‹ All movies

The Rewatchables ·

Top Gun: Maverick

year 2022decade 20sdirector Joseph Kosinskigenre Actiongenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanproducer Craig Horlbeck
All 35 categories

The film

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Directed by Joseph Kosinski · Action

130 minutes [ 1 ]

IMDb Letterboxd JustWatch Find on Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Tom Cruise Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell
Miles Teller Lieutenant Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw
Jennifer Connelly Penelope "Penny" Benjamin
Jon Hamm Vice Admiral Beau "Cyclone" Simpson
Glen Powell LT Jake "Hangman" Seresin
Ed Harris Rear Admiral Chester "Hammer" Cain
Val Kilmer Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky
Lewis Pullman LT Robert "Bob" Floyd
Charles Parnell Rear Admiral Solomon "Warlock" Bates
Bashir Salahuddin Chief Warrant Officer Four Bernie "Hondo" Coleman
Monica Barbaro LT Natasha "Phoenix" Trace
Jay Ellis LT Reuben "Payback" Fitch
Danny Ramirez LT Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia
Greg Tarzan Davis LT Javy "Coyote" Machado
Manny Jacinto LT Billy "Fritz" Avalone
Raymond Lee LT Logan "Yale" Lee
Jake Picking LT Brigham "Harvard" Lennox
Jack Schumacher LT Neil "Omaha" Vikander
Kara Wang LT Callie "Halo" Bassett
Lyliana Wray Amelia Benjamin
Jean Louisa Kelly Sarah Kazansky
James Handy Jimmy
Chido Nwokocha Mission Controller
Chelsea Harris Admiral's Aide

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

24:43

Most Rewatchable Scene

Cruise and Kilmer into dogfight football; the final mission

Cruise and Kilmer into dogfight football; the final mission

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:43Read transcript
  • The Darkstar opening and diner arrival are nominated — Bill Simmons
  • The Hard Deck introduction through Rooster playing piano is praised for economical character work and emotional flashbacks — Bill Simmons
  • Maverick defeating the trainees is nominated — Bill Simmons
  • The Iceman visit is praised for restraint, typing, frustration, vulnerability and the closing joke — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts question how deep the old rivals’ friendship became — Bill Simmons
  • Dogfight football prompts detailed doubts about two balls, scoring, defensive pressure and strategy — Bill Simmons
  • Maverick demonstrating the impossible training route is nominated — Bill Simmons
  • The full final mission through the carrier reunion is a major choice — Bill Simmons
  • Penny with the Porsche and the final flight provide an especially satisfying coda — Bill Simmons
  • Bill favors the Kilmer scene leading into football — Bill Simmons
  • Chris praises the extended finale and the lack of music during part of the mission — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Most Rewatchable Scene answers
41:07

What’s Aged the Best?

Jennifer Connelly, practical flying and measured callbacks

Jennifer Connelly, practical flying and measured callbacks

The panel is imagining how this might look in the future.

In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 00:41:07Read transcript
  • Connelly is both hosts’ first choice — Bill Simmons
  • The romance is praised as age-appropriate, warm and unusually convincing for later Cruise — Bill Simmons
  • Making Penny the briefly mentioned woman from the first film is considered smart — Bill Simmons
  • Teller’s resemblance to Anthony Edwards works — Bill Simmons
  • The casting competition is echoed by Maverick choosing Rooster — Bill Simmons
  • The score reuses familiar themes effectively — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts praise the feeling of actors experiencing real flight — Bill Simmons
  • The opening credits recall the original without making the whole film a remake — Bill Simmons
  • Coyote’s G-lock scene is praised — Bill Simmons
  • The trophy, Goose mannerisms, beach yell and carrier reunion are effective callbacks — Bill Simmons
  • Bob’s simple call sign is funny — Bill Simmons
  • Maverick tossing the manual away is appreciated — Bill Simmons
  • Maverick and Iceman texting with punctuation is a good age detail — Bill Simmons
  • An unnamed enemy allows streamlined action — Bill Simmons
  • Jeans, leather jackets, Hawaiian shirts and aviators lend a timeless look — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Best? answers
50:34

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Slow Ride

Slow Ride

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:34Read transcript
  • Slow Ride wins in a category partly named after it — Bill Simmons
  • The Who’s Won’t Get Fooled Again is a strong alternative during aerial training — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop answers
51:10

The Action Is the Juice Award for Best Milking of the Moment

Hondo’s farewell to Maverick

Hondo’s farewell to Maverick

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:10Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Action Is the Juice Award for Best Milking of the Moment answers
52:34

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

The Hard Deck

The Hard Deck

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:34Read transcript
  • The beachside bar’s ceiling, hanging mugs and atmosphere make it a destination the hosts wish existed — Bill Simmons
  • They report that the bar was constructed for filming — Bill Simmons
  • The discussion turns into enthusiasm for San Diego-area coastal towns — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location answers
53:28

