Glen Powell on "Top Gun: Maverick," working with Tom Cruise and pilot training

Actor Glen Powell stars in "Top Gun: Maverick" as the young pilot, Hangman. He joins “CBS Mornings'' to discuss how the original "Top Gun" film made him want to be an actor, what it was like working with Tom Cruise and the intense pilot training he went through to prepare for the role.
Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings” co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.
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[@Anandroid]

This man crushed his role. What a character

[@simontmn]

He did a great job - they all did, but he definitely had brilliant chemistry with Rooster, and his crowning moment of awesome was fantastic.

[@Tabaskospecial]

Can’t wait to see him in the upcoming movie where he plays another Navy pilot

[@Anandroid]

@@Tabaskospecial really?! What movie is this?

[@Tabaskospecial]

@@Anandroid devotion is the name

[@dorzmelendez8752]

agreed. He is very convincing in his role. He will go places, in terms of his acting. top caliber in the making. for sure.

[@bodhixxx1]

My Dad took me to see Top Gun in 1986 then I took my Dad to see Top Gun Maverick in 2022 really bonded us up again!!!!!

[@benzykaram]

Beautiful man. Good luck.

[@zuraidazakaria7419]

That is so very sweet 😍

[@jamesb16616]

Awesome, great father/son tradition.

[@peeerlyb.7762]

Very nice… you are lucky to still have your dad around.. and what an incredible story!!! Top Gun 2022 was so good I had to go see it twice

[@bodhixxx1]

@@peeerlyb.7762 thank you I felt like a kid again seeing it with my Dad and he felt like he was 35 years old again

[@Zinferbuddy]

He did exactly what Tom suggested him to do. I LOVED Hangman, not really because of the character's writing exactly, but Glen was absolutely charismatic. Hope to see more of him in the future.

[@yuraveragefx7493]

My favorite characters were hangman, and most of all Phoenix! Edit: I forgot Penny and Rooster lol

[@jean-louishamid5285]

Wow Glen was exceptionnal ! I'll never forget that damn smile.

[@nickfury1279]

he's gonna be in another movie coming out later this year called Devotion, which takes place during the Korean War

[@josesantana27]

Glenn Powell was a beast in this movie. His presence on screen was crazy, his energy and swagger jumped out at you. Great movie by the way!

[@deveryhenderson8335]

This dude is about to blow up lol. What a movie

[@MrHale]

"I choose great movies and I make the roles great" That's an amazing quote.

[@adingdingdiiing6740]

I watched the original movie with my dad back in the 90s. He was a pilot and I was around 6 years old back then. It had such a big impact on me and years later we just watched Top Gun Maverick and he's retired and I'm a pilot. Just a great moment there.

[@SachaO-C]

That is truly amazing!! :))

[@bvandyke10]

What a classically handsome and charming man.

[@lindsayraines1060]

Dude killed it as hangman

[@navyryder]

Man this dude was the standout in “Everybody Wants Some” Glen Powell has the right stuff to be a big movie star!

[@kerrym5424]

Agree 100%!!! Where in the heck did he get that smile???

[@LSUDeNanner]

100% .. HE WAS THE HOTTIE of the movie!

[@gm3850]

He was FUNNY!!! Deserves so much more roles.

[@maciedixon3983]

I love him un the guernsey literary and potato peel pie society

[@hilton8031]

Right he’s so dam handsome and his confidence !!

[@bkboy2384]

Every single person in this movie knocked it out the park....the best movie of the year and the batman

[@fatwalletboy2]

Yep...even Bob whose call sign was...........Bob

[@nawdude4292]

the batman?? i don't get it

[@Godzilla370]

@@nawdude4292 the batman is great far better than crappy mcu

[@JerusalemPulseRadio]

Not in the same arena

[@faz_s]

@@Godzilla370 the woke Disney mcu lol

[@sweetwaterfilm]

Glenn was my acting student since was maybe seven years old! He still has the same smile! He shined and I love him! Hugs to you sweetie! So happy for you!!!

[@lullaby508]

I was cheering for his character throughout the film. I have been watching his interviews just so I get to know him. He has a fan in me. Hope he becomes that huge action star.

[@tojin]

Same! As much as he was arrogant, I just couldn't help but love him throughout the movie.

[@Brett33]

I was hoping the plane crashing in the previews was his . Couldn't stand his character's arrogance . Over the top arrogance .

