Actors in Top Gun: Behind the Icons of the Franchise

The Top Gun franchise, launched in 1986, remains a landmark in action filmmaking, defined not only by its high-octane fighter jets and dramatic tension but also by the unforgettable performances of its lead actors. From Tom Cruise’s breakout as Maverick to Val Kilmer’s intense portrayal of Iceman, and Michael Douglas’s commanding presence as Goose, these performers shaped a modern action hero archetype.

Tom Cruise: The Rise of the Aviator Star

Tom Cruise’s role as Lieutenant Pete