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

The sailing scene, Darkstar flyby and aircraft launch

The sailing scene, Darkstar flyby and aircraft launch

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:28Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot answers
55:14

The Tom Cruise Award for Most Valiant Attempt to Emulate a Normal Human

Tom Cruise playing beach football

Tom Cruise playing beach football

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:14Read transcript
  • The hosts joke about Cruise’s rolled-up jeans and football instincts
Share this discussion More The Tom Cruise Award for Most Valiant Attempt to Emulate a Normal Human answers
55:14

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

The underused supporting pilots; Phoenix divides the room

The underused supporting pilots; Phoenix divides the room

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:14Read transcript
  • Bill wants more from Jay Ellis and Manny Jacinto
  • Bob’s characterization and second-seat duties are questioned
  • Bill considers Phoenix underdeveloped and imagines a Michelle Rodriguez-like presence
  • Chris likes Phoenix and values her relationship with Rooster
  • Craig is explicitly invited to break the tie and says she was good
  • The discussion distinguishes the performance from the amount of character development
  • The lack of a larger comic supporting personality is noted
Share this discussion More The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film answers
58:54

Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene?

The romance works better than the sex scene

The romance works better than the sex scene

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:54Read transcript
  • The hosts describe little onscreen sexual action — Bill Simmons
  • The laughter and dark conversation afterward feel awkward — Bill Simmons
  • They find more apparent passion in the original Cruise–McGillis scene — Bill Simmons
  • Connelly is credited with carrying the intimacy — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene? answers
1:00:24

Dr. Richard Kimble Inappropriate Body Award

Maverick’s extraordinary physique

Maverick’s extraordinary physique

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:24Read transcript
  • The hosts question how his isolated desert lifestyle yields such a muscular body — Bill Simmons
  • The category is explicitly named after Richard Kimble in The Fugitive — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Dr. Richard Kimble Inappropriate Body Award answers
1:00:50

What’s Aged the Worst?

Penny’s idealized life, thin mission logic and rushed funeral

Penny’s idealized life, thin mission logic and rushed funeral

The panel is imagining how this might look in the future.

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:50Read transcript
  • Cruise’s introductory theater message feels stiff — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts jokingly connect its placement to the Nicole Kidman AMC advertisement — Bill Simmons
  • Penny’s beauty, successful bar, Porsche, sailboat and almost frictionless family life seem implausibly perfect — Bill Simmons
  • A crowded bar seems impossibly understaffed — Bill Simmons
  • The unnamed uranium target and lack of simpler attack options raise doubts — Bill Simmons
  • Cruise’s dark hair is questioned as an age detail — Bill Simmons
  • The pre-mission encouragement to Rooster feels too ordinary — Bill Simmons
  • The new pop singles compare poorly with the original soundtrack’s cultural footprint — Bill Simmons
  • Rooster’s call sign is not universally liked — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts reject some complaints about omitting McGillis and Meg Ryan, while imagining a Ryan scene — Bill Simmons
  • Iceman’s funeral feels too short — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Worst? answers
1:09:52

The Ron Burgundy Flute Award for the Best Time for a Pee Break

Penny and Maverick’s bedroom sequence — on a rewatch

Penny and Maverick’s bedroom sequence — on a rewatch

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:52Read transcript
  • Bill recommends leaving once Maverick takes Penny home — Bill Simmons
  • Chris cautions that the sequence explains important backstory for first-time viewers — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Ron Burgundy Flute Award for the Best Time for a Pee Break answers
1:10:18

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Keep Top Gun: Maverick

Keep Top Gun: Maverick

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:18Read transcript
Share this discussion More Is There a Better Title for This Movie? answers
1:10:18

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

Talk to me, Goose; the recurring look exchange

Talk to me, Goose; the recurring look exchange

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:18Read transcript
  • Talk to me, Goose benefits from its return — Bill Simmons
  • Warlock explaining that orders are orders is appreciated — Bill Simmons
  • The exchange about Maverick having only one look is a favorite — Bill Simmons
  • Hondo supplies effective short reactions — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts note strong delivery of fairly ordinary lines rather than a wealth of new iconic quotations — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie answers
1:11:18

The Vincent Chase Award: Are We Sure This Character Is Actually Good at Their Job?

