Maverick Director Says They ‘Just Wanted to Make an Old-School Movie’

Top Gun: Maverick is one of the most successful films of all time, with Tom Cruise recently dethroning Thanos and Avengers: Infinity War in the sixth spot for all-time domestic box office sales. The film, released on May 27, brought in $679 million in North America, with an astounding $1.4 billion worldwide. The success could be chalked up to the fantastic marketing or the nostalgia from the original film with fans today. However, director Joseph Kosinski believes their success comes from making an old-school movie in an old-school way.

Related: Top Gun: Maverick Producer Says Tom Cruise Should Win an Oscar for the Blockbuster Sequel

The director, responsible for films such as Only The Brave, Oblivion, and TRON: Legacy, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about what makes Top Gun: Maverick special. The truth is that several little details lend themselves to the picture’s overall scope. Kosinski tells THR ‘I think people really felt all the effort that went into shooting a practical movie.’

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“Well, we made the film to be enjoyed on the big screen, in the best theater you can find, and we finally were at a time where people felt comfortable going back to the theater to rediscover that experience that we all missed for a couple years. So I think that had a lot to do with it. The story also resonated with people. They got to see Tom come back to the role of Maverick after 35 years, and that was a real thrill for people. So we just wanted to make an old-school movie. We shot it in an old-school way with real high-tech gear, and I think people really felt all the effort that went into shooting a practical movie. The feedback I kept getting from people was that they were gripping the edge of their seat while watching this. So it’s one of those things where you really appreciate the power of practical filmmaking as you’re being told a story.”

Top Gun: Maverick Released at the Perfect Time

Paramount Pictures

Top Gun: Maverick couldn’t have been released at a better time, as Kosinski points out. Audiences were eager to return to the theater after most were away for the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, a few other films, like Spider-Man: No Way Home, brought audiences to the cinema in droves. However, when Top Gun: Maverick was released, it felt like fans were going to the theater and would keep returning after its release.

Related: Top Gun Maverick: How Have the Original Characters Changed Over 35 Years?

To the delight of audiences, theaters are returning to some form of normalcy after a two-year hiatus. Tom Cruise was also a huge selling point for the film, as older generations wanted to see the actor return to his role as Maverick, while the younger crowd could enjoy the movie whether they saw the original or not. Joseph Kosinski made Top Gun: Maverick for everyone; clearly, everyone is showing up for it.

You can view the original article HERE.