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Tom Cruise kicks off his Oscar campaign the only way he knows how: leaping from a plane

In a new commercial, the top gun: maverick star shows support for his fans in a classically supercharged manner.

Whether it’s “ Babe Ruth-ing ” movie theaters, developing a star-making musical , or preparing to become the first civilian to walk in space , Tom Cruise’s day-to-day is far from ordinary or low-key. Naturally, that ethos extends to a recent commercial starring the Top Gun: Maverick actor (and effectively kicking off his Oscar campaign.)

In the clip, which aired during Sunday Night Football on CBS, Cruise thanks fans for supporting the film and going out to the movie theater. The twist? The entire chat happens as Cruise jumps out of a helicopter hovering above the South African set of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning , demonstrating that he’s nothing if not a multitasker.

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“I didn’t want the year to end without thanking you all for coming out to the theater, and thank you for supporting Top Gun: Maverick ,” Cruise says while hanging out of the aircraft manned by Dead Reckoning ’s director (and Top Gun: Maverick ’s writer), Christopher McQuarrie. Before Cruise takes his big leap of faith, he asks if McQuarrie plans on joining him in the open air.

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“Not on your life—good luck,” McQuarrie responds. An unfazed Cruise then languidly sits back until he tumbles out of the plane.

“Thank you for supporting Top Gun: Maverick ! As always, thank you for allowing us to entertain you. It truly is the honor of a lifetime,” Cruise muses as he careens through the air, seemingly unbothered. “Yeah. Very Lucky.”

Top Gun: Maverick , far and away the blockbuster of the year, will finally be available for streaming on Paramount+ December 22. Paramount even briefly brought back the film (which achieved record numbers during a dismal year for the box office) to theaters for a two-week run last month.

Concluding his video message (as, by his own admission, he “runs out of altitude”), Cruise again encourages fans back to the movies.

“You have a very safe and happy holiday,” Cruise tells the audience, before spinning off into the distance. “We’ll see you at the movies.”

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Tom Cruise and his private jet, an adventure on automatic pilot

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Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, is known not only for his memorable performances in films such as “Mission Impossible”, “Top Gun” and “Rain Man”, but also for his luxurious lifestyle. One of the symbols of this lifestyle is his private jet, a Gulfstream IV , which is a regular work tool.

Tom Cruise’s choice of Gulfstream IV

The Gulfstream IV is a luxury business jet that symbolises excellence and performance in private aviation. Produced by Gulfstream Aerospace , this aircraft is appreciated for its exceptional combination of range, comfort and reliability. Capable of covering more than 7,800 kilometres non-stop, it makes intercontinental flights remarkably easy. The Gulfstream IV’s spacious cabin can accommodate up to 19 passengers, with top-of-the-range fittings that include seats that can be converted into beds, state-of-the-art entertainment facilities and luxurious customisation options. Advanced aerodynamic performance and sophisticated navigation systems ensure not only smooth and safe journeys, but also outstanding operational efficiency.

For the likes of Tom Cruise, the Gulfstream IV is an ideal choice, combining both business needs and comfort requirements, while reflecting a status of prestige and success.

An essential work tool

For Tom Cruise, his private jet is not only a status symbol, but also an essential work tool. As an actor, producer and often director of his own films, he needs to move quickly and efficiently between different filming locations, meetings and promotional events. Having a private jet saves him precious time and avoids the inconveniences of commercial travel, such as delays, connections and airport security.

What’s more, the private jet gives Cruise a private space where he can concentrate on his work. Whether he’s reading scripts, organising production meetings or simply resting between shoots, the private and comfortable environment of his aircraft is indispensable.

The freedom to travel

A private jet offers unrivalled freedom of travel. For a star like Tom Cruise, this freedom is particularly precious. He can decide to leave at any time, without having to worry about commercial flight schedules. This flexibility is crucial in an industry where plans can change at the last minute.

In addition, owning a private jet allows Tom Cruise to avoid the paparazzi and fans, which is essential for a public figure of his stature. Discretion and security are important considerations for celebrities, and a private jet offers a level of protection and privacy that commercial flights simply cannot guarantee.

The cost of luxury

Owning and maintaining a private jet like the Gulfstream IV is not without cost. The initial purchase price can run into the tens of millions of dollars, and operating costs, including fuel, maintenance, crew and landing fees, can easily run into the millions of dollars a year.

However, for Tom Cruise, these costs are an investment in his comfort, efficiency and safety. What’s more, as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars, he can afford these luxuries. According to Forbes, Cruise has earned millions of dollars per film, with box-office success.

Branding for Tom Cruise

Owning a private jet also contributes to Tom Cruise’s public image. He is seen not only as a film star, but also as a successful businessman. He is a leader in the entertainment industry. His private jet symbolises success, power and independence. These qualities, which Cruise embodies both on screen and in his personal life, are reflected.

Commitment to perfection

Tom Cruise is well known for his desire to control everything down to the smallest detail. From his acrobatic performances in the ‘Mission Impossible’ films to his demands on film sets, he always strives to achieve the highest level of quality. This same attitude is reflected in his choice of private jet.

The Gulfstream IV is renowned for its reliability and performance. It offers a stable and comfortable flight, a crucial aspect for a man who spends so much time in the air. What’s more, Cruise has probably customised his aircraft with the latest technology and comfort features. His jet allows him to work and relax in the best possible conditions.

Environmental impact

It is important to note that owning and using a private jet has a significant environmental impact. Private jets consume large quantities of fuel and produce much higher carbon emissions per passenger than commercial flights. Tom Cruise, like many celebrities, has been criticised for the environmental footprint of his luxurious lifestyle.

However, some private jet owners seek to offset their environmental impact by investing in carbon reduction projects or using sustainable aviation fuels. It is not clear whether Tom Cruise is involved in such initiatives, but it is an area of growing importance to the private aviation industry.

