Danny Ramirez on Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise’s Amazing Pep Talk & Being Deathly Afraid of Flying

TL;DR

Danny Ramirez shares insights on filming Top Gun Maverick and his experiences with Tom Cruise.

Transcript

our next guest is a talented young actor who's co-starring in the biggest movie in the world it's called top gun maverick it's in theaters now please say hello to danny ramirez [Applause] better now this is unreal congratulations on this uh the enormous success it took forever to come out but man oh man it came out though are people approaching you... Read More

Key Insights

• 👊 The success of Top Gun Maverick was monumental, and Danny Ramirez actively followed its box office progress through a dedicated group chat with co-stars.
• 😯 Tom Cruise's motivational speech to Ramirez highlighted the importance of mentorship in the film industry and greatly enhanced Danny's confidence.
• 😨 Childhood experiences can shape adult fears and aspirations, demonstrating how personal history can influence professional paths.
• 😓 Danny found a supportive community among the Top Gun cast, which strengthened their bond throughout the filming process.
• 🛟 Interesting anecdotes from Danny's youth reveal how his life experiences intertwined with his role in a film centered on aviation and bravery.
• 😨 The film’s production required extensive flight training, which was a surprising revelation for Ramirez, given his past fear of flying.
• 😓 Gossip and lighthearted fun among the cast were present, as seen through Danny's humorous recounting of their group chat.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the experience of the film's opening weekend like for Danny Ramirez?

Danny Ramirez describes the film's opening weekend as a whirlwind, filled with excitement. He initially wanted to escape from the chaos by going on a hike in New Hampshire. However, he was kept updated by friends and co-stars through a group chat discussing the film's impressive box office performance, making him feel the thrill of the moment even while away.

Q: How did Tom Cruise impact Danny's experience during filming?

On his last day of filming, Tom Cruise surprised Danny Ramirez by inviting him and another co-star to fly with him back to LA in his private jet. This gesture not only made for an unforgettable experience but also provided Danny with inspiring words. Tom hyped them up, telling them they are the next great stars, which left a lasting impression on Danny.

Q: What fears did Danny have prior to filming Top Gun Maverick?

Danny Ramirez openly shared that he had a fear of flying before filming started. He had to sign a waiver stating he was not afraid of flying, which is ironic because he almost didn't get the role due to this fear. His anxiety was rooted in a childhood experience where he tried to fly off a railing but ended up falling and losing consciousness.

Q: How did Danny's childhood influence his current role in Top Gun Maverick?

Danny recounted a significant event from his childhood, where he attempted to fly after attaching Hot Wheels tracks to himself, ultimately resulting in a serious fall. This experience contributed to his fear of flying. However, as he filmed Top Gun Maverick, he grew to love flying and even referred to wanting to embrace the skies, indicating a transformation in his attitude towards aviation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Danny Ramirez discusses the overwhelming success of Top Gun Maverick, highlighting the excitement of watching box office numbers soar during its opening weekend, while he took a break to hike.

• He recalls a memorable experience on his last day of filming when Tom Cruise offered him surprising encouragement and flew him to LA in his private jet.

• Ramirez also shares a humorous anecdote about his childhood fear of flying, stemming from a fall he took while pretending to soar, and how he eventually learned to embrace the skies while filming.