Since its release, Top Gun: Maverick has not only broken box office records but also rekindled global fascination with the world of elite naval aviators. One actor who played a crucial role in bringing the high-flying action to life is Glen Powell, the rising Hollywood star who took on the role of Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin in the film. With the mentorship of Tom Cruise and an immersive training program designed by real Navy pilots, Powell’s performance became one of the standout features of the film. But how did Powell prepare for such an intense role, both physically and mentally? In this article, we dive into Powell’s experience on set, his relationship with Cruise, and what it took to transform into a fighter pilot for Top Gun: Maverick.
Glen Powell’s Casting Journey: From Audition to “Hangman”
Before securing the role of Hangman, Glen Powell was actually vying for another part in Top Gun: Maverick. Initially, he auditioned for the role of Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, which eventually went to Miles Teller. Though he didn’t get the part he initially wanted, Powell’s screen test impressed the film’s producers and, most notably, Tom Cruise, who felt that Powell’s talent and presence were undeniable.
Rather than let the opportunity slip away, Cruise and director Joseph Kosinski developed the character of “Hangman,” a charismatic and somewhat cocky fighter pilot that fit Powell perfectly. It was a match made in aviation heaven, and Powell, knowing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, dove headfirst into preparations for his new role.
Powell has often spoken about his gratitude toward Cruise for believing in his talent and giving him the chance to shine in such a pivotal role. In many ways, it was a testament to Cruise’s eye for talent and his passion for bringing out the best in his co-stars.
The Intense Pilot Training Program
One of the most challenging aspects of filming Top Gun: Maverick was ensuring that the cast could convincingly portray elite naval aviators, not just in terms of dialogue but also in terms of physicality. Glen Powell, like the rest of the cast, had to undergo a grueling pilot training program before stepping foot on set. This wasn’t your average movie prep; the actors had to understand and experience what real-life pilots go through to bring authenticity to their roles.
Tom Cruise, known for doing his own stunts, played a key role in developing the cast’s training program. Cruise is a licensed pilot and has performed many aerial stunts in his career, so it was important to him that the Top Gun sequel portrayed the realities of naval aviation as accurately as possible. For Powell and his fellow actors, this meant undergoing months of intensive training.
Powell shared in interviews that the training was unlike anything he had ever experienced. The actors went through a Naval Aviation Survival Training curriculum, which is designed to prepare real pilots for the physical and mental stresses of flying fighter jets. This included high-altitude simulation training, underwater egress exercises (where the actors had to escape from submerged cockpits), and, of course, actual flight training.
The actors, including Powell, flew in real F/A-18 Super Hornets, experiencing the full G-forces that Navy pilots face during missions. Powell described the sensation as both exhilarating and nauseating. The G-forces involved in high-speed aerial maneuvers pushed their bodies to the limit, and many actors admitted to getting sick in the process. However, this hands-on experience allowed them to better understand the physical toll of flying these machines, and that realism translated to the big screen.
Working Alongside Tom Cruise: A Masterclass in Filmmaking
One of the highlights of Glen Powell’s experience on Top Gun: Maverick was the opportunity to work closely with Tom Cruise, a Hollywood legend with decades of experience in action films. Cruise’s dedication to realism and his relentless work ethic were contagious on set, and Powell has often spoken about how much he learned from the veteran actor.
Cruise’s approach to filmmaking is unique. As one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Cruise is known for pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in an action movie, often performing his own stunts and advocating for practical effects over CGI whenever possible. This philosophy was evident throughout the filming of Top Gun: Maverick, where real jets were used for the majority of the aerial sequences.
Powell explained that Cruise wasn’t just an actor on set; he was also a mentor and, in many ways, a teacher. He made it his mission to ensure that everyone on set, from the actors to the crew, was fully committed to delivering a high-quality, authentic film. Cruise taught Powell how to approach complex stunts, the technicalities of aviation, and even how to maintain a calm mindset during stressful situations.
In an interview, Powell reflected on the sheer intensity of Cruise’s dedication: “Tom sets the bar so high. He comes in every day fully prepared, fully committed, and he expects the same from everyone else. It’s infectious. You don’t want to let him down, because you see how much he gives to every project he works on.”
Capturing the Spirit of Fighter Pilots: Powell’s Character Arc
While Powell’s preparation was physically demanding, his role as Hangman also required him to understand the psychology of a fighter pilot. Hangman is portrayed as confident to the point of arrogance, a characteristic often seen in some of the best pilots, who need an almost superhuman level of self-belief to excel in combat.
Powell has spoken about the responsibility he felt to do justice to real-life fighter pilots, many of whom have a level of confidence that borders on swagger. To get into character, Powell spent time with actual naval aviators, observing their behavior and learning about their mindset. He wanted Hangman to feel authentic, not just as a hotshot pilot but also as a person who faces the pressure and responsibility of protecting his team and achieving mission success.
The arc of Hangman’s character, which mirrors some of the themes of the original Top Gun, explores the balance between individual skill and teamwork. Throughout the film, Hangman evolves from a lone wolf to someone who understands the importance of relying on his fellow pilots. This shift in attitude added depth to the character, making him more than just the stereotypical “hotshot pilot.”
The Challenges of Filming Aerial Combat
One of the standout features of Top Gun: Maverick is the incredible aerial combat scenes, which are largely filmed using real fighter jets in flight. Powell and the other actors had to perform their scenes while flying at high speeds, with multiple cameras mounted both inside and outside the jets to capture every angle of the action.
Filming these sequences was no easy task. Not only did the actors have to deliver their lines while dealing with the physical stress of G-forces, but they also had to coordinate with the pilots and cinematographers to ensure that the shots were visually compelling. Powell explained that sometimes the crew had only one or two takes to capture the right shot due to the complexity and cost of flying real jets.
For Powell, this challenge was unlike anything he had ever experienced as an actor. He compared it to shooting an action scene while on a roller coaster—except on a much larger, faster scale. The actors had to trust the pilots, the director, and each other to pull off these intricate scenes, which added an element of danger and excitement to the production.
The Legacy of Top Gun and Powell’s Growing Star Power
With Top Gun: Maverick now considered one of the most successful films in recent years, Glen Powell has cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars. His performance as Hangman not only earned him widespread praise from critics but also connected with audiences who appreciated the film’s blend of action, drama, and authenticity.
Looking ahead, Powell is poised to continue making waves in Hollywood. He has several upcoming projects, and his experience working on Top Gun has undoubtedly prepared him for whatever comes next. The combination of his natural charisma, dedication to his craft, and the mentorship he received from Tom Cruise makes it clear that Powell’s star will only continue to rise.
As Powell himself has said, working on Top Gun: Maverick was a dream come true—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push himself to new limits, both as an actor and as a person. With his role as Hangman, Powell has proven that he can soar with the best, both on-screen and off.
In conclusion, Glen Powell’s behind-the-scenes journey in Top Gun: Maverick is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and willingness to embrace new challenges. His collaboration with Tom Cruise and his intense training program shaped his portrayal of Hangman, a role that will be remembered as a highlight of his career. With his growing success, Powell is undoubtedly a name to watch in Hollywood for years to come.