A symbol of freedom

For Tom Cruise, his private jet represents much more than just a means of transport. It’s a symbol of freedom and independence, values he holds dear. In numerous interviews, Cruise has spoken of his love of flying and the feeling of freedom. By owning a private jet, he can travel wherever and whenever he wants, and also explore the world.

This passion for flight is also reflected in his films. In “Top Gun”, one of his most iconic roles, Cruise plays a charismatic and fearless fighter pilot. His love of aviation also influenced his decision to perform some of his own aerial stunts in the “Mission Impossible” films.

Tom Cruise’s private jet is much more than just a luxury means of transport. It is an essential tool that enables him to manage his busy schedule efficiently. He can ensure his safety and privacy, and maintain a high level of comfort during his travels. It is also a symbol of his success, his freedom and his commitment to perfection.

However, it is important to recognise the environmental impact of using a private jet. We need to consider what we can do to reduce this footprint. As Tom Cruise continues to fascinate the public with his career, his private jet remains an essential aspect.

As experts in private aircraft charter, AEROAFFAIRES offers a VIP and personalised service at the best price. Whatever aircraft you are looking for, your dedicated flight consultant will provide you with 24/7 assistance up to 2 hours before your flight.

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Fill in our online quote , or contact us by telephone on +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82 or by e-mail: [email protected].

What type of private jet does Tom Cruise own?

Tom Cruise owns a Gulfstream IV, a luxury business jet renowned for its performance, comfort and range.

What are the features of the Gulfstream IV?

The Gulfstream IV has a range of over 7,800 kilometres, a spacious cabin for up to 19 passengers, and customisable top-of-the-range features. It is equipped with advanced technologies to ensure a safe and comfortable flight.

Is the Gulfstream IV often used by other celebrities or personalities?

Yes, the Gulfstream IV is a popular choice among celebrities, business leaders and influencers because of its luxury and performance features.

Does Tom Cruise fly his own private jet?

Although Tom Cruise is a certified pilot and aviation enthusiast, it is likely that he also employs professional pilots for the regular operations of his Gulfstream IV, in order to ensure optimum safety and to concentrate on his other commitments.

Written by Pauline

Tom Cruise Pulls Off Insane Sky-Diving Stunt To Promote Next 'Mission: Impossible' Movie, Thanks Audiences For 'Top Gun: Maverick' Success

Tom Cruise kicks ass.

The 60-year-old movie star, who has a penchant for pulling off death-defying stunts to entertain the masses, returned to the silver screen with a new commercial that aired during NFL football on Sunday.

In the commercial, Cruise filmed himself jumping out of a plane that soared over a South African movie set to celebrate the box office juggernaut that was Top Gun: Maverick , while promoting his upcoming Mission: Impossible sequel, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One (the seventh installment in the franchise).

In the commercial, Cruise thanked viewers who attended theaters to propel Top Gun: Maverick over the billion-dollar worldwide box office mark as people feared going out to the cinema during COVID and without the help of China's box office, which took offense to the film's pro-American messaging.

RELATED: ‘TOP GUN: MAVERICK’ PROVES AMERICA NEEDED A WIN

While Marvel and Disney movies continue to bend the knee to China, Cruise remains cavalier in his approach to moviemaking and truly leaves it all out on the set.

Whether it's against movie villains or stomping the worldwide box office during the age of COVID, Cruise is devoid of all fear that stands in the way of getting the job done. And he's back at it again.

Maverick was a hell of a win for Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie, who is re-teaming with Cruise for the final two films scheduled in the Impossible franchise.

Simply put, no one does it like Cruise in today's movies.

The unabashed love for a cinematic experience, often at the risk of his own health, further proves that Cruise is likely the last true American action star to grace the big screen.

From climbing the Burj Khalifa; hanging off the side of a plane; flying a real F-14 jet for Top Gun: Maverick ; to now sky-diving for a film promo, Cruise is as fearless as ever.

Best of all, Top Gun: Maverick hits streaming via Paramount+ on Dec. 22. Time to fly high.

Tom Cruise Jumps Out of Plane in New ‘Mission: Impossible’ Promo: ‘Thank You for Allowing Us to Entertain You’

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Tom Cruise has once again jumped out of a plane — this time to deliver another thank you to fans of “ Top Gun: Maverick ” while hurtling through the troposphere.

“Hey everyone, here we are over stunning South Africa, and we’re filming ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” parts one and two,” Cruise yells to a camera over the blaring ambient sound of an aircraft whirring. “I didn’t want the year to end without thanking you all for coming out to the theaters, and thank you for supporting ‘Top Gun: Maverick.'”

A special message from the set of #MissionImpossible @MissionFilm pic.twitter.com/sfnWWluLyl — Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) December 18, 2022

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Cruise grins, nonchalantly points a finger gun at McQuarrie before promptly jumping out of the aircraft — alongside a cameraman, presumably. With his full body extended into a starfish position to brace against the air resistance, Cruise brings his attention back to the camera and resumes his speech.

“As always, thank you for allowing us to entertain you. It truly is the honor of a lifetime. I’m running out of altitude, so I’ve got to get back to work. We’ve got to get this shot. You have a very safe and happy holiday. We’ll see you at the movies,” Cruise concludes, before being whisked away in a wind current toward the ocean.

“Top Gun: Maverick” remains the highest grossing film of the year, earning a whopping $718 million at the domestic box office and $1.4 billion worldwide. The film will be available for streaming on Paramount+ as of Dec. 22.

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” will be released in theaters by Paramount Pictures on July 14, 2023. The sequel, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two,” is currently scheduled to be released on June 28, 2024.

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How 'Top Gun: Maverick' Pulled Off All That High-Flying Footage

The film uses real airplanes and real pilots, and that’s really Tom Cruise pulling Gs.

