Why Kelly McGillis Didn't Star In The Top Gun Sequel With Tom Cruise

When Tom Cruise announced in 2017 that there would "definitely" be a "Top Gun" sequel, it seemed natural to have most of the old cast back, especially Kelly McGillis. However, Jennifer Connelly starred alongside Cruise as his character's love interest instead. When asked if she had been asked to reprise her role as Charlie Blackwood, McGillis stated, "Oh my God, no! They did not, and nor do I think they would ever. I mean, I'm old and I'm fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is," she told Entertainment Tonight. The actor is just fine with her looks and shared, "I'd much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and who and what I am at my age as opposed to placing a value on all that other stuff."

According to "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski, McGillis' character was never part of the sequel's development. "Those weren't stories that we were throwing around. I didn't want every storyline to always be looking [backward]. It was important to introduce some new characters," he shared with Insider. Still, there are no hard feelings from McGillis. "I'm glad for her," she said of Connelly's role in the movie, per ET. These days, McGillis seems more content out of the spotlight and it was the success of "Top Gun" that made her run from Hollywood.

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