Where is Top Gun: Maverick Filmed?
The highly anticipated sequel to the 1986 classic, Top Gun, has finally hit the theaters. Top Gun: Maverick takes place 34 years after the events of the original and follows the story of Maverick as he becomes a flight instructor at the Navy’s TOPGUN program. One of the most significant questions on everyone’s mind is: Where is Top Gun: Maverick filmed?
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Shoot Locations in California, Florida, and Arizona
The production of Top Gun: Maverick involved several locations in California, Florida, and Arizona. The film’s team wanted to create a real-life feel by filming in actual naval air stations and using a mix of location shooting and studio work.
Here are the significant shoot locations:
• Naval Air Station Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi: Located in Ayase, Kanagawa, Japan, this naval air facility was the primary location for the film. The Top Gun pilots practiced their aerial stunts in front of the air station, which added to the overall authenticity.
• Barstow-Dagget Airport (Cal) – Located in Barstow, California, this airport was used as the aerial training site for the movie. Tom Cruise, the film’s star and pilot, flew many of the scenes himself, doing stunts like inverted takeoffs and low-altitude passes.
• Glendale: In this quiet California suburb, a former naval base was used for the interior scenes, depicting the hangar where pilots receive briefings.
• Gulfport Mississippi: Some scenes were also filmed at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (Mississippi, USA) in July 2018. This gave the team the chance to capture warm-weather skies and dramatic coastal settings.
• San Diego Navy Base (Cal), Glenview Nas (Illinois): Other Navy bases and studios were also used to help bring the film’s visuals to life.
Top Gun: Maverick Visual Effects and Composite Shots
While Top Gun: Maverick boasts several impressive shoot locations, many scenes involve a mix of practical photography and vfx (visual effects) work. This has allowed the filmmakers to integrate the different environments and special effects seamlessly.
• Digital Sky Replacement: As part of the post-production process, visual effects artist Chris Carruth, used aerial photography software and 3D models to replace the original blue screens with detailed, photo-realistic digital skies.
Film Studios – The Magic Behind the Movie
Additionally, many interior scenes and action sequences were captured within film studios. Here, the special effects and aerial stunts were simulated with digital sets:
• Pinewood Toronto Studios: In Ontario, Canada, some of the top-secret, high-tech action sequences took place at Pinewood Toronto Studios, where stunt coordinators had a custom-built facility. Terry Hunt, Stunt Coordinator, has highlighted the extensive preparation involved for these high-flying performances.
A Glimpse of More Behind-the-Scenes Action
The cast and crew for Top Gun: Maverick faced significant technical challenges in filming aerial combat scenes with precision. Take a glimpse at real-life drone racing, captured in these high-definition recordings, or even experience these scenes at a virtual viewing experience (e.g. VR (Virtual Reality).
