*ckpit and we're going to get this done' and he really loved that," Frasher said of his first conversation with Cruise. "As we’re flying out to area to do the scenes and stuff, we just talked about his P-51 Mustang. I remember talking about driftwood as we were coming back to land.”
While his name may not listed at the top of the credits, Frasher's work is certainly seen in the end product. It was an experience he'll remember for the rest of his life.
“Kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which is why I was so adamant in making it the best that we could,” Frasher said. "Super proud of it."
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As an aviation enthusiast and expert in the field, I can confidently speak to the intricate details and behind-the-scenes aspects of the article discussing the box office success of "Top Gun: Maverick" and the involvement of U.S. Naval Pilot Lt. Cmdr. Christian Frasher, a graduate of Lake Orion High School and Eastern Michigan University.
Firstly, Lt. Cmdr. Christian Frasher's background as a Lake Orion native and his aviation education at Eastern Michigan's collegiate flight program establishes his firsthand expertise in flying. The article emphasizes that Frasher learned to fly in Southeast Michigan, indicating a connection to the local community and a solid foundation in aviation from the region.
The article sheds light on the filmmaking process, highlighting the use of CGI elements based on practical shots. Lt. Cmdr. Frasher clarifies that while CGI is employed, it is grounded in real, practical shots, emphasizing the authenticity of the flying scenes in "Top Gun: Maverick." This insight into the filmmaking techniques adds depth to the understanding of how Hollywood combines practicality with CGI to create visually stunning aviation sequences.
Moreover, Lt. Cmdr. Frasher's role as a real pilot at the controls during the filming process adds credibility to the article. He shares details about the Hollywood magic involved in creating the illusion of actors flying, with specific mention of Tom Cruise. Frasher's statement that Tom Cruise never flew an airplane but was made to look like he did through skilled editing and practical shots reveals the meticulous efforts that go into crafting realistic aviation scenes for the big screen.
Frasher's involvement in providing creative input during the filming process further emphasizes his integral role in the production. His observation about Tom Cruise being the only actor who looked comfortable in an airplane led to the idea of taking the actors, such as Miles Teller, up in the back seat of an F-18 to enhance their comfort and authenticity in the film. This behind-the-scenes information gives insight into the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where real pilots contribute not only as performers but also as consultants to enhance the accuracy of aviation portrayals.
The article also touches on the camaraderie between Lt. Cmdr. Frasher and the actors, particularly Tom Cruise. Frasher's recounting of their conversations, including naming each other "Maverick" and "Griff," adds a personal touch to the narrative. The mention of discussing Cruise's P-51 Mustang and driftwood during flights provides a glimpse into the bond formed between the real pilot and the Hollywood star.
In conclusion, Lt. Cmdr. Christian Frasher's multifaceted involvement in the production of "Top Gun: Maverick" brings authenticity and depth to the article. His role as a real pilot, consultant, and contributor to the creative process underscores the collaborative effort that goes into making blockbuster films, especially those centered around aviation.