[@___Truth___]

@@Brett33 Can't get mad if the guy is successful, because then you're just hating 😂

[@poop_sandwich]

Went to high school with this guy. So cool to see him in the movies!

[@edofluit6568]

@@poop_sandwich you went with him to high school? or was he just in the same high school as you?

[@dannyboy6815]

“I choose great movies, and I make the roles great.” Well I certainly think Glenn Powell did that as Hangman 👌🏽

[@TaysanGalovu]

Glen Powell after filming in a Tom Cruise movie got motivated to get a pilot's license, Henry Cavill after filming in a Tom Cruise movie got motivated to get a motorcycle license, pretty cool.

[@jayizquierdo9534]

and built my new PC after watching henry cavill put his rig together.

[@politicaleconomist6116]

"I choose great movies and i make the role great" wow that's either really good advice or the best sales pitch, can't decide

[@ezefinkielman4672]

A bit of both perhaps…

[@cleverusername9369]

Yes

[@owlontheprowl1657]

Bingo

[@lukasky03]

After Hidden Figures I hoped his career would take off. He was so charismatic and jumped off the screen in every scene then and even more so now. Glad to see him doing so well and can't wait to see more of his work in the future.

[@duby5465]

Brought my dad to it opening day! He was super happy and we had a blast!

[@janicep11]

I'm so proud to work in Defense and love watching our jets and space projects in the sky. A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to tour the F/A-18 at our facility in CA.🇺🇲

[@5ms919]

lol what?

[@tylerlyons4943]

Thank you

[@andresfaouen8022]

Nice!!

[@crazybear5475]

My son and I LOVED it!!!!

[@satisbas]

This guy, Glen ? Is totally perfect for the next Top Gun and to take over the torch, he is too awesome. Congratulations on him and the movie production that selected him. Good work for selecing such an awesome cast. And i hope for more stories also in the relationship life

[@kerrym5424]

@Glen Powell: Hangman, you rocked your part!!! Stellar! Definitely worth the time to see!!! I saw the film yesterday! I though “uh-oh a sequel, but it was great!! LOVED it!!!!! Finally something decent to watch. All the actors did not disappoint. LOVED it!! And best NOTHING Woke!!’

[@leeford1214]

Masonic conspiracy Why did the machine gun at end stop at 33?

[@kerrym5424]

@@leeford1214 Oh what are they conspiring about? Didn’t see that. Didn’t watch the movie backwards either. Aren’t they comprised of community leaders interested in good deeds in their community? Anyway, doesn’t take away from Glen Powell or any other actors performance or that, at face value, I enjoyed the movie. You’ll have to have to bring the Masonic conspiracy theory and 33 up with the director. Maybe that was an homage to a military hero or who knows what else. Regardless. It was a good movie. …A heck of a lot better that anything streaming or woke brainwashing message toting movies proliferating the market right now.

[@TheSuperk25]

If Val Kilmer and Matthew David McConaughey had a baby, it'll be Glen Powell. He is Iceman 2.0 in this movie.

[@bettycunicelli8552]

I agree....modern day Iceman

[@shazperwaz6161]

I didn’t like his character in the movie but that itself goes to show how well he performed his role 👌

[@osmanyousif7849]

At least he got a bit of redemption and slowly turned around. Seeing him going out to help the two and actually acting like a team with everyone on the beach shows his growth. When I saw how he was, I definitely saw him as a team player.

[@SynnJynn]

@@osmanyousif7849 ya, in the end he redeems himself.

[@weretekataknina102]

Hangman, is Iceman And Maverick Combined, at least personality wise, Confident/Arrogant, Wild/Dangerous

[@coyote000]

Redeem.. lol. His character is great throughout

[@blacjackdaniels200]

You’re nuts. He stole the show. You want a guy like that fighting in the sky. Gotta be the best.

[@mims2582]

Wow amazing Tom cruise- ism. “You choose great movies and make your role great”

[@tananjitwong1353]

Glen has very charming nice smile. I fall in love with Hangman in TOPGUN movie.

[@GaryPiazza]

I hope Tom rubs off on this new generation of actors. Tired of the CG practice and hope that many of these up and coming actors will push practical effects and real-time engagement. I think Glen gets is. Will be so cool to watch his progression in the industry.

[@ingridhawksby2516]

Glen performed a great role in Top Gun Maverick film! Brilliant!

[@tonyr2920]

Glen really made himself the next iceman and showcases the character as someone who is cocky and yet will learn and adapt!! If too gun comes back and passes the mantle to these outstanding actors, top gun will be around for a very long time!!

