Tom Cruise Rewrites ‘Top Gun’ Role to Win Over Initially Reluctant Glen Powell!

Prior to becoming one of Hollywood’s highly sought-after lead actors, Glen Powell had spent years failing to secure significant roles. However, when he finally received the offer to play the character of Hangman, the arrogant pilot in “Top Gun: Maverick,” he almost declined the opportunity.

The star of “Hit Man” missed out on huge roles such as Captain America and Han Solo in “Solo,” as well as parts in a variety of films from “Friday Night Lights,” “Cowboys & Aliens,” to “The Longest Ride.” His big break seemed imminent when he was bypassed by Miles Teller for the role of Rooster in “Top Gun,” which led to Tom Cruise and director Joe Kosinski offering him the role of Hangman instead. However, there was a single issue.

“If I were responsible for editing this film, I would remove his character instantly,” Powell revealed to British GQ. The original portrayal of the character was a subpar pilot who made it to Top Gun due to favoritism, a plotline Powell believed was a disservice to the film.

After considering Powell’s perspective, Cruise and Kosinski were persuaded and decided to revise the character based on the notes from the “Anyone But You” actor.

“We were discussing how Hangman can contribute to the storyline and retain the essence of the original Top Gun film,” Powell explained.

“I expressed my thoughts to Tom about my abilities and what I excel at, and he paid attention. Tom is a good listener. He pays attention to the crew, his collaborators, and he truly listens to people.”

And it’s a good thing he did because “Top Gun: Maverick” turned out to be a huge box office success, giving Powell’s career the boost he had been longing for.