"A Flight That Makes You Clench Your Hands in Sweat, I Wanted to Convey It Realistically"

'Top Gun: Maverick' Tom Cruise's Tenth Visit to Korea
Directly Piloted F-18 for High-Altitude Flight Scenes
"I've Been Waiting for the Day to Enjoy It on the Big Screen"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

“I have been waiting for the day when you can enjoy this on the big screen. I wanted to enjoy it together in the theater. That is why I make movies.” These were the words of actor Tom Cruise, visiting Korea for the tenth time. He repeatedly asked audiences to watch Top Gun: Maverick in theaters.

This is an aviation action blockbuster that finished filming in 2018. Its release was postponed for three years due to the spread of COVID-19. Cruise never even dreamed of releasing it on over-the-top (OTT) streaming services. He believed it was optimized for a large screen and rich sound. He personally boarded the modern all-weather fighter-bomber F-18 to film high-altitude flight scenes. The expressions distorted by changes in gravity are vividly conveyed. The sharp flight noises add to the thrilling excitement.

At the Top Gun: Maverick red carpet event held on the afternoon of the 19th at the outdoor plaza of Lotte World Tower in Seoul, Cruise said, “Not only me, but all the cast members boarded the F-18 to film the flight scenes.” He added, “We wanted to realistically deliver flights that make the audience hold their breath.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This is the thrill and pleasure he has felt for over 30 years. Even after obtaining his pilot’s license, he trains whenever he can, showing off his skilled flying abilities. He can easily perform aerial stunts that even professional pilots find difficult.

Cruise said, “Please pay close attention to the airplane that I have owned for 20 years, which appears in the early part of the movie,” adding, “I love flying planes. I love speed.” He continued, “Before filming, all the actors learned how to fly planes. Thanks to their hard training and preparation, we were able to shoot all the scenes for real,” and assured, “You will be able to vividly feel what it’s like to be in a fighter jet.”

This visit marks Cruise’s first trip to Korea in four years since the release of Mission: Impossible ? Fallout in 2018. Before going on stage, he kindly responded to fans’ requests for autographs and photos for over two hours. He never once frowned and warmly returned their support and greetings.

Cruise said, “Thank you very much for coming to see me and welcoming me warmly. It is always a pleasure to come to Korea,” adding, “I keep making movies for people like you.” He also promised, “Your interest and love complete me. I will come back next summer and the summer after with Mission: Impossible parts 8 and 9.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.