The makers of “Top Gun: Maverick” have released a new video showing how all of the amazing flying footage was taken. What's amazing is that in this age of computer-generated special effects, nearly all of the airplane flying in the upcoming sequel is real—except for one scene.

The video, released by Paramount Pictures , shows how the U.S. Navy cooperated with filmmakers for the sequel to the iconic 1986 film. Not only did the Navy allow Tom Cruise and company to film on the aircraft carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Abraham Lincoln , but they also flew F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets for the movie.

The Navy also allowed filmmakers to place six “IMAX-quality” cameras in the rear cockpit seat of an F/A-18F, the two-seater version of the Super Hornet. This is how the film captures the illusion of Tom Cruise and other stars of the film actually flying the plane. The actors are actually in the plane, just sitting in the back seat while the real pilot is in the front seat.

One interesting clip is footage of a Super Hornet flying what appears to be a series of forested valleys. This could be a part of VR-1251, a designated flight route from the Pacific Ocean through Northern California, then Oregon, then ending at Naval Air Station Fallon in northern Nevada. Here’s a video of an actual Super Hornet pilot flying the route:

This makes sense since at least some of the movie appears to take place at NAS Fallon. Fallon describes itself as the Navy’s “premier tactical air warfare training center.” A major base, dozens of Navy strike fighters—including aircraft painted in camouflage brown and blue aggressor paint schemes— are visible from Google Maps at any particular time .

Fallon is home to the “Fighting Saints” of Fighter Squadron Composite 13 , or VFC-13. VFC provides aggressor pilots to fly against Navy fighter pilots, providing an adversary force for air-to-air combat training. Although they’re not in the trailers, we’re likely to see their camouflaged planes in the film at some point.

One scene that appears to have been filmed and then altered with CGI is the shovel-nosed SR-71-like aircraft Tom Cruise flies in the second trailer . In the Paramount video, it’s clear the scene is shot with a Super Hornet flying low over the camera crew. This was apparently changed in production to a mysterious, high speed airplane. So there’s at least a little bit of CGI in the film, but the great majority of Top Gun: Maverick 's flying footage appears gloriously real.

Source: The Aviationist

Kyle Mizokami is a writer on defense and security issues and has been at Popular Mechanics since 2015. If it involves explosions or projectiles, he's generally in favor of it. Kyle’s articles have appeared at The Daily Beast, U.S. Naval Institute News, The Diplomat, Foreign Policy, Combat Aircraft Monthly, VICE News , and others. He lives in San Francisco.

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Tom Cruise Celebrates 'Top Gun: Maverick' Success By Jumping Out of a Plane

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Tom Cruise is thanking  Top Gun: Maverick  fans in a big way!

Cruise delivered a special announcement to fans of the film in celebration of its record-breaking box office numbers. In a video shared from a plane on set of the next installment of the  Mission Impossible  franchise, Dead Reckoning , Cruise shows off his skydiving skills while thanking fans for going to the movies.

"Hey everyone," Cruise began. "Here we are over stunning South Africa, where we're filming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning parts one and two. And I didn't want the year to end without thanking you all for coming out to the theaters and thank you for supporting Top Gun: Maverick ."

Dead Reckoning director Christopher McQuarrie -- who was also the Top Gun: Maverick screenwriter -- also appeared in the death-defying stunt as he playfully interrupted the actor and reminded him to keep his speech short.

"Listen, we really gotta roll, we gotta get the shot," McQuarrie told the 60-year-old action star.

Returning to task, Cruise once again thanked fans for supporting the Golden Globe-nominated film  before making his descent into the vast, blue ocean below. 

"Where was I?" Cruise, who is known for performing many of his own stunts , asked while free-falling. "Oh yeah. Thank you for supporting Top Gun: Maverick , and thank you for allowing us to entertain you. It truly is the honor of a lifetime."

He continued, wishing viewers a happy holidays, "I'm running out of altitude, so I have to get back to work. We have to get this shot. You have a very safe and happy holiday, we'll see you at the movies."

Stunts like these are par for the course for Cruise. In August, fans were treated to a look at his paragliding abilities while filming another scene from the upcoming  Mission: Impossible films.

In the video, which was posted by Christian Bamber of The Opinion Matters YouTube Channel, Cruise is seen filming the flick in the Lake District of the U.K.

The clip starts by explaining how passersby noticed helicopters overheard before hearing through the grapevine that Cruise was in the area filming the movie. While initially unconfirmed, the man in the video believed the rumors to be true when he saw Cruise himself, and the actor happily waved at gathered fans.

The video shows Cruise getting into a helicopter and heading up toward the mountains. Cruise makes his way down not in the helicopter, but instead by paragliding. Cruise's landing was as smooth as can be, with the actor calmly gathering his parachute before getting in a waiting vehicle.

The spectacular stunts come just months after Paramount Pictures  debuted the first teaser  for  Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 . In the clip, Cruise's Ethan Hunt is seen riding a horse in the desert, fighting in clubs, getting into (multiple) car chases, running along the top of a moving train, running through alleyways, running through a candlelit pathway, and riding his motorcycle off a cliff. 

In addition to Cruise, the seventh flick in the franchise stars Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss, Charles Parnell, Greg Tarzan Davis and Frederick Schmidt.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1  will hit theaters on July 14, 2023.

Meanwhile, Top Gun: Maverick is coming to Paramount+ beginging Thursday, Dec. 22.

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Watch Tom Cruise Use His Action Star Skills While Paragliding

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Tom Cruise Thanks Fans for Support While Jumping Out of a Plane on ‘Mission Impossible’ Set — Watch

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Few Hollywood figures have had a better 2022 than Tom Cruise .

“Top Gun: Maverick” was as big of a success as you can possibly get, earning rave reviews while dominating the box office for months and proving there is still an audience for Cruise’s brand of high quality blockbuster filmmaking. The film had the kind of staying power that most blockbusters can only dream of. Paramount even re-released the film in theaters for a two-week run earlier this month. The film begins streaming on Paramount+ on Thursday, December 22.