[@joesinclair9845]

This dude is gonna stepping stone this gig into an A-list career like Henry Cavill.

[@seannoithat9999]

agree so hard. An american version of Henry Cavill, there aren’t many. This guy is totally capable

[@uchikitomoto8687]

Is Henry Cavill an A list actor?! Since when?! 😂

[@laxus9451]

@@uchikitomoto8687 since forever

[@uchikitomoto8687]

@@laxus9451 😂😂😂

[@uchikitomoto8687]

@@laxus9451 delusional

[@StevenRayGarcia]

Powell was great in the movie. As was the entire cast selection.

[@philsibayan9815]

I'll give Top Gun: Maverick the same score i gave to the first which is A+ after multiple delays it's worth the wait

[@tiffanystrand4423]

Just saw it yesterday… camera work was amazing 🤩 and the flying was incredible!

[@sirida15]

I love Glen. He has a beautiful smile.❤️

[@b.t.356]

If I were to see that smile IRL I would fall to my freaking knees he is so cute

[@MustangCollectibles]

What a great movie, just like the first one! I'm gonna go see it again for sure! Brought me back in 1986!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

In a quiet way Hangman was one of the best parts of TGM

[@mateo1726]

Glen is awesome. Always has fun characters

[@georgekaplan4696]

This chap nailed his role 👍👌👋👋👋

[@metalore]

Tom's advice reminds me of the line from Superman "A good reporter doesn't get great stories, Jimmy. A good reporter makes them great."

[@marketta5757]

I was in college year 1986 when I go to see the fist Top Gun to the movies in Finland. Now my son is in college and we went together to watch this second Top Gun. My feeling was so unbelievable. Where disappeared 30 years? This Top Gun Maverick was even better than the first one...

[@mariejae]

I love that Denzel and Tom Cruise influenced him, obviously he is a talented and good guy.

[@chrishartman7077]

He’s come a long way from being the hilarious frat boy in Scream Queens 🤣

[@chrishartman7077]

@Ian Firdaus he was so good on that show, I still hold out hope for season 3

[@CraigLMoran]

Look forward to seeing Powell in many more movies!

[@SilverMustang920]

It is time that Best Movie Oscar *MUST* be given to this movie. This was a masterpiece.

[@Scarter63]

I loved this movie! I've watched it twice in full, and 4 more times just watching the flight scenes. It made me want to join the Navy. Again. When I was at sea, they filmed part of Top Gun on my ship.

[@jinzhang8241]

I did a Google search for Nature Channel , Cougars looking for food , and Google brought me to this video

[@67polara]

Hangman aka Bag-man was wonderful! He was 'Mave' in the 86 film confident and sure. Just what our Navy men are and need to be. I was one but in the Nuke plant operator corridor. 'Gentlemen I'll be your Savior today...' LOVED HIM!!

[@jamessalomon1196]

Glen Powell is the only actor who could play Steve Rogers other than Chris Evans.

[@hagduinithronel5160]

Glen is a good actor but Miles is perfect man to play Goose son. The moment you saw Rooster, you know he is Goose son. And Glen plays Hangman well. Like his confidence and macho looks.

[@jamesbarbour8400]

Much apart from the story, editing, awesome flying scenes, it was the cast members that made the movie for me - they all played their parts so well, and hopefully being involved in such a blockbuster as TG - Maverick will only enhance their careers going forward.

[@67polara]

So Glen I myself was a recruit in the Navy 3/26/86 and was on graduation weekend from boot camp in Great Lakes IL when this movie was in theaters and I first saw it there. I'm bonded to the first film and you boys ALL OF YOU (TOM) made sure of that!! I enjoyed Top Gun Maverick for sure even though I was no airman I was a Nuke.

[@jasonschilling8142]

I choose great movies and I make the roles great. Tom Cruise gave great advice!

[@astrophysics6326]

i couldn't even bother hating his character, BECAUSE OH MY GOD LOOK AT THAT BEAUTIFUL MAN

[@marktaylorauthor1000]

What a great interview. Glen was great, but the three hosts did a fantastic job with their questions and comments as well.

[@dharper3619]

HANGMAN WAS A JACK***! He played it SOOO WELL- Compared to Scott Glenn in Hidden Figures- Hangman's timing was impeccable acting wise- At the end "Put your trays/seats....... AWESOME! This was the ABSOLUTE best sequel I think I have ever seen! 4REAL!

