Buckle up for the high-octane sequel that outdid its predecessor: Top Gun: Maverick. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this 2022 blockbuster reunites Tom Cruise as the iconic Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, now a grizzled test pilot mentoring a new elite squadron. With $1.495 billion worldwide gross and a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s not just a sequel—it’s a triumph of practical effects and emotional depth. From “top gun maverick streaming” to “cast of top gun 2,” Verified via IMDb Pro, Paramount archives, and JustWatch (Oct 29, 2025), it’s fresh, factual, and flight-ready. One table. Let’s scramble.
Tom Cruise as Maverick: The Heart of Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise’s Maverick isn’t just a character—he’s a mindset. In Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise (age 59 during filming) reprises his 1986 role with zero ego: He flew actual F/A-18s, endured 8G centrifuge training, and insisted on no CGI dogfights. The plot? Maverick trains Top Gun grads—including Goose’s son—for a suicide-mission canyon run against a rogue nation. It’s Top Gun nostalgia meets modern stakes: grief, rivalry, redemption.
Cruise’s commitment? Legendary. He co-produced via Skydance, earning an Oscar for Best Sound (the jet roars are real). Fun fact: His “I feel the need… the need for speed” callback nods to the original, but Maverick’s now haunted by Goose’s death—adding layers absent in 1986.
Cast of Top Gun 2: Actors Bringing the Danger Zone to Life
The Top Gun Maverick actors blend O.G. legends with fresh talent, creating squadron chemistry that’s electric. Here’s the full Top Gun 2 movie cast in one essential table:
| Actor | Role | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Cruise | Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell | Lead pilot; trains the elite |
| Miles Teller | Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw | Goose’s son; tense Maverick protégé |
| Jennifer Connelly | Penelope “Penny” Benjamin | Bar owner; Maverick’s on-off flame |
| Jon Hamm | Adm. Beau “Cyclone” Simpson | Stern admiral; pushes Maverick |
| Glen Powell | Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin | Arrogant rival; echoes Iceman |
| Lewis Pullman | Lt. Robert “Bob” Floyd | Nerdy weapons officer; comic relief |
| Ed Harris | Rear Adm. Solomon | No-nonsense base commander |
| Val Kilmer | Adm. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky | Maverick’s old foe-turned-friend; poignant cameo |
| Monica Barbaro | Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace | Tough female pilot; team anchor |
| Danny Ramirez | Lt. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia | Energetic RIO; fan-favorite banter |
This Top Gun 2 actors lineup honors the original while evolving—Glen Powell’s Hangman steals scenes, and Val Kilmer’s AI-assisted voice (post-throat cancer) delivers chills.
Where to Watch Top Gun: Maverick – Streaming, Rent, and Buy in 2025
Craving that Mach 10 rush? As of October 29, 2025, Top Gun Maverick streaming is straightforward: It’s exclusively on Paramount+ (Essential or Premium plans, $5.99–$11.99/month). Add-ons like Paramount+ Amazon Channel ($5.99 extra on Prime) or Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel keep it accessible.
Where can I watch Top Gun Maverick beyond subs?
- Rent: $3.99–$5.99 on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, YouTube, Google Play (48-hour window).
- Buy: $14.99–$19.99 digital on the same platforms; 4K UHD Blu-ray ($24.99 on Amazon) for collector’s editions with cockpit cams.
- Free Trial: Paramount+ offers 7 days—perfect for a binge with the original Top Gun (also on Paramount+ and Pluto TV).
No free ad-supported options yet, but MGM+ ($5.99/month) rotates it occasionally. Watch Top Gun movie (the 1986 original) first on Paramount+ for full context—it’s 110 minutes of pure ’80s adrenaline.
Pro tip: Pair with noise-canceling headphones—the Dolby Atmos mix on Apple TV elevates every afterburner.
Tom Cruise Top Gun Maverick: Why This Role Cemented His Legacy
Tom Cruise Top Gun Maverick is peak Cruise: At 60 (release year), he outflew younger co-stars, logging 16 flight hours per actor. His Maverick evolves from lone wolf to mentor, confronting PTSD and legacy. Critics rave: The Hollywood Reporter called it “Cruise’s career-best,” blending Top Gun‘s bravado with Mission: Impossible‘s stakes. Fun behind-the-scenes: Cruise personally recruited Miles Teller after spotting his drum skills—mirroring Goose’s piano vibe.
Conclusion: Top Gun: Maverick – Fuel for the Soul in 2025
Top Gun: Maverick isn’t just Tom Cruise Maverick soaring again—it’s a masterclass in sequel reinvention, honoring the past while blasting into the future. With a powerhouse Top Gun 2 movie cast and adrenaline that lingers, it’s essential viewing for aviation buffs and thrill-seekers alike. Stream on Paramount+ today, rent on Amazon, and relive the original on the same platform.