Naturally, Cruise wanted to thank his fans for the success of the film but the daredevil actor doesn’t do anything the conventional way. Football fans were reminded of that during a commercial that aired during CBS’ Sunday NFL coverage. In a video taped from the set of the upcoming “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning” films, Cruise thanked his fans for his remarkable year.

“Hey everyone,” Cruise said from the plane. “Here we are over stunning South Africa, where we’re filming ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’ parts one and two. And I didn’t want the year to end without thanking you all for coming out to the theaters and thank you for supporting ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’”

He was promptly interrupted by “Dead Reckoning” director (and “Top Gun: Maverick” screenwriter) Christopher McQuarrie , who playfully told him to keep his remarks brief so they could get the shot of Cruise jumping out of a plane. Cruise happily obliged and jumped into the sky — but he wasn’t done talking.

“Where was I?” he asked while free falling. “Oh yeah. Thank you for supporting ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and thank you for allowing us to entertain you. It truly is the honor of a lifetime.”

As he got closer to the ground, Cruise understandably needed to cut the announcement short, but not before he wished his fans a happy holiday season.

“I’m running out of altitude, so I have to get back to work. We have to get this shot. You have a very safe and happy holiday, we’ll see you at the movies.”

Watch the video below.

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Tom Cruise Used One Of His Own Planes In Top Gun: Maverick's Final Scene

Nearly 40 years after Tom Cruise flew into our hearts with 1986's "Top Gun," its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," has proven that there is still plenty of fuel in the tank for audiences to enjoy. Released during the 2022 Memorial Day weekend, the film, which follows Pete Maverick ( Tom Cruise ) returning to the Top Gun program in order to train a new crop of pilots for a dangerous mission, became a record-breaking juggernaut at the box office. Upon its opening weekend, the film earned over $160 million, becoming the most successful film to open during Memorial Day weekend, besting the previous record-holder, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (via Deadline ). "Maverick" would go on to become the year's current highest-grossing title (via Variety ) with a worldwide box office gross of over $1.4 billion (via Box Office Mojo ). On top of that, the film was lauded by critics and audiences alike, boasting a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes . 

Among the film's most beloved aspects are its daring arrays of stunts and plane flying sequences. "Maverick" saw a different challenge as the rest of the cast had to go through rigorous training in order to direct themselves while simultaneously performing their many high-flying action scenes (via The Independent ). For stunt guru Cruise, however, this was clearly a great chance for him to allow his immense love of aviation to shine once again. And he would do this by showing off his own impressive air vessel in the film. 

Cruise's P-51 Mustang is his pride and joy

The end of "Top Gun: Maverick" would see the use of a P-51 Mustang where Rooster, which Maverick uses to fly with his love interest, Penny (Jennifer Connelly). The impressive machine, which was originally built as a fighter jet in the 1940s for use in World War II, belongs to Tom Cruise. "You know if 'Top Gun' was made in the 1940s ... this airplane is the star of the show," says "Top Gun: Maverick" technical advisor Steve Hinton in a behind-the-scenes featurette (via YouTube ). "Airplanes today are very computer-oriented and P-51 is all push, pull, cables, nothing's automatic." To promote the film's release, Cruise even brought late-night television host James Corden into the plane for a special flight — much to Corden's dismay (via YouTube ).

While Cruise may be well-known for his daring array of stunts within such movies as the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, the actor also has a real-life need for speed, owning a varied collection of valuable automobiles, motorcycles, and planes. This should come as no surprise, considering that Cruise obtained his pilot's license in 1994 (via Style ). His plane collection is especially impressive, as he is reported to own upwards of five private jets, including a Gulfstream IV G4 jet, which he originally got for his then-wife, Katie Holmes. Even his famous Mustang would sport "Kiss Me, Kate" on its side for some time until the two broke up (via Forbes ). 

Screen Rant

Tom cruise flew his own p-51 mustang in top gun: maverick.

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Top Gun: Maverick New Cast & Returning Character Guide

Top gun 2: all 6 jet fighter planes that appear in maverick, the incredibles live-action concept trailer: scarlett johansson’s elastigirl, millie bobby brown’s violet & more.

• Tom Cruise's flying sequences in Top Gun: Maverick add to the excitement of the long-awaited sequel, as he actually flew in the film.
• The movie's ending, where Maverick and Rooster restore and fly a vintage P-51 Mustang, has a special meaning, as Cruise owns the same plane in real life.
• Cruise's dedication to doing his own stunts, both in Top Gun: Maverick and in other movies like the Mission: Impossible series, showcases his commitment to realism and adds to his reputation as a Hollywood movie star.

Top Gun: Maverick 's flying sequences are part of what made the long-awaited sequel so exciting and that was further added to by the fact that Tom Cruise did fly in Top Gun 2 . The movie follows Maverick training a new group of young pilots which includes Miles Teller as Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, the son of Maverick's deceased best friend Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards). Their tense relationship leads to a touching ending that relates to a plane that Tom Cruise flies in real life as well as in Top Gun 2 .

After surviving the mission together and proving the value of actual skilled pilots in the cockpit rather than just drones, Maverick and Goose form a bond that is similar to the one he shared with Goose. In Top Gun: Maverick 's ending , Rooster helps restore Maverick's vintage P-51 Mustang, which Maverick then flies Penny (Jennifer Connelly) out in. It's a fitting way to end Top Gun: Maverick , but there is a detail that many would have missed that makes the Tom Cruise P-51 Mustang scene even better.

Top Gun: Maverick has been praised for its spectacular stunts and action sequences, yet it is the cast that is proving to be its major strength.

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Tom Cruise Owns The Top Gun Maverick P-51

The original top gun inspired cruise's love of flying.

