Top Gun Maverick Why Meg Ryan Didn T Return For The Sequel

Coming almost 40 years after the original, Top Gun: Maverick became the highest-grossing film of 2022. The long-awaited sequel primarily featured a new cast while bringing back Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Iceman (Val Kilmer). However, notably absent from the cast was Meg Ryan, which came as a surprise to many Top Gun fans. This decision took people’s breath away given her character’s direct relation to both Rooster and Maverick.

In an era dominated by sequels and reboots, Top Gun: Maverick was the rare film that improved upon the original. It understood what made 1986’s Top Gun a cultural phenomenon and properly honored the past. But as it continued the story of Cruise’s character, others were left behind. Here’s why Meg Ryan didn’t return for Top Gun: Maverick.

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Who Did Meg Ryan Play in the Original Top Gun?

     Paramount Pictures  

When Maverick and Goose weren’t in an F-14, they were often seen spending time with Goose’s family. Ryan played Carole Bradshaw, the wife of Nick “Goose” Bradshaw and mother of their two-year-old son, Bradley. Bradley, of course, would later become “Rooster” (played by Miles Teller) in Top Gun: Maverick. During Maverick and Goose’s time at TOPGUN, Carole and Bradley arrived via airport to visit them.

Carole enjoyed spending time at the bar as she watched her son and husband sing along to Jerry Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire.” It was there that Carole pointed out Maverick’s obvious love for Charlie. However, in the same scene, Carole name-dropped Penny Benjamin, Maverick’s love interest in the sequel.

Following Goose’s death, Carole told Maverick how much her husband had loved flying with him. Carole did not blame Maverick for Goose’s death, but met Maverick at a time when he was experiencing immense guilt. Needing time to grieve, Carole held back tears and left the room. The scene was Ryan’s last in Top Gun, although her character went on to raise Bradley off-screen.

Where is Carole Bradshaw in Top Gun: Maverick?

Ryan did not reprise her role as Carole Bradshaw in Top Gun: Maverick. The reason for her absence was explained in a conversation between Maverick and Penny Benjamin discussing Rooster. It was revealed that Carole had passed away, and that Maverick had made a promise to keep Rooster from flying. Maverick tried to honor his promise by pulling Rooster’s application to the Naval Academy. In doing so, Rooster was ultimately set back four years.

Maverick’s promise to Carole created the main driving force behind the film. Rooster not only initially blamed Maverick for his father’s death, but also resented Maverick for hindering his military career. The truth was concealed by Maverick, who did not wish for Rooster to resent his mother. By the end of Top Gun: Maverick, Rooster and Maverick were fortunately able to mend their relationship.

Meg Ryan Stepped Away From the Hollywood Spotlight

     Castle Rock Entertainment  

After appearing in Top Gun, Ryan became one of the biggest Hollywood stars in the 90s and early 2000s. She was well-known for her romantic comedies, as well as her frequent collaborations with Tom Hanks (Joe Versus the Volcano, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail). Other films in Ryan’s filmography included When Harry Met Sally… and Courage Under Fire. But Ryan eventually decided she had enough and would step away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Speaking to the New York Times, Ryan expressed that Hollywood had made her feel “isolated.” She also revealed she had felt like she didn’t know enough about herself or “the world to reflect it as an actor.” Ryan spent more time with her family, raising two kids, one of whom was Jack Quaid (The Boys, Scream). In 2015, MegRyan returned to the entertainment industry to direct Ithaca. But it’s believed Ryan distancing herself from film roles was a major factor in omitting Carole Bradshaw from the Top Gun sequel.

Meg Ryan Was Not Asked to Return

Top Gun: Maverick paid homage to its 1986 predecessor, but the film wasn’t interested in bringing everything back from Maverick’s past. Director Joseph Kosinski told Insider that the return of both Ryan and Kelly McGillis was never even considered during development. Kosinski did not want every storyline in the film to “always be looking backwards,” and he instead took the time to introduce new characters. There was no need for legacy characters to return just for the sake of returning. While Iceman’s return played into people’s nostalgia, he occupied an important role in Top Gun: Maverick by protecting Maverick from being grounded.

Had Ryan reprised her role as Carole, it would have complicated the film’s story. Maverick was unsuccessful in keeping Rooster from becoming a pilot, which means Carole would have fought with Rooster instead. As Maverick and Rooster’s relationship was at the heart of Top Gun: Maverick, Carole’s return would have changed the entire film. The eventual reconciliation between Maverick and Rooster, as well as all its emotional impact, would not have been possible.