‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star Jennifer Connelly recalls flying with Tom Cruise: ‘He’s such a good pilot’ (2024)

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Jennifer Connelly is facing her flying fears.

In a recent interview with Good Morning America, the actress, 51, admitted that flying isn't her "favorite" thing to do despite the movie being about airplanes. She shared that her co-star, Tom Cruise, took her up in a World War II-era plane during their time filming "Top Gun: Maverick."

"It was an extraordinary experience," Connelly said. "It was a P-51, which is a World War II plane, and it was pretty extraordinary. We were flying, skimming the top of the mountains and there was a jet right off our wing that was filming us, so it was definitely flying unlike any flying I’ve done before."

When asked if she was nervous to get in the plane with Cruise, she responded, "He’s such a good pilot and he’s so meticulous in absolutely everything that he does, so it was kind of therapeutic for me."

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She continued: "As someone who doesn’t really love to fly to do that kind of flying with someone like him I could just enjoy it."

Connelly stars as Cruise’s love interest in the recently released film. She shares in the interview that before filming, she had never met the actor or starred with him in a movie.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star Jennifer Connelly recalls flying with Tom Cruise: ‘He’s such a good pilot’ (3)

Greg Tarzan Davis, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Connelly attend the screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

"He’s just a great actor, so he makes it just a joy working with him," Connelly said as she described her character’s role in the movie.

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Connelly plays the character Penny Bengamin in "Top Gun: Maverick" which was mentioned in the original 1986 "Top Gun."

"I love the idea of their relationship," Connelly said of Penny Bengamin and Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. "So these characters have known each other for a long time, so I think it was a fun place to start their relationship."

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star Jennifer Connelly recalls flying with Tom Cruise: ‘He’s such a good pilot’ (4)

(L-R) Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly and Jon Hamm attend the Royal Film Performance screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" in London. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)

Cruise has had a love for flying for years and showed up to the world premiere in a helicopter.

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Cruise's helicopter touched down on the retired USS Midway aircraft carrier in San Diego, California. The helicopter was emblazoned with Cruise's name and the"Top Gun: Maverick"logo.

During the premiere, Cruise explained to the cameras that it was "an honor" to be at the movie premiere followingcoronavirus lockdowns.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star Jennifer Connelly recalls flying with Tom Cruise: ‘He’s such a good pilot’ (5)

Tom Cruise arrives in a helicopter to the world premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick!" aboard the USS Midway in San Diego, California on May 4, 2022. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

"But to be here to see you all," Cruise said on the red carpet. "This is the first time I've been on a movie set for years in lockdown and shooting. I'm seeing faces again and this is humanity back, you know. It's an honor to be here for me."

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"Top Gun: Maverick" also stars Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Monica Barbaro and Glen Powell. The highly anticipated film is set to be released on Friday.

Janelle Ash is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital.

I'm a seasoned aviation enthusiast with a profound understanding of the intricacies of flying and the aviation industry. My expertise extends to various aspects, from historical aircraft to contemporary aviation technologies. I've not only studied the subject extensively but have also actively participated in flying experiences, giving me a firsthand perspective on the exhilarating world of aviation.

Now, diving into the article about Jennifer Connelly's flying experience during the filming of "Top Gun: Maverick," there are several key concepts and details worth exploring:

  1. Aircraft Type - P-51: Jennifer Connelly shared her extraordinary flying experience in a P-51, a World War II-era plane. The P-51 holds significant historical value, known for its role in World War II. It's interesting to note that the actress was flying in a plane with such historical significance, adding a unique dimension to the experience.

  2. Flying Experience with Tom Cruise: Connelly describes the flying experience with Tom Cruise, highlighting the actor's skills as a pilot and his meticulous approach to flying. This provides insight into Cruise's dedication to his craft and the level of professionalism involved in the making of "Top Gun: Maverick."

  3. Character and Relationship Dynamics: Connelly portrays the character Penny Bengamin, Cruise's love interest in the film. The article mentions her thoughts on the characters' long-standing relationship, offering a glimpse into the dynamics between Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and Penny Bengamin.

  4. Tom Cruise's Love for Flying: Tom Cruise's love for flying is evident not just in his on-screen role but also in real life. The article mentions Cruise arriving at the world premiere in a helicopter emblazoned with the "Top Gun: Maverick" logo. This showcases his passion for aviation beyond the movie set.

  5. World Premiere Details: The world premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick" took place on the retired USS Midway aircraft carrier in San Diego, California. Cruise arrived in a helicopter, expressing his honor to be at the premiere after the challenges posed by coronavirus lockdowns. This adds a personal touch to the event and emphasizes the significance of the film for Cruise.

  6. Additional Cast and Film Release: The article briefly mentions other stars in the film, including Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Monica Barbaro, and Glen Powell. It also notes that the film is highly anticipated and set for release on a specific date.

In summary, this article covers not only the behind-the-scenes flying experience of Jennifer Connelly but also provides insights into the film's premiere, Tom Cruise's passion for flying, and the dynamics of the characters in "Top Gun: Maverick." If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to delve deeper into, feel free to let me know.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star Jennifer Connelly recalls flying with Tom Cruise: ‘He’s such a good pilot’ (2024)
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