The P-51 Mustang plane that Maverick and Rooster work on in that final scene of Top Gun: Maverick is owned by Tom Cruise in real life. His passion for aviation was sparked while filming the original 1986 Top Gun movie and in 1994, Cruise became a licensed pilot .

The P-51 Mustang used in Top Gun: Maverick was built in 1946 and Cruise has owned the plane, which has an estimated value of $4 million, since 2001. Cruise originally branded the aircraft "Kiss Me Kate" after his ex-wife Katie Holmes, but he has since removed the name from the P-51 following their separation.

Top Gun Maverick's Tom Cruise P-51 Scene Was Real

The p-51 mustang is not the only plane cruise owns.

Although Cruise didn't fly the F-18 while shooting Top Gun: Maverick due to Navy restrictions, he was piloting in the P-51 Mustang during the scene in which Maverick flies with Penny. It's not surprising he was flying the plane, given how well-known Tom Cruise is for doing his own stunts . As well as the P-51 Mustang used in Top Gun: Maverick , Cruise owns two more aircraft.

His most luxurious is the Gulfstream IV jet valued at $20 million , which includes a Jacuzzi and a screening room, but it did not feature in Maverick . Tom Cruise and Captain "Maverick" Mitchell are both thrill-seeking daredevils, and the subtle inclusion of Cruise's own P-51 Mustang in Maverick 's ending made the link between the two even deeper.

Why The Navy Wouldn't Let Tom Cruise Fly Maverick's F-18

Cruise wanted limited cgi in top gun 2.

While known for doing most of his own stunts, the P-51 Mustang scene in Top Gun: Maverick highlights how some feats are too dangerous even for him . One of the biggest stipulations the actor had going into Maverick is that CGI would not play a major role in the film. Cruise got his wish, as most of the aerial footage depicted in Maverick is done with real planes. Being the man of ambition that he is, Cruise initially wanted to fly the Boeing F-18 fighter jet that's featured heavily throughout the movie. However, this turned out to be impossible.

Despite being a certified pilot, the U.S. Navy denied Cruise's request to fly the F-18, which itself holds a $70 million price tag. While no definitive answer has been given as to why Cruise couldn't fly the F-18 in Top Gun 2 , despite piloting other planes and helicopters in Maverick , it probably has to do with insurance reasons.

The F-18 alone would take up half of Maverick 's budget , and insurance for having Cruise in the pilot seat would have meant an even more expensive gambit. Considering how expensive the jet is on its own, it's probably best that the actor wasn't allowed to pilot it on his own. Rather, Navy pilots assisted in filming the F-18 scenes for Top Gun: Maverick .

Paramount Used Tom Cruise's P51 Mustang For The Top Gun 2 Marketing

Cruise's dedication to the sequel was a big narrative surrounding the movie.

It's no secret that Tom Cruise is an aviation enthusiast. The actor has spoken openly about his love of planes and all things flying throughout his career, and it's something he's both known and admired for among Top Gun fans. Paramount was clearly aware of this, as they leaned heavily into the fact that Cruise flew his own P51 Mustang in Top Gun: Maverick when promoting the movie. Of particular note is the featurette Paramount released on YouTube in 2022, simply titled "Tom's P51 Mustang."

The short promotional featurette is summed up perfectly by its title and is multiple interviews with Top Gun: Maverick 's cast members and technical professionals from the set . They all recount their experiences working with Cruise flying his P51 Mustang, some interesting facts about the plane itself, featuring great behind-the-scenes footage. Paramount putting this out there as part of the Top Gun 2 marketing both shows how astute the studio is at knowing its target audience, and how integral Cruise is as a personality for the Top Gun franchise beyond his acting talent.

Tom Cruise Isn't The Only Famous Plane Enthusiast

Various actors, filmmakers and musicians all have their own planes for travel.

Tom Cruise's P-51 Mustang and collection of other planes is impressive, but he's not the only celebrity who's made a hobby out of owning a plane. A long list of celebrities also owns their own jets for their personal travel needs. The most common jets owned by celebrities are the Gulfstream G650, Dassault Falcon, and the Bombardier, with each jet costing over $50 million and then some.

Mark Wahlberg ( The Departed ) owns a Bombardier BD-700, with which he takes frequent trips overseas, and across the U.S. Harrison Ford ( Indiana Jones ) himself owns a Cessna 680 Citation that jets him quickly all over the U.S. Steven Spielberg has a Gulfstream G-650, visiting various locations overseas. Star Wars creator George Lucas also owns a Gulfstream, with which he flies overseas relatively frequently.

Movie stars aren't the only celebrities who own their own aircraft, as plenty of famous singers also like to travel in style as well. Country superstar Blake Shelton purchased a Gulfstream 4 and takes summer trips across the U.S. Country musician Kenny Chesney also owns a jet, a Dassault Falcon 900 to be exact, and also tours the U.S. Jay-Z owns a Gulfstream 5, taking frequent trips all over. Finally, Taylor Swift herself is the proud owner of a Dassault Falcon 7X, which she uses to travel the globe.

Top Gun: Maverick put Tom Cruise back in the cockpit after three decades, but which specific jet fighter planes appear in the followup to Top Gun?

Top Gun Wasn't The Only Movie Where Tom Cruise Actually Flew

The mission: impossible movies best showcase cruise's commitment to stunts.

The P-51 stunts in Top Gun: Maverick were certainly impressive and such stunts have become typical for Tom Cruise's movie roles as of late. His commitment to realism has been a common theme in Cruise's career and Top Gun: Maverick isn't the only time he has piloted an aircraft on camera. For Mission: Impossible - Fallout , rather than relying on CGI or stunt doubles, Cruise took helicopter flying lessons so that he could perform the movie's biggest action sequence.

Cruise's Mission: Impossible stunts have become the stuff of legends, including his much-talked-about motorcycle jump in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1 . However, the skill and training involved in learning to not only fly a helicopter but also pull off the stunts required in that sequence is especially impressive. It is yet another reason Cruise has earned a reputation as one of the last movie stars in Hollywood as he is willing to put everything he has into his roles, from Mission: Impossible to Top Gun: Maverick .

