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Why do each pilot in Top Gun Maverick have a callsign, and what are the fascinating meanings behind those names?
Top Gun Maverick returns to the screens this summer once again exploring the unique world of fighter pilots. One question lingers: why does each pilot have a callsign, and what do those interesting names mean?
What is a Callsign?
Callsigns in aviation can be understood as the registration number of an aircraft, an airline's identifier, or a military nickname self-assigned or given by comrades. In the case of Top Gun and the upcoming Top Gun Maverick, pilots' callsigns are interpreted in the latter sense.
Every member of the United States Navy's Fighter Weapons School, Top Gun, has a military nickname, with some even having a compelling story behind those concise monikers. Names like 'Maverick', 'Goose', or 'Viper' have become integral to the movie.
Not just a fun way to address friends, but also a means for pilots and air traffic controllers to easily distinguish.
Maverick
Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell portrayed by Tom Cruise is the main character in both parts of Top Gun. The callsign 'Maverick' (independent, solitary) seems tailor-made for this role. Throughout his life, Maverick lives instinctively and independently, calmly completing every mission daringly.
Off-screen, Maverick is also a perfect nickname for Tom Cruise – someone who performs his own dangerous stunts and doesn't care what others think about him. The inspiring character Maverick, crafted by Tom Cruise, has helped Top Gun become an icon.
Iceman
Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky (Val Kilmer) possesses the callsign 'Iceman' reflecting this pilot's flying style and personality. As Goose once told Maverick in the bar: 'That's how he flies, ice cold, no mistakes.' Iceman pilots his aircraft like a textbook, disregarding opportunities and risks to fly exactly as taught. This callsign also suits Kazansky's demeanor: almost always displaying a cold exterior.
Goose
Most people assume that Maverick's close friend Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards) holds the nickname 'Goose' due to his endearing, somewhat foolish personality. However, as shared by the actor himself, the origin of the name Goose stems from a real-life incident where a guy mistakenly had a confrontation with an airplane engine. He misidentified the malfunctioning engine, leading to the other engine being shut down, causing the plane to crash into the water. That's why the nickname Goose seems foolish.
Rooster
Portrayed by Miles Teller, Lieutenant Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw is the son of Goose – Maverick's late close friend. In Top Gun Maverick, Rooster is a pilot undergoing training who will later work directly with Maverick.
Rooster is a fitting nickname for the character, while showcasing Bradley's youthfulness and potential. This will be a contrast that weighs heavily on Maverick's mind when thinking about his deceased friend of over 30 years.
Phoenix
In Top Gun Maverick, young actress Monica Barbaro portrays Lieutenant Natasha Trace, with the callsign Phoenix. The actress humorously shared but also emphasized that the character she portrays is just as intriguing as the fighter jets: 'a skilled and courageous female pilot, akin to a phoenix in the sky.'
Payback
The new cast of Top Gun Maverick introduces Reuben Fitch – nicknamed 'Payback' and portrayed by Jay Ellis. 'Payback is an arrogant guy who always believes he's the best navy pilot and always wants to be the best no matter what,' Ellis described.
True to the nickname 'tit for tat,' this character's personality is quite fierce, matching his talent. It sounds somewhat similar to Maverick when he first appeared in TOP GUN, and even the actor's smile exudes a powerful presence.
Coyote
Portrayed by Greg Tarzan Davis, Lieutenant Javy Machado, nicknamed 'Wildcat,' is a skilled pilot. His nickname is inspired by his somewhat wild appearance and adventurous personality, unafraid when sitting in the cockpit. Machado promises to be one of the formidable faces among the new pilots in Top Gun Maverick, surely destined for great heights under Maverick's guidance.
Top Gun Maverick premieres early from 6:00 PM on May 25 and all day on May 26, officially opening on May 27, 2022.