Cyclone

Cyclone

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:18Read transcript
  • Cyclone is criticized for letting dislike of Maverick override the mission — Bill Simmons
  • His higher-and-slower replacement plan is treated as endangering the pilots — Bill Simmons
  • Iceman’s favoritism toward Maverick is also questioned — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Vincent Chase Award: Are We Sure This Character Is Actually Good at Their Job? answers
1:12:38

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Allison Willmore’s Maverick death-dream interpretation

Allison Willmore’s Maverick death-dream interpretation

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:38Read transcript
  • The hosts credit Allison Willmore at Vulture for the theory — Bill Simmons
  • Maverick dies in the opening flight and the rest resolves his unfinished relationships — Bill Simmons
  • The idealized diner, vague enemy and timeless clothing are offered as supporting readings — Bill Simmons
  • Surviving the opening crash is treated as doubtful based on informal research — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts say the film can work either with or without this interpretation — Bill Simmons
  • Rooster’s selection is criticized as nepotism while a dangerous mission is at stake — Bill Simmons
  • Penny’s implausibly perfect existence is another related take — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award answers
1:17:05

Casting What-Ifs

Nicholas Hoult and Glen Powell for Rooster

Nicholas Hoult and Glen Powell for Rooster

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:05Read transcript
Share this discussion More Casting What-Ifs answers
1:17:58

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Glen Powell

Glen Powell

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:58Read transcript
  • Both hosts choose Powell for knowingly heightened swagger — Chris Ryan
  • His final rescue is singled out — Chris Ryan
  • Ed Harris is expected to be louder but remains comparatively restrained — Chris Ryan
  • The hosts clarify that this award does not mean a bad performance — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award answers
1:19:06

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Charles Parnell as Warlock

Charles Parnell as Warlock

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:06Read transcript
  • Hondo and Warlock are the finalists — Bill Simmons
  • Salahuddin may be more familiar to South Side viewers — Bill Simmons
  • Parnell is the agreed choice, with Briarpatch also mentioned — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers
1:19:26

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Val Kilmer, over Hondo

Val Kilmer, over Hondo

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:26Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers
1:20:03

Recasting Couch

Jenna Ortega or Sydney Sweeney as Phoenix

Jenna Ortega or Sydney Sweeney as Phoenix

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:03Read transcript
  • Jenna Ortega is proposed for Phoenix — Bill Simmons
  • Sydney Sweeney is another proposal, including a car-restoration conversation with Penny — Bill Simmons
  • Chris offers no recasting choice — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Recasting Couch answers
1:20:47

Half-Assed Internet Research

Cruise’s earlier refusal, cockpit filming and a beach-scene reshoot

Cruise’s earlier refusal, cockpit filming and a beach-scene reshoot

In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:47Read transcript
  • Cruise reportedly dismissed a sequel as irresponsible in 1990 — Bill Simmons
  • Kosinski pitched the Rooster relationship and Darkstar storyline to Cruise — Bill Simmons
  • A professor’s records research is cited about military input in the film — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts report hourly Navy aircraft fees — Bill Simmons
  • Actors handled aspects of makeup and camera operation while airborne — Bill Simmons
  • They note that extensive practical filming does not make all mission details realistic — Bill Simmons
  • The flight-jacket Taiwan/China flag controversy is briefly discussed without resolving every claim — Bill Simmons
  • Cruise’s own P-51 appears in the final flight — Bill Simmons
  • The beach montage was reportedly reshot after Cruise found the first version insufficient — Bill Simmons
  • The cast reportedly returned to training after celebrating the original shoot — Bill Simmons
  • The sailing sequence reportedly used a J-125 in San Francisco Bay without doubles — Bill Simmons
  • Bruckheimer restored a Don Simpson credit as a tribute — Bill Simmons
  • Teller reportedly learned the piano performance — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Half-Assed Internet Research answers
1:27:14

Apex Mountain

Post-prime Cruise, the 1973 Porsche 911, and Joseph Kosinski: yes

Post-prime Cruise, the 1973 Porsche 911, and Joseph Kosinski: yes

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:14Read transcript
Share this discussion More Apex Mountain answers
1:32:52

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

G-lock

G-lock

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:52Read transcript
  • Tower Buzz, Great Balls of Fire and Dogfight are other nominees — Chris Ryan
  • G-lock is chosen — Chris Ryan
  • Smoke in the Air is added later — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Best Race Horse Name from This Movie answers
1:33:05

Picking Nits

The convenient escape, lack of casualties and impossible crash

The convenient escape, lack of casualties and impossible crash

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:05Read transcript
  • Cyclone’s decisions are jokingly suspected of sabotage — Chris Ryan
  • Rooster’s age and delayed training are worked through — Chris Ryan
  • The younger pilots seem to have almost no personal lives — Chris Ryan
  • The two downed pilots land conveniently close to each other and a usable airstrip — Chris Ryan
  • An operational familiar F-14 makes their escape convenient — Chris Ryan
  • Maverick dying while saving Rooster might have supplied a powerful ending — Chris Ryan
  • The forest escape feels like a tonal shift — Chris Ryan
  • The hosts argue for at least one meaningful pilot death, proposing Phoenix and Bob — Chris Ryan
  • Maverick’s age as an active pilot is questioned — Chris Ryan
  • Opening-flight survival and lack of medical aftermath are criticized — Chris Ryan
  • Rooster returning safely through the defended valley is unexplained — Chris Ryan
  • The final hangar scene raises a question about Rooster living with Maverick — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Picking Nits answers
1:36:56