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Can Tom Cruise fly fighter jets? When he got his pilot’s licence and how much of Top Gun he’s flying for real

Tom cruise is famous for his commitment to realism, and frequently performs his own stunts.

The much anticipated Top Gun: Maverick i s about to hit the big screen, and critics are already raving about the quality of the flight scenes.

Tom Cruise is famous for his commitment to realism, frequently performs his own stunts, and even broke his ankle while filming Mission Impossible in London in 2018.

But does the daredevil do his own flying? Here’s everything you need to know.

What can we expect from the new Top Gun ?

Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is back and is still feeling the need for speed. His bosses have him in their line of fire, but he remains the best navy test pilot around and commands respect from his flying colleagues.

There is a seemingly impossible mission to blow up an Iranian uranium enrichment plant and Maverick is dispatched to train up an elite team of graduates for the task.

Expect some breathtaking aerobatic displays which, judging by the critics and not entirely surprisingly, outstrip those of the original.

Geoffrey Macnab, writing in i , said “the aerial photography is every bit as spectacular as you would expect”.

The sequel, he adds, “defies cynicism and confirms Tom Cruise’s status as Hollywood’s ‘mission leader’ when it comes to blockbusters ”.

Deadline Hollywood praised the film saying it “tops the original in every way imaginable” adding it is “an example of Hollywood filmmaking at its zenith”.

The original Top Gun was released on 16 May, 1986 and went on to become one of the most famous films of the 80s.

In 2015, the United States Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry, deeming it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

Is the flying real?

Cruise is well known for doing his own stunts, and he has built that reputation through decades of action films such as the Mission Impossible and Jack Reacher movies.

“People had asked for a sequel for decades,” Cruise told the PA News service. “And the thing I said to the studio from the beginning was: ‘If I’m ever going to entertain this, we’re shooting everything practically. I’m in that F/A-18, period.”

The cast of Maverick underwent serious training in how to cope in the air, meaning the footage you see is in fact real, not CGI.

The course was developed by Cruise, lated three months, and included tuition in underwater evacuation, aerial aviation and flight itself.

They were also prepared for the dynamic pressures of G-force.

They started in single-engined planes, moved on to a Czech-designed jet trainer called the Aero L-39 Albatros, and then the F-18 Super Hornet.

Miles Teller, who plays ‘Rooster’ the son of ‘Goose’ from the original film, explained: “We trained for this for a long time, Tom had us in a flight programme for several months before we ever started filming.

“But it was never something you really ever got, like, super comfortable with, at least for me. It was something that every time I went up, it really tested me and I felt like I wanted to puke pretty much every time.”

The team also learned to operate cameras and about cinematography as they were essentially filming themselves up there.

But were they actually in control of the aircraft?

Despite this training the Navy did insist on having trained officers at the controls of the F-18 Super Hornet, which is worth £56m.

Glen Roberts, the chief of the Pentagon’s entertainment media office, said a regulation bars non-military personnel from controlling a Defence Department asset other than small arms in training scenarios.

Instead, the actors rode behind F/A-18 pilots, and external shots are of trained Navy pilots.

Cruise, who has been a licensed pilot since 1994, did fly a P-51 propeller-driven fighter plane and a few helicopters for the movie.

The planes aircraft carriers and military bases are also real locations.

Who else stars in the Top Gun: Maverick ?

The cast includes:

• Tom Cruise as Captain Peter “Maverick” Mitchell, a test pilot
• Miles Teller as Lieutenant Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw
• Jennifer Connelly as Penelope “Penny” Benjamin
• Val Kilmer as Lieutenant Tom “Iceman” Kazansky
• Jon Hamm as Vice Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson
• Ed Harris Rear Admiral Chester “Hammer” Cain

It was directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and long-time Cruise collaborator, Christopher McQuarrie.

Top Gun: Maverick is dedicated to the director of the original Top Gun , Tony Scott, who died in 2012.

Lady Gaga has co-written Hold My Hand , the lead song for the sequel’s soundtrack’s.

Those who remember the original Top Gun will recall its big hit song was Berlin’s You Take My Breath Away . It won an Oscar for Best Original Song.

When is Top Gun: Maverick released?

It is set for release in UK cinemas on 27 May.

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Did Tom Cruise Learn to Fly for 'Top Gun'? Here's What You Need to Know About the Aviation Buff

Updated April 21 2020, 11:26 a.m. ET

Everyone's talking about the Top Gun: Maverick trailer and Tom Cruise flying jets in the highly anticipated movie sequel. Many people have been wondering if that's really Tom in the pilot's seat and if he learned to fly for the movie. Here's what you need to know.

Did Tom Cruise learn to fly for 'Top Gun'? The star is actually a real pilot! 

Tom fell in love with aviation while filming the original Top Gun , which was released in 1986. He got his private pilot's license in 1994 and has been active in the flying community ever since. In an interview with Wired , 

Tom confirmed he's a multi-engine instrument rated commercial pilot. That means you could legally hire him to fly you across the country, but we're guessing Tom's schedule is pretty booked up these days.

So is that really him flying the plane in Top Gun: Maverick? 

Yes and no. Tom loves to do his own stunts, and he is fully capable of flying a private plane — but some of the fighter jets in the Top Gun sequel can only be piloted by aviators with military experience. 

In 2018, Paramount confirmed (via Fighter Jets World ) that while Tom does fly "certain aircraft" in Top Gun: Maverick , he will not be flying the F/A-18 fighter jets. That's what editing and CGI are for!

View this post on Instagram Maverick is back. #TopGun A post shared by Tom Cruise (@tomcruise) on Jul 18, 2019 at 12:58pm PDT

Top Gun: Maverick is "a love letter to aviation." 

