Jay Ellis on Meeting Royalty at the Top Gun Premiere, Working with Tom Cruise & Insane Swim Test

TL;DR

Jay Ellis shares experiences creating Top Gun Maverick and a memorable encounter with Prince William.

Transcript

you know our next guest from five seasons of the hbo show insecure now you can see him in a fighter jet in the highly anticipated top gun maverick it opens in theaters friday please welcome jay ellis [Applause] [Applause] now jay tell me if this is true or not don't you also had a problem with your pants i had a problem with my pants my pants liter... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ Jay Ellis humorously illustrates the unpredictability of parenting while juggling a high-profile acting career.
• 🏛️ The sustained anticipation for Top Gun Maverick reflects the film's cultural significance, particularly as a sequel to a beloved classic.
• 😓 The cast's rigorous training regimen showcased the commitment they made to authentically depict fighter pilots in the film.
• ✋ Meeting royalty added an unexpected twist to the film's premiere, with actors reflecting on the high-pressure atmosphere that surrounded such an event.
• 🫵 The film emphasizes the importance of viewing in theaters to fully appreciate its visual spectacle and narrative depth.
• 😓 The introductory training from Olympic coaches highlights the film's dedication to realism, impacting the cast's performance.
• 😓 The contrasting experiences between Ellis and Cruise during training underline the varying levels of preparation and expertise among the cast.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the humorous incident Jay Ellis experienced before the interview?

Before the interview, Jay Ellis realized he had forgotten his pants, which were still with his babysitter. In a comical turn of events, he called her to send his pants via Uber just moments before his appearance, resulting in laughter and surprise when they arrived just in time.

Q: How long ago was the filming of Top Gun Maverick?

Filming for Top Gun Maverick started in September 2018 and concluded in July 2019. Ellis reflects on the long journey leading up to the film's release, illustrating the anticipation surrounding the movie and the dedication of the cast and crew.

Q: Why did the cast undergo swim training for Top Gun?

The cast underwent swim training as a precautionary measure, given that fighter pilots might eject over water in emergencies. Despite being in a movie about the navy, the rigorous swimming test, which included a helo dunker simulation, prepared them for scenarios they might face in real life.

Q: What did Jay Ellis think about meeting Prince William and Kate at the premiere?

Jay Ellis found the experience of meeting Prince William and Kate at the London premiere thrilling yet nerve-wracking. He humorously navigated royal protocol, and despite the formality, he enjoyed exchanging pleasantries with the royals and appreciated their genuine interest in the film.

Q: How did Tom Cruise prepare for the swimmer training test?

Tom Cruise prepared for the swim test by training his body to hold his breath for an extended period. He showcased his incredible ability by claiming he could hold his breath for nearly nine minutes, which contrasted with the anxiety the rest of the cast felt during the test.

Q: How was the premiere of Top Gun Maverick in London unique?

The premiere in London was unique because it was a royal event, attended by Prince William and Kate. The venue was shut down for the premiere, and the royal couple mingled with the cast, leading to a blend of excitement and tension as everyone navigated the royal greeting protocols.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jay Ellis recounts a humorous incident about forgetting his pants before appearing on Jimmy Kimmel, highlighting his chaotic yet relatable experience as a parent and actor.

• The filming of Top Gun Maverick began in September 2018 and finished in July 2019, and Ellis emphasizes the film's significance in being seen in theaters to appreciate its fast-paced action.

• At a royal premiere in London, Ellis meets Prince William and Kate, sharing amusing anecdotes about navigating royal protocol amidst their star-studded cast.