Tom Cruise made it to the sequel of Top Gun, but why did co-star Kelly McGillis stay out of the project? The 1986 movie was undoubtedly one of the major hits of both the actor’s life. With action-packed sequences, romance, and an amazing cast, Hollywood clearly deemed for it to be a good decision to bring back the charm with a sequel.

Top Gun: Maverick was released in May of 2022 and managed to become an instant hit, scoring even more critical approval than the previous version. Both Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer reprised their roles in this version. But one of the lead actors McGillis was not seen anywhere. The 65-year-old actress was frank and open as she explained the reason behind it.

The reason why Kelly McGillis was not seen alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick

Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis set the screen on fire with their chemistry in Top Gun. There has been an increasing trend of making sequels to previous hit movies. And this action flick became one of them. The original movie’s lead actress Kelly McGillis who played the character Charlie stated the reason why she was not a part of it.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the actress was asked whether she was asked by the movie makers to be part of the sequel back in 2019. She explained how she never got a call for it, and nor did she expect to get one. Adding to it, she said, “I mean, I’m old and I’m fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is, and that is not what that whole scene is about.”

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The Accused actress did not seem unhappy about it. If anything, she put great importance on feeling comfortable in her own skin. She is focusing on being a family person and gracefully embracing her age. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise still stays active as the king of stunts continues to enjoy being a part of action movies.

As for Top Gun: Maverick, Jennifer Connelly was chosen as the female lead. What do you think of Kelly McGillis’ opinion about the movie casting? Comment your thoughts.