“Top Gun: Maverick” star Jennifer Connelly talks about the joy of reuniting director Joseph Kosinski and Tom Cruise, making her feel like a girl again

Jennifer Connelly has been playing professionally for nearly 40 years and even she has never experienced anything like it. Top Gun: Maverick.

Continuing the legacy of Tony Scott best weapon (1986), Connelly Puts It All Together Მonly brave Directed by Joseph Kosinski as Penny Benjamin, formerly of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) Ali. Now a single mother and bar owner, Penny was mentioned twice in the original film, indicating that her relationship with Maverick ended quite dramatically.

Since the two characters are still in contact with each other. DissidentConnelly and Cruz had to spend different days at sea and in the sky, the latter of which was quite busy as Cruz was piloting a P-51 Mustang.

“When the closet was open, [Tom Cruise] Start the engine and light a fire. I tried to be very firm, but after a while, I couldn’t bear to ask if this was normal. And it was obvious. “With other riders, I might have been more distracted by safety concerns, but I couldn’t trust Tom any more,” said Connelly. the hollywood reporter.

In the process, Cruz helped Connell overcome his old fear of flying. “He’s so cool and suddenly he’s like a kid again. My God, a nice guy is talking to me. Don’t mention that you’re afraid of flying.” So it went something like this. “Your example is quite inspiring,” Connelly said.

in the last conversation THRConnelly also revealed the sequel to her trip and why she had to film it in San Francisco.

So you worked with Joe Kosinski Მonly brave. Did he basically call you one day and come up with the idea? Top Gun: Maverick?

Yeah, Joe Kosinski called me and said, “Hey, I have this idea.” And I was excited that he asked me to work with him again because I was doing so well with him. [on Only the Brave]. I think he’s an excellent director. Then he said, “It’s about best weapon“, so I was very happy. So he said, “Let me send you the script,” and I read it and I was really impressed. I thought it was a really compelling story and that they had a good idea to go on. That’s what happened, and I’m totally involved.

Have you and Tom crossed paths over the years?

Do not do! So I went and met Tom and met him for the first time. It should have happened in this movie, I think.

Her character, Penny Benjamin, has been mentioned several times. best weapon. He had a fight with Maverick and it didn’t end particularly well. How long have you been following his story?

Yeah, I think they’ve had some parts that haven’t stood out particularly well over the years. We talked about his story and what that story could have been. I really enjoyed writing with Pen, but in the rehearsal process, there was definitely a conversation about editing and reviewing scenes. But his character spirit, from the first sketch I read, was on the page.

Well I love how he shows his world in the water and then shows his world in the air. So can you tell me first about the day you two went on your boat?

We actually filmed this series twice. I don’t know if I’m going to deliver this, but here it is. We filmed for the first time in San Diego and the weather was so calm. It was really very peaceful. We had a wonderful day. I think we actually saw dolphins. The boat wasn’t moving that fast, but it was a wonderful day on the water. And so they decided it wasn’t exciting enough and it would be fun to see Penn in a boat that moved at a good pace and sailed a little sportier. So we flew to San Francisco where we would have more reliable wind and went back to filming. So it was a very emotional experience.

And then, at some point, Penny flies off with Maverick. How was that day for you?

There were extensive safety protocols and briefings that were held for the first time. The idea was to photograph the sunrise, so it was very early. We were ready for air before sunrise, and so I boarded the plane with Tom, who was the pilot. When the cabin was open, he started the engine and started a fire. I tried to be very firm, but after a while, I couldn’t bear to ask if this was normal. (laughs.) And it became clear. I must say it was very beautiful. Along with the other pilots, he might have been more distracted by security concerns, but he could no longer trust the tribe. He is very skilled in everything he does, and I was able to enjoy the experience, which was quite unusual.

Some of your constellations have said that you have a unique ability to inspire them to experience things they may not have considered before, like riding motorcycles and skyscrapers. Did you feel it all?

Well, that’s not because you have to. It’s so cool and suddenly it feels like I’m a kid again. “My God, a nice boy is talking to me. Don’t mention that you’re afraid of flying.” (laughs.) So it was somehow. His example is quite inspiring.

How did you combine motorcycle travel with the days of sailing and flying?

It was all fun! Every day was fun. Every day in this movie was an extraordinary experience. Even here, being in San Diego and doing press, everything is on a different scale. Tommy is a case of making everything unusual, that’s how it was. This motorcycle scene wasn’t just about riding a motorcycle. We were on the beach overlooking the water, at sunset, in perfect light. Everything escalated.

The debut on the aircraft carrier is really unusual.

Yes, of course, new. None of us have been on any kind of press tour in a long time, so it’s a pleasure to be around again. And the prospect of making this movie in theaters is also incredibly exciting.

remember what you saw best weapon first?

I don’t remember the exact moment, to be honest, but I remember the flight, Tommy on his bike with the aviators and the charismatic character he created. And, of course, I remember the songs that stayed in my head and never left me.

Decades later when you think about doing it DissidentIs there a day you would probably think for the first time?

I think that was the whole experience. There were so many beautiful days and places. Shooting on the beach in San Diego was wonderful. It was great to witness this repetition of the beach volleyball scene. Penny also has a nice car, so I enjoyed filming that scene. Everything was wonderful, to be honest. Also, it meant a lot to me that Joe came back to me and asked me to work with him again on this project. I was very grateful for that and really enjoyed the experience.

Out of curiosity, are you on the tribe’s December cake list right now? [Writer’s Note: Every December, Cruise sends out a bevy of white chocolate coconut bundt cakes from Doan’s Bakery to close friends and collaborators.]

I have the cake! It was a very beautiful cake. Get a cake!?

I !? I’m just a journalist.

(laughs.) Well, he is a very generous person. How many cakes does he send?

It is said that he sent 300 of them to the last ᲛIsia is impossible The crew, but you are still part of a very distinguished roster.

(laughs.) It was a good, wonderful cake and the family really liked it.

The interview is edited for length and clarity.

Top Gun: Maverick It hits theaters on May 27..