Was Tom Hanks in Top Gun?
The question that has sparked debate among film enthusiasts and Tom Hanks fans alike: was the legendary actor involved in the iconic 1986 movie Top Gun? Let’s dive into the details and get to the bottom of this burning question.
Direct Answer
No, Tom Hanks was not in Top Gun. The movie featured an ensemble cast, including Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, and Anthony Edwards, among others. Tom Hanks’ name is not associated with the film.
But Why the Confusion?
So, why is there so much confusion surrounding Tom Hanks’ involvement in Top Gun? The answer lies in the film’s casting process and Hanks’ subsequent career. In the mid-1980s, Hanks was a rising star, fresh from the success of films like Splash (1984) and The Money Pit (1986). During this time, he was being courted by several studios and was part of various casting conversations.
The Close Call
One of these casting conversations almost led to Hanks’ involvement in Top Gun. According to various sources, including an interview with director Tony Scott, Tom Hanks was considered for the role of Mike "Goose" Bradshaw, the Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) of the F-14 Tomcat piloted by Maverick (Tom Cruise). However, Hanks turned down the role due to concerns about the film’s depiction of military aviation and the risk of injury involved in filming the aerial stunts.
What Did Tom Hanks Do Instead?
After passing on Top Gun, Hanks went on to star in a string of successful films, including Nothing in Common (1986), Big (1988), and Philadelphia (1993). These roles cemented his status as a versatile and bankable star, leading to a long and illustrious career.
Comparing the Casts
Here’s a table comparing the casts of Top Gun (1986) and another iconic 80s film, Beverly Hills Cop (1984), which starred Tom Hanks in the lead role:
| Character | Top Gun (1986) | Beverly Hills Cop (1984) |
|---|---|---|
| Maverick | Tom Cruise | – |
| Goose | Anthony Edwards | – |
| Kelly McGillis | Kelly McGillis | – |
| Tom Hanks | – | Axel Foley |
As you can see, Tom Hanks was not involved in Top Gun, and instead starred in Beverly Hills Cop as Axel Foley, a detective with a distinctive Detroit accent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite being considered for a role in Top Gun, Tom Hanks was not involved in the production of the film. Instead, he went on to have a successful career, starring in a wide range of iconic films. If you’re still unsure about Hanks’ involvement in Top Gun, you can rest assured that he’s not flying high with the F-14 Tomcat in this 1986 classic.
Additional Reading
- "Tom Hanks: A Biography" by Larry Schweikart (2012)
- "The Tony Scott Book: The Top Gun Years" by Tony Scott (2007)
- "Beverly Hills Cop: The Official Guide" by Robert Marasco (2018)
By exploring the fascinating history of Top Gun and Tom Hanks’ subsequent career, we’ve established that he was not involved in the film. The question is now answered, and film enthusiasts can move on to explore other cinematic wonders!