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

Penny confronts Maverick’s finances

Penny confronts Maverick’s finances

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:56Read transcript
  • The hosts imagine a declined credit card and tension over his rank, income and aircraft — Bill Simmons
  • A wealthy La Jolla rival could create a romantic triangle — Bill Simmons
  • The earlier Shakey’s Pizza family-outing joke is carried forward — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day? answers
1:40:07

Is This Movie Better With…?

Wayne Jenkins as Cyclone

Wayne Jenkins as Cyclone

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:40:07Read transcript
Share this discussion More Is This Movie Better With…? answers
1:41:26

The Cliff Booth Award: Is This Movie Better if the Main Character Had a Pet?

A dog for Maverick is considered

A dog for Maverick is considered

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:26Read transcript
  • Maverick could ride his motorcycle with a dog behind him — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts question who would care for it in the desert while he flies — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Cliff Booth Award: Is This Movie Better if the Main Character Had a Pet? answers
1:41:46

Just One Oscar

Joseph Kosinski

Joseph Kosinski

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:46Read transcript
Share this discussion More Just One Oscar answers
1:42:49

Probably Unanswerable Questions

The unnamed enemy and alternative readings of Maverick

The unnamed enemy and alternative readings of Maverick

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:42:49Read transcript
  • Which real country best fits the mission’s fictional opponent? — Bill Simmons
  • Iran and North Korea are suggested without treating either as identified in the film — Bill Simmons
  • Do Cruise’s stunt choices suggest a death wish? This is host speculation, not a personal-health finding — Bill Simmons
  • The hosts discuss a queer reading of the fictional Maverick based on relationships and recurring imagery — Bill Simmons
  • The imagined Maverick/Rooster domestic arrangement extends the joke — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Probably Unanswerable Questions answers
1:45:19

Best Double Feature

Top Gun
Top Gun: Maverick
Top Gun
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:45:19Read transcript
Share this discussion More Best Double Feature answers
1:46:13

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Penny’s Porsche, the Hard Deck or Maverick’s jacket

Penny’s Porsche, the Hard Deck or Maverick’s jacket

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:13Read transcript
  • The Porsche is the emphatic first choice — Chris Ryan
  • Owning the entire Hard Deck is proposed — Chris Ryan
  • The bomber jacket is the smaller alternative — Chris Ryan
  • The hosts dismiss a plane or motorcycle as less usable for them — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie? answers
1:47:17

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

It’s the pilot, not the plane

It’s the pilot, not the plane

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:17Read transcript
  • The pilot-over-equipment lesson is preferred — Bill Simmons
  • Acting without overthinking is another candidate — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson answers
1:47:35

Who Won the Movie?

Tom Cruise, with a personal case for Jennifer Connelly

Tom Cruise, with a personal case for Jennifer Connelly

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:35Read transcript
  • Cruise receives the initial shared answer — Bill Simmons
  • One host personally favors Connelly — Bill Simmons
  • Two more Connelly scenes are imagined as enough to change the result — Bill Simmons
  • The exchange is preserved as qualified rather than manufactured unanimous ballots — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Who Won the Movie? answers
1:48:05

Producer review

Craig praises the movie’s cross-generational appeal

Craig praises the movie’s cross-generational appeal

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:48:05Read transcript
  • Craig is explicitly invited for closing thoughts — Chris Ryan
  • He argues the movie unites viewers across generations — Chris Ryan
  • The hosts agree and discuss the broadly enthusiastic response — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Producer review answers

More from the conversation

Bill and Chris record in the pool house associated with their early podcasts. They frame this as their first Rewatchables episode for a film still in theaters, praise the communal experience and discuss the delayed release. These are episode-date observations.
Approx. transcript time · 00:02:27Read transcript
The sequel is praised for balancing nostalgia with human stakes. Chris compares its treatment of Cruise’s aging screen identity to Unforgiven’s relationship with Clint Eastwood.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:19Read transcript
The hosts divide Cruise’s career into phases and speculate about whether he might return to smaller dramatic roles after action franchises. They discuss a public-screen-persona divide without establishing personal-life claims as facts.
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:17Read transcript
Maverick is compared with The Godfather Part II, The Dark Knight, Terminator 2 and other leading sequels. The hosts advocate recognition for Kosinski and discuss Tony Scott’s earlier involvement.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:30Read transcript

Mentions across The Rewatchables