Since Tom Cruise took San Diego Comic-Con (and not the mention the world) by storm with the first trailer of Top Gun: Maverick, not a whole lot’s been said about the highly-anticipated sequel. However, we can add the absence of one of the series’ most central characters to the tiny list of things we do know about the film.

Recommended Videos

Kerry McGillis, who played Charlie Blackwood, one of the Top Gun instructors and main love interest to Cruise’s Pete Mitchell, has revealed that she wasn’t asked to return for the sequel.

When asked by Entertainment Tonight whether or not she’ll be attending any of the film’s promotional events, she had this to say:

“You know what, I don’t know how to answer that because one, it hasn’t happened. Two, if and when it did happen, I would have to assess where I am, what I’m doing, what’s going on … I can’t project what I would or wouldn’t do in the future. I have no idea because I don’t know where I’ll be.”

While we don’t know exactly what her role in the film will be, many are circling around 48-year-old Jennifer Connelly’s character as Tom Cruise’s next romantic compadre. With that said, McGillis, now 62, hasn’t been ignoring the age gap between her and the Requiem for a Dream star, and considers it to be one of the primary reasons she won’t be coming back for Maverick.

“Oh my god, no. They did not and nor do I think they would ever. 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. 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.”

As we get closer and closer to Top Gun: Maverick‘s release next year, we want to know your thoughts. What do you think the filmmakers are going to do now that McGillis has confirmed she won’t be involved? And do you wish the classic character’d been revived for the sequel? Be sure to drop us a comment down below with your ideas and insight.