When introducing the Top Gun: Maverick trailer at Comic Con, Tom told Conan O'Brien the movie was "a love letter to aviation."

"The aerial footage is really beautiful," he said of the film. "I'm a pilot myself, and I love flying, and I love aviation." Tom said his dream, since he was a little kid, "was to make movies and to fly airplanes." With Top Gun: Maverick, he gets to do both on an epic scale. 

This isn't Tom's first flying movie. 

He portrayed real-life TWA pilot turned drug smuggler Barry Seal in the 2017 film American Made, and in 2018's Mission Impossible — Fallout, Tom pulled off a death-defying stunt in a helicopter. He actually got his helicopter pilot's license so he'd be able to fly the real choppers in the film .

"We're always flying from one place to another because Tom's needed in so many places," Mission Impossible — Fallout' s stunt director Wade Eastwood told Thrillist ,. "I would always fly the choppers because I love helicopters and I'm a pilot. Tom is a great pilot, fixed-wing, and he got really into helicopters because they are just cool." 

View this post on Instagram Over 100 jumps - we got it. A post shared by Tom Cruise (@tomcruise) on Jun 12, 2018 at 11:38am PDT

Putting an A-list movie star like Tom into these intense, high-flying scenes is high-risk and high reward, though. As Eastwood explained, "With Tom Cruise, I've got to make it as safe and as powerful and spectacular, but also if he's slightly damaged, we can't shoot anything else."

It's a good thing they're careful, because the world needs more Tom Cruise action movies. 

The New Top Gun: Maverick trailer looks awesome.

Paramount just released the new trailer for Maverick that spills the beans on a few more plot points. The trailer opens up with someone narrating the exploits of Tom Cruise's character to a bunch of new recruits that he's training. In the lineup is Goose's son, played by Miles Teller, who's rocking a mustache, just like his dad did in the first film.

Among his lauded characteristics is the fact that he was "one of the finest pilots" that the Top Gun "program has ever produced" and that his work is "legendary". We also learn that Maverick's been asked back to lead the program, despite the fact that even he admits he didn't think he'd be asked back.

What's really cool is that the soundtrack also seems to play heavily on '80s nostalgia.

There's some awesome synth lines blaring over epic-looking shots, and we're treated to a scene of Maverick wrecking the other pilots in a "dog-fighting" two-on-one match. We also see a glimpse of Jon Hamm, looking very concerned, and tempers flaring between new recruits. We also know that a big death occurs in the movie, as we catch yet another shot of Maverick saluting someone at the funeral.

Does Goose's son suffer the same fate as his father in the new movie? We're also treated to what looks like an aerial battle shot in snow-capped mountains. Will the new movie follow the same plot format as the first film? With a bunch of recruits rising about shallow disputes in a high-stakes, competitive environment, only to take their battle skills to a real-life combat scenario?

We will see when Top Gear: Maverick hits theaters on June 26th, 2020. Are you excited to see Tom Cruise back in action?

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VIDEO: Tom Cruise pulls surprise plane stunt introducing new Mission Impossible trailer

Top Hollywood actor Tom Cruise performed another death-defying stunt on the top of a biplane just to announce the trailer for his latest movie, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1”. The trailer first released on Wednesday.

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Cruise and Chris McQuarrie, the filmmaker behind Cruise’s latest hit “Top Gun: Maverick ,” took to the skies on a pair of red and yellow biplanes to film an introduction for the movie trailer.

The intro video began with Cruise standing on top of the red biplane as it flew hundreds of feet in the air. If Cruise did have any kind of safety restraint as he stood on the fuselage of the plane, it was diligently edited out of the shot, in keeping with his signature brand of risk-taking.

“Hi everyone,” Cruise began the video with a friendly wave, practically yelling over the high winds as he stood atop the moving plane. “Wish I could be there with you.”

“I’m sorry for all the extra noise,” he continued. “As you can see, we are filming the latest installment of Mission: Impossible.”

“We’re making this film for audiences to see in the big screen in your wonderful theaters,” he said before McQuarrie flew up alongside him in the yellow biplane.

“Listen, uh I hate to interrupt but we’ve really got to roll, we are losing the light and low on fuel,” McQuarrie said.

“Oh yeah, we’ve got to roll, huh. Low on fuel, that’s not good I’m — I’m sorry,” Cruise said. “We’ve got to go.”

“Oh wait, did you tell them about the thing,” McQuarrie added.

“Oh yeah the thing, yeah we have a first glimpse at the Mission Impossible trailer and a very special screening of Top Gun: Maverick in its entirety,” Cruise said. “So please enjoy. . . and hey, let’s all have a great summer.”

“And action,” McQuarrie said.

“We’ll see you at the movies,” Cruise added as he held on while the pilot of the red biplane rolled the aircraft over and plunged towards the canyon below.

As Cruise made his dramatic exit, the camera panned out to the pair of biplanes before eventually cutting to the new “Mission: Impossible” trailer.

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Simple Flying

Jacuzzi on board: a look at tom cruise's gulfstream iv private jet.

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• Tom Cruise, a licensed pilot, owns a Gulfstream IV jet that offers luxurious features, including a Jacuzzi onboard and a lavish interior.
• The Gulfstream IV is a highly esteemed business twinjet known for its reliability, efficiency, and long-range capabilities, making it suitable for international travel.
• Cruise's Gulfstream IV exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury and convenience in private aviation, with its opulent design, comfort, performance, and addition of a Jacuzzi and screening room.

Many high-net-worth celebrities have the luxury of flying privately – and legendary actor Tom Cruise is no exception. Known not only for his thrilling performances on the silver screen but also as a licensed pilot, Cruise owns at least two aircraft . One of these is a Gulfstream IV jet that boasts enviable features, including a Jacuzzi onboard.

