Where did they film Top Gun Maverick?
The highly anticipated sequel to the 1986 classic, Top Gun Maverick, has finally hit the big screens. The film, starring Tom Cruise as the iconic Maverick, has received widespread acclaim for its breathtaking aerial sequences, heart-pumping action, and nostalgic nods to the original. But have you ever wondered where exactly they filmed this high-flying blockbuster? Let’s take a closer look at the locations that brought this movie to life.
Culver City, California
The production team of Top Gun Maverick spent several weeks filming at Culver City, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. This bustling city played host to the film’s opening scenes, where Maverick (Tom Cruise) and his crew are seen performing aerial stunts and training exercises.
San Diego, California
The film’s primary location, however, was San Diego, California. The city’s picturesque coastline and stunning beaches provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s high-octane action sequences. The production team took advantage of San Diego’s stunning scenery, filming key scenes at iconic locations such as La Jolla Cove, Coronado Island, and Pacific Beach.
Montana
For the film’s more rugged and scenic sequences, the production team headed to Montana. The state’s breathtaking natural beauty provided the perfect setting for Maverick’s aerial adventures. Key locations included Big Sky Airport, Helena Regional Airport, and the Beartooth Highway.
Alaska
For the film’s climactic final act, the production team traveled to Alaska, where they filmed at Juneau International Airport and the surrounding wilderness. The stunning scenery and rugged landscape of Alaska added an extra layer of authenticity to the film’s aerial sequences.
Other Locations
While the above locations played a significant role in the filming of Top Gun Maverick, the production team also visited other locations throughout California and the United States. These included:
• Santa Monica, California: The film’s iconic Santa Monica Pier made an appearance in the movie.
• Riverside, California: The production team filmed at the Riverside County Fairgrounds.
• Fort Irwin National Training Center, California: The film’s military scenes were shot at this large-scale military training facility.
• Las Vegas, Nevada: The production team filmed at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Filming Locations Around the World
While the majority of the film was shot in the United States, the production team also traveled to other countries to capture specific scenes. These included:
• London, United Kingdom: The film’s opening credits sequence was shot in London.
• Australia: The production team filmed at various locations in Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne.
• New Zealand: The film’s aerial sequences were partially shot in New Zealand, using the country’s stunning landscapes as a backdrop.
Aerial Filming
Top Gun Maverick’s aerial sequences are undoubtedly some of the film’s most impressive moments. To capture these stunning scenes, the production team used a combination of real aircraft and CGI. The film’s aerial stunts were performed by Viper Pilots, who flew F/A-18 Hornets and other aircraft to capture the high-flying action.
Table: Top Gun Maverick Filming Locations
Location | Description |
---|---|
Culver City, California | Opening scenes |
San Diego, California | Primary location |
Montana | Rugged and scenic sequences |
Alaska | Climactic final act |
Santa Monica, California | Santa Monica Pier |
Riverside, California | Riverside County Fairgrounds |
Fort Irwin National Training Center, California | Military scenes |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Las Vegas Motor Speedway |
London, United Kingdom | Opening credits sequence |
Australia | Various locations |
New Zealand | Aerial sequences |
In conclusion, the filming of Top Gun Maverick took the production team to some of the most stunning locations around the world. From the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego to the rugged wilderness of Montana and Alaska, each location played a significant role in bringing this high-flying blockbuster to life. Whether you’re a fan of the original Top Gun or just a thrill-seeker, Top Gun Maverick is an exhilarating ride that’s not to be missed.