Originally published November 5, 2017. Updated December 1, 2022.
With the long-gestating Top Gun sequel seemingly moving forward at speed ahead of its 2019 release date, That Hashtag Show has posted a series of rumoured casting breakdowns for the supporting characters who’ll be joining the returning Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.
Included in the list of characters are Penny Benjamin, a new love interest for Maverick, as well as Wrigely, the twentysomething son of Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw, played by Anthony Edwards in the 1986 original.
RIOT FKA WRIGLEY: Supporting Male (20-29) Goose’s son. All-American good looks. Rode a football scholarship to an Ivy League degree. He is in love with Sugar. He distrusts Maverick and dislikes what he stands for, although they have a lot of similarities. Eventually, comes to respect Maverick and uses his techniques. He is forced to eject in enemy territory and Maverick comes to save him.
PENNY BENJAMIN Supporting Female (40-55) The mother of “Miriam” and sister of “Caspar.” She is tough and has been around pilots all her life. She resists Maverick at first, but his charm wears her down. Maverick falls in love with her and “Miriam.”
SUGAR Supporting Female (20-29) Latina. Cool and perfect. She has a sense of a loner and is out to prove herself to everyone. Naturally gifted leader. She and “Wrigley” fall for one another.
RYAN KENDRICK “KANSAS” Supporting Male (20-29) Southern-Charm. A laidback southerner who’s always smiling, which is part of his competitive charm.
TIM FLETCHER “OTTER” Supporting Male (20-29) Nerdy, but super competitive. A member of the class and eventually gives up his spot so Maverick can join the final mission.
KELVIN GARCIA “SHOTGUN” Supporting Male (20-29) Burly and earnest
CINDA CLARENCE “DRONE” Supporting Female (20-29) Sharp and tough
ADMIRAL ROBBY BENJAMIN “CASPAR” Supporting Male (50-69) No nonsense Texan, laid-back demeanor masks his intensity. One star admiral. He distrusts Maverick and doesn’t like his selfish attitude in the Sky. Caspar knows how gifted Maverick is, and eventually lets him join the final mission.
BOYD Supporting Male (50) A two-star general who takes no shit. Tough and weathered.
MIRIAM Supporting Female (10-12) Penny’s daughter.
CMC TOBIN MACRAE “ROWDY” Supporting Male (30-45) “Young, wiry” enlisted man. Maverick’s long-suffering Plane Captain
Top Gun: Maverick is being directed by Joseph Kosinski (Oblivion) and is set for release on July 12th 2019.