A jet fit for a star

The Gulfstream IV is part of Gulfstream 's highly esteemed family of business twinjets and was a significant leap forward in the world of private aviation when it was first introduced in 1985. Re-designed as a derivative of the Gulfstream III featuring a stretched fuselage, the jet is a low-wing aircraft that is powered by two aft-mounted Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 turbofans.

The Gulfstream IV is not only an embodiment of luxury but also a pinnacle of efficiency. Its long-range capabilities make it suitable for international travel, enabling non-stop flights across vast distances. This jet is renowned for its reliability, whether for a cross-country business trip or a globe-trotting adventure. It ensures that passengers, including Cruise, experience the utmost comfort and performance.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

Cruising in style

Cruise’s deep passion for flying contributed to him accepting his role in the cult favorite Top Gun – he took the job just after a 30-minute meeting on the set of another iconic movie, Mission: Impossible. As such, it comes as no surprise that “Maverick” himself owns a decked-out jet.

The actor’s Gulfstream IV, which costs an estimated $20 million, is a testament to his love for planes. One of the standout features of Cruise's jet is its lavish interior. The cabin is designed to provide an ambiance of comfort and style, with plush seating and ample space for up to 19 passengers.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

What truly sets Tom Cruise's Gulfstream IV apart is its Jacuzzi and screening room in the skies. This remarkable addition allows the actor to unwind and relax at 40,000 feet, enjoying the utmost privacy and comfort.

"I feel the need... the need for speed!"

Beyond its opulent interior, Jacuzzi, and screening room, Cruise’ GIV is also celebrated for its high performance. Its long-range capabilities, with a range of 4,220 nautical miles (7,815 km), make it suitable for international travel, enabling non-stop flights across vast distances. Furthermore, it can effortlessly reach speeds of up to Mach 0.88.

All in all, Cruise's Gulfstream IV exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury and convenience in private aviation. While the addition of a Jacuzzi is undoubtedly a standout feature, the aircraft's overall design, comfort, and performance make it an ideal choice for a Hollywood superstar who values both efficiency and extravagance in his travels. When not in use, Cruise’s jet is said to be parked in his private hangar.

What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments!

Sources: The Things , Business Insider

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Tom Cruise Owns More Than One Plane - Here Are The Coolest In His Fleet

One of Tom Cruise's most famous movie roles is that of fighter pilot Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, a part he first brought to the screen in 1986 in "Top Gun" and reprised in last year's "Top Gun: Maverick."

Both films feature plenty of shots of Cruise behind the controls of an aircraft, a position he is comfortable with off-screen as well. Cruise earned his pilot's license in 1994 and has used the skill in previous films like "Mission Impossible: Fallout" and "American Made."

Cruise is famous for doing his own stunts, and going into the filming of "Top Gun: Maverick," he was determined to use as much real footage as possible and even wanted to fly Maverick's F-18 himself, but the Navy wouldn't let the actor behind the controls of their $70 million war machine. 

Cruise did, however, fly several other aircraft in the film, including helicopters and one of his own planes, a World War II-era fighter-bomber. Let's take a look at that aircraft and some of Cruise's other personal aircraft. (Cruise doesn't just collect aircraft, he also has several cars and other vehicles as well.)

P51 Mustang

The military propeller plane Cruise flew in "Top Gun: Maverick" was a P-51 Mustang that was built in 1946 and purchased by Cruise in 2001. Paramount released a featurette about the plane, in which flight instructor and "Top Gun: Maverick" technical advisor Steve Hinton remarked, "There's still a lot of that pioneering spirit of aviation when you're flying a P51. I know Tom loves doing aerobatics, it's a wonderful plane to do aerobatics with." The video also shows Cruise taking co-star Jennifer Connelly for a ride in the plane, something she called "an incredible experience, certainly like nothing I've ever done before. And he's an amazing pilot," she added.

Cruise also took "The Late Late Show" host James Corden for a ride in the P-51, although Corden was noticeably unsettled to be flying in the vintage aircraft, particularly when Cruise warned him about the contingency plan should the plane's lone engine fail — inverting the plane and ejecting Corden to parachute to the ground.

"I'm just going to turn over and I'm gonna plop you out of the plane," Cruise teased. 

"I don't want to be plopped out," an ashen-faced Corden responded. Cruise took Corden on a thrilling ride, even staging a mock dogfight with another P-51 pilot. 

Gulfstream IV

Cruise's fleet of planes is not limited to vintage fighter-bombers. Cruise reportedly travels in a Gulfstream IV, a $20 million jet equipped with a jacuzzi and private film screening room. The Gulfstream IV was first produced in 1985, just a year before the first "Top Gun" movie was released, and can be configured to carry a maximum of 19 passengers. The twin-engine craft has a maximum range of a little less than 5,000 miles and a top speed of 552 mph. 

Gulfstream made the IV for just eight years, producing only 862 of the model. Most of them were sold to government and military customers, but it's no surprise that a movie star of Cruise's stature and with his military connections was able to get his hands on one and outfit it with the equipment necessary to allow him to cruise the skies in comfort while also being able to review his latest work. 

HondaJet and Challenger 300

Jack Sweeney, who had a since-suspended account on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, was able to identify three other aircraft belonging to Cruise before his account was removed. One was a HondaJet HA-420 with the identification number N77VA, the same plane Cruise arrived at Burbank Airport with when he came to take Corden for a ride in his P-51 Mustang. The HA-420 has two engines, seats eight people, and can fly at a maximum altitude of 43,000 feet. It has a top speed of just under 500 mph and a range of just over 1,200 nautical miles. Sweeney also identified a Bombardier Challenger 300 as belonging to Cruise.

The Challenger is a twin-engine jet that typically seats eight people but can accommodate up to ten. It has a range of 3,220 miles, a top speed of 460 mph, and a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet. Cruise reportedly keeps all of his planes at a private hangar in Burbank, giving him easy access when it's time to take one for a spin.  

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