[@adrianastarling]

For me to see Tom Cruise again, in TopGun, it was fantastic, because the 1st movie I don't really remember I was 21 years old. It marked my youth. Now it's exciting because it marked my maturity. Thanks

[@raymondweaver8526]

About the same for me. Graduated Rutgers 1986

[@urazoktay7940]

Just an incredible movie, just amazing. One of the greatest movies ever made. Everyone should watch it in a theathre.

[@tonyhughes110]

This dude is a star.

[@rs7452]

One of the best movies I love it is better than the first one!!! Wow what a movie great job !!! For all the workers to have together the movie and actors!!🏆🎖that is an Oscar for sure

[@joysinner3415]

Most killer smile ever!!!

[@michaelmesolellaesq]

Cool that people went to find out more about him - Rightfully so. Would love to see him in some certain roles. Top Gun is by far and easily the best movie of the year and one of the best in many years especially the pandemic junk.

[@geena9999]

His character was almost similar to Iceman. I loved it.

[@JPHET37]

He’s handsome 😮

[@JonathanHallOverAllen]

As a FullStack Cloud Engineer I love Hangman's confidence. I want people that want to lead and have the Bravado to do so. Do not hate on Hangman. Appreciate his confidence. He will be taught by Crows like me to be humble. Do not crush his spirit. Let me teach him.

[@hillsview455]

The movie was amazing, watched it with my entire family. We all loved it, my kids did and they were all laughing that I giggled a lot. lol! Bring back old memories.😂

[@jkornfeld]

Such a great movie!

[@monicamalady1517]

This movie was spectacular!!!

[@RaghavK06]

he was very good in his role.

[@calliedaly1940]

How he and Tom made this roll great- just perfection! Such a damn great movie! A MUST MUST SEE!

[@pnaworld2290]

They work very hard and that’s make this movie perfect!!

[@wayneburton3168]

Awesome job in top gun maverick. I’ll be following this guy in his future movies

[@bbtank3000]

I honestly wouldn't mind seeing a spinoff with Hangman, Rooster and Phoenix.

[@raymondweaver8526]

Bob

[@CM-iv9vk]

Glen Powell is most definitely a pretty boy. I love the end of the movie for all of them. I've been to see it 3 times already, thinking about seeing it again.

[@kimberlydickinson2333]

When is the next Top Gun movie coming? I’m ready! Glen Powell was the best in his roll.

[@k31rifleman]

He is great in this💪🏼

[@Quanic2000]

He is who Scott Eastwood is supposed to be .

[@stevem2323]

What a great point.

[@ozywann4220]

exactly, after I saw in Cinema (I didn't watch trailer nor imdb before) I thought about him too

[@imranazis7689]

Haha ur everywhere

[@damiantirado9616]

Lol and Scott Eastwood chooses bad movies and his performance is average

[@stevem2323]

@@damiantirado9616 There was some good ones too, but yeah, questionables are in majority.

[@k31rifleman]

He is great in this!!!💪🏼

[@robertbuth]

Glen was perfectly casted as Hangman as the cocky character...I feel like he bodied the perfect "Iceman" charisma for this generation and this movie!

[@SteelBlue911]

THE BEST line in Top Gun Maverick is “Evil be gone. Hangman is coming!” 😂

[@HonestHuck777]

Ive just watched it, two days ago and it IS one of the BEST movies I have SEEN in many many many YEARSSSSSSSSSSSS...............towards the end I thought, oh no.....Maverick is gonna die in this movie........then????? awwwwwwwwwwwww Rooster saves him, then they're both toast then BOOM....Hangman flies in to save the day. The flying scenes were exelerating. Definitely had those good ole 90s feels as well. 10/10 for me.

[@Aaron-zl5gq]

really hate how much hate tom cruise gets when he tries so hard to make good movies for people to enjoys, he always shows appreciation to all the talent in front and behind the cameras and goes out of way to make sure his cast succeeds as well.

[@magacop5180]

ChoAssUp

[@dwmy3825]

U r so rite Hatry is irrational Tom is admired all over the World very admired i believe it's a small amount of haters so they are irrelevant

[@joycelynsimon1742]

I am going to see the movie soon , i think Glenn gorg n loved since i saw him in hidden figures small roll but he stood out love him

[@rapidtopography1334]

Stellar, stellar film!

[@alanloo243]

Loved the movie saw it 3 times

[@suhugo9546]

The ladies are totally swