‘Top Gun: Maverick’ cast members learn to fly fighter jets in behind-the-scenes video

Playing pilots in training, the “Top Gun: Maverick” cast had to learn how to operate actual fighter jets for the film.

In a featurette released Tuesday, Tom Cruise, the producer and actor playing Maverick, said he wanted to make sure the actors were able to get on a real fighter jet.

“I told everyone, ‘if you’re gonna take the role, part of it is being in that F-18. I don’t know how to do it any other way,’” he said, adding that he “wanted to celebrate the fighter pilot.”

Monica Barbaro, who played Phoenix, said “being in an F-18 is unreal,” while Glen Powell (Hangman) said “there’s nothing like it.” Lewis Pullman (Bob) added that it’s like being “strapped on to a dragon.”

Meanwhile, Greg Tarzan Davis as Coyote admitted to feeling scared, but was also excited for the flight.

“I didn’t expect anything less because it’s Tom Cruise. He does all of his stunts so I expected us to have to do it too but when it became real life, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore,’” he recalled, laughing.

According to “Top Gun” commanding officer CDR Chris “Pops” Papaioanu, viewers will really see actors “in the cockpit and the full capability of the airplane” when they watch the movie.

In a previous featurette, Tom said he even helped design his co-stars’ flying modules.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is the much anticipated sequel to the iconic 1986 film “Top Gun.” Cruise returns as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, this time as a teacher to a class of elite young pilots.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, “Top Gun: Maverick” is set to premiere in Philippine theaters on May 25. – RC, GMA News