Lewis Hamilton explains why he turned down Top Gun: Maverick role
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Lewis Hamilton has explained why he was unable to join the cast of Top Gun: Maverick, after turning down a role in the 2022 sequel.
In an interview with GQ, the Formula 1 legend and Top Gun fan expressed his regret about not starring in the highly anticipated film, after asking Tom Cruise for even a small part.
"I said, 'Dude, if you ever do Top Gun 2…'—which had not been spoken of, there was no story yet—'I will even be a janitor—just let me be in it,'" said Hamilton, recalling a conversation he once had with Cruise.
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Cruise had been friends with Hamilton since inviting him to visit the set of Edge of Tomorrow in 2014. "My assistant called me: 'Tom Cruise has invited you to the set.' I was just like: 'Shoot, yeah?! Cancel anything I have,'" Hamilton recalled.
When the opportunity to appear as a pilot in Top Gun: Maverick came around, the actor put Hamilton in touch with director Joseph Kosinski. However, Hamilton regrettably had to decline the role, as his racing commitments clashed with the strict filming schedule.
"Firstly, I hadn't even had, like, an acting lesson," he said. "And I don't want to be the one that lets this movie down. And then secondly, I just really didn't have the time to dedicate to it."
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Claiming "it broke my heart" to turn down the role, Hamilton added: "And then I regretted it, naturally, when they show me the movie and it's: 'It could've been me!'"
In a post on X, Danny Ramirez, who ultimately landed the part, shared his relief that Hamilton said no.
"When Joe Kosinski introduced us and said that Lewis' role was gonna be Fanboy, I thanked him for saying no haha. Appreciate the assist @LewisHamilton," wrote Ramirez.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that a third Top Gun film is in the works, with Glen Powell and Miles Teller set to return. Will the stars finally align for Hamilton to get involved?
Top Gun: Maverick is now available to watch on Channel 4's streaming service.
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