Kelly McGillis On Not Being In ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ — “I’m Old And I’m Fat”

Kelly McGillis recently opened up on not being recast in Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the original ’80s film Top Gun starring Tom Cruise. McGillis played Cruise’s love interest in the original, and many fans have been wondering why exactly she didn’t make a return. It was in an interview with Entertainment Tonight where she revealed she wouldn’t be in the sequel due to her own appearance.

“Oh my god no. They did not, nor do I think they would ever,” she replied, referring to if she was asked to be in the film. “I mean, I’m old and I’m fat, and I look age-appropriate for what my age is, and that is not what that whole scene is about.”

Kelly McGillis says she’s too “old and fat” to play Tom Cruise’s love interest in ‘Top Gun’ sequel

McGillis was very blunt with a good attitude about it, and was in good spirits, even laughing, about her explanation. “I’d much rather feel absolutely secure in my skin and who and what I am at my age, as opposed to placing a value on all that other stuff,” she said. Now 64, McGillis left Hollywood to get sober and focus on raising her family. She also isn’t exactly rushing to go see the sequel.

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“I guess it depends on what kind of reviews it gets,” she said. “I’m not racing to the theater, and I’m not racing away from the theater to see it.”

Fans remember McGillis for playing the role of astrophysicist and training school instructor Charlie Blackwood. In the sequel, Jennifer Connelly takes on the role of Cruise’s new love interest. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film also stars Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, and Glen Powell, with a special cameo from Val Kilmer a.k.a. Iceman.