The highly anticipated film, Top Gun: Maverick, has finally premiered, and fans of the original Top Gun are reeling with excitement. As part of the excitement, many have been asking questions about the new cast of characters and their connection to the original film. Specifically, who played the legendary Goose in the sequel?
A Brief Background of Goose
For those unfamiliar, Goose was the aviator and Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) partnered with Maverick, the main protagonist, played by Tom Cruise, in the original Top Gun. Born as Bradley "Goose" Bradshaw, Goose was played by the renowned actor, Anthony Edwards in the 1986 original film. Goose was killed in action during the exercise, which had a lasting impact on Maverick. The character of Goose is iconic and played a significant role in the first movie, making it a tough act to follow.
The Answer to Your Question: Who Played Goose in Top Gun: Maverick?
Well, the answer is not another actor, but actually Ed Harris, yes, the same Ed Harris who has been part of many iconic films, took on the role of Mike "Viper" Morrow, a former naval aviator and instructor, instead of Goose. This led to many fans asking online, "Wait, he’s not Goose!" Understandably, the audience couldn’t help but associate Ed Harris with any other character, except Goose, whose spirit was still very present in the film.
So, if Ed Harris didn’t play Goose, what was Viper’s role in Top Gun: Maverick, and how did he relate to the original film? It turns out that **_Viper_**, just like _Goose_, is a retired and experienced naval aviator, training a new generation of Top Gun pilots. He teaches the latest techniques, pays homage to the original cast, and helps Maverick as he trains a new aviator, Bradley “ROCKE” Parker.
**Ed Harris’ Reaction to Playing Viper**
In an interview with IMDb, Ed Harris expressed excitement about being part of Top Gun: Maverick. He acknowledged the legacy of Goose and the weight that came with playing Viper. Harris mentioned:
“There’s a lot of things that I think that… **pay homage to** the original film… to the spirit of it and the people who made the original film… it feels like it’s still keeping the flame alive, that’s what it feels like to me.”
**Highlights from Top Gun: Maverick**
Here are a few highlights from the 2022 film that prove it’s a worthy follow-up to the original: • **High-Fly Action Sequences**: You can expect heart-stopping aerial stunts and jaw-dropping action scenes set against stunning backdrops.
• **New Faces**, **New Stories**: Rocke (Miles Teller), Hangman (Glen Powell), Fuchs (Jon Hamm) and other new pilots face their own challenges as part of the Top Gun family.
• **Throwback Moments**: Nods to iconic scenes and characters from Top Gun, including _Quint’s_ famous warning to Maverick.
The character of Goose will always have a special place in many fans’ hearts. Nevertheless, Ed Harris as _Viper_ proved himself as an excellent addition to the Top Gun: Maverick cast. While you might have expected to see Goose back in action, the new film effectively **bridges the past to the present** by integrating nods to the original while still exciting audiences with new thrills and emotions.
What is your favorite Top Gun related memory? Share with fellow fans and let us know your thoughts on Ed Harris’ role as Viper in Top Gun: Maverick!
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