Formula One icon Lewis Hamilton was offered a role in the highly anticipated movie Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the original Top Gun film that starred Tom Cruise. Hamilton revealed that he was approached by Cruise after showing him his Top Gun themed watch during a visit to the set of Edge of Tomorrow in 2014. Despite expressing his eagerness to be a part of the movie, Hamilton declined the role of the fighter pilot 'Fanboy' as he felt unprepared and lacked the necessary time to dedicate to acting.
Hamilton's decision to step aside was met with gratitude from Danny Ramirez, who ultimately portrayed the character of 'Fanboy' in the film. Ramirez publicly thanked Hamilton for his decision, acknowledging that it worked out for the best. However, with Top Gun 3 currently in development, there may be another opportunity for Hamilton to venture into the world of Hollywood.
Top Gun: Maverick, released in May 2022, was a massive success both commercially and critically. The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Tom Cruise, follows the story of Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell as he trains a new generation of Top Gun graduates for a special mission. The film received widespread acclaim, achieving a 'certified fresh' rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming Cruise's highest-grossing movie to date.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that Top Gun 3 is in the works, with Kosinski and Cruise set to return for the sequel. While the exact timeline for the movie's production remains uncertain due to Cruise's busy schedule, the team is excited about the story idea that has been developed for the third installment.
For fans eager to catch up on Top Gun: Maverick, the movie is now available for streaming on Paramount+. With the success of the sequel and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Top Gun 3, the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its high-flying action and compelling storytelling.