Top Gun: Maverick became one of the biggest films of 2022. Bringing back Tom Cruise as Pete Mitchell with introducing some new characters, including Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, and Jennifer Connelly. The cast of the film had to go through an intense training schedule to prepare for their role. Powell, who portrayed Hangman in the sequel, also shared his journey to fix a spot in the 2022 action-adventure. The Set it Up star shared that Top Gun became his favorite movie the moment he saw it.
Glen Powell in Top Gun 2And when he learned about the opportunity to work in the sequel of his favorite film with his favorite actor, he did not want to lose it. He started preparing for the role months before auditioning. However, even after doing everything, there were moments he did feel insecure around his co-stars.
Glen Powell Felt Insecure Around His Co-Stars
Although he did not get the part he was scouting for, Glen Powell decided to take up the role he was offered after learning that Christopher McQuarrie was rewriting the movie and his character. Powell shared that he was looking forward to portraying Bradley Bradshaw. However, the role went to Miles Teller and he was later offered Lt. Jake ‘Hangman‘ Seresin’s role in the film.
Glen Powell
Getting the opportunity to work with stars like Tom Cruise was huge in itself, but when people learned about him being cast in the sequel, they simply had one question. Powell shared that he was often asked if the sequel would also have a similar beach-volleyball scene as the original film.
And when the Hidden Figures star learned that the film would have a beach football scene, he trained for months to have a good shirtless look. “In the days leading up, there was more male insecurity than you’ve ever seen on any set ever,” Powell said.
The beach football scene in Top Gun 2
Glen Powell shared that he was especially surprised by Cruise’s agility during while filming the football scene. The Sand Castle actor shared that Tom Cruise worked out almost every day and followed a strict diet of “fish and veggies.” The cast of the film, who went through an intense training session for the film, share that they put in a bit extra effort for the beach football scene.
Miles Teller shared that he got down to 7 percent body fat for the beach scene. While the Mission Impossible star said that he “just did it,” others did the last minute training and worked out every single day to prepare for the beach football scene.
Glen Powell Was Hesitant to Portray Hangman in Top Gun 2
Glen Powell initially wanted to take on Bradley Bradshaw’s role in Top Gun: Maverick. However, he lost the opportunity after Miles Teller was cast as the son of LTJG Nick “Goose” Bradshaw. Although the makers did not find him a fit for Rooster’s character, they did have another role for Powell.
Glen Powell with Tom Cruise
He was offered the role of Lt. Jake ‘Hangman‘ Seresin. Powell shared that he was hesitant to portray the character at first due to the one-dimensional nature of the character. However, he is glad he did not waste the opportunity and signed up for the role.
The Red Wing star shared the advice he received from his co-star, Tom Cruise to portray the character. The Mummy star advised him to “lean into the douchebaggery” of the character. Powell adopted the “unapologetic ego” of the character and did his best to be the bad guy in the group.
Top Gun: Maverick is available to stream on Paramount+.
