Top Gun: Maverick has been a box-office success. But was it all roses for Jennifer Connelly working with Tom Cruise on set?

Before Top Gun: Maverick was released in theaters, there was a buzz about the film. Fans of Top Gun could not wait to see how Tom Cruise was going to reprise his role. There was no doubt that there would be action, but it was not clear just what direction the film would take with Cruise as the lead decades after the cult classic was released.

What was clear was that Kelly McGillis would not be returning. Instead, Jennifer Connelly would be stepping in as Maverick’s love interest, a role that was both exciting and nerve-wracking for the actress to accept. After all, working with Cruise means that action scenes are not done by extras, and he does what is necessary to get the shot. A method of acting that Connelly had never been a part of.

Then there is working with the Mission Impossible star. Some actors adore working with him while others refuse to do so. As such, this mixed-bag review of Cruise can be cause for concern for those who have never met, let alone, worked with the star before. All of which Connelly had to take into consideration before signing on to be a part of the blockbuster that Top Gun: Maverick was hyped to be.

Here is how Jennifer Connelly felt about working with Tom Cruise on Top Gun: Maverick.

Jennifer Connelly Had Never Met Tom Cruise Before Top Gun: Maverick

During his career, Cruise has starred in nearly 50 films. Because of this, he has had the opportunity to work with a lot of different actors. However, Connelly, with her 40 years of filmmaking, had never met Cruise.

As such, being cast in Maverick would mark the first time not only meeting the Eyes Wide Shut star but acting with him as well.

“I had never even met Tom Cruise before,” Connelly explained.

“He’s so exceptional. Spending time with him, you understand how someone has been such a movie star for so many years. It was clear to me what the franchise means to him, so I felt beholden to him, [producer] Jerry Bruckheimer and the audiences who love the film so much.”

So many of Cruise’s castmates on Maverick had nothing but nice things to say about him. And with Cruise helping her conquer her fear of flying and keeping things light during the more daring scenes, that included Connelly as well.

“When the cockpit was open, [Tom Cruise] started the engine and flames burst out,” Connelly explained.

“I tried to act really cool, but after a little bit, I couldn’t resist asking if that was normal. And evidently, it was. With another pilot, I might have been more distracted by safety concerns, but I couldn’t have had more trust in Tom.”

“He’s just so darn cool, and suddenly, it was like being a kid again, Connelly added.

“‘Oh my god, the cool kid is talking to me. Don’t mention that you’re afraid of flying.’ So it was kind of like that. His example is quite inspiring.”

It seemed that in between the flying, sailboating, motorcycle riding, and more, Cruise wanted everyone on set to feel comfortable with their roles and have fun. And by being the cog in the wheel, the Minority Report star made that happen.

Tom Cruise Was Very “Generous”

While filming Maverick, it appears that there was nothing but fun had on set. Of course, there were safety protocols that had to be met to allow stunts to be done without injury. But by and large, it was like being a kid in a candy store on set.

And it did not matter if it was while filming or during downtime, the War of the Worlds star did his part to make sure everyone, even cast family members, felt welcome.

“I loved being in that role. It was so much fun,” Connelly expressed when asked about her time on Maverick.

When pressed about what it was like working with Cruise, Connelly explained, “He’s extraordinary. I’ve never met anyone like him. He has so much enthusiasm, so much passion for everything that he does. He’s so committed. I’ve never met anyone who I felt like every single moment was an opportunity. He took nothing for granted.

Connelly concluded, saying, “He was incredibly generous with me. And my daughter Agnes who came to work with me a lot. He was so sweet with her. Really great.”

While He Got The Snub, Jennifer Connelly Believes Tom Cruise Should Have Gotten An Oscar Nomination

In the midst of ensuring that the cast and crew were happy on set, Cruise gave a performance that was award-worthy. And while he was snubbed an Oscar nomination, Connelly believes the Jack Reacher star should absolutely have been nominated.

“He’s extraordinary. He does an amazing job in the movie,” Connelly explained.

“He’s extraordinary as a person and fantastic as an actor, and I think that he is just perfect. He embodies that character so beautifully, and I think he absolutely deserves it.”

Connelly went on to say, “Besides all the stuff on the ground and how wonderful he is in those scenes and creating those relationships…I think the relationship he has with Miles’ character is so beautiful and moving. But the work that he did to accomplish those flying sequences, it’s something else.”

Unfortunately, as good as Cruise was in Top Gun: Maverick, the Academy did not think it to be an Oscar-worthy performance.

But based on positive fan reviews and the fact that the movie is the highest-grossing film for 2022 and twelfth highest of all time, Cruise has nothing to be upset about. And with rumors of a Top Gun 3 swirling, this may not be the end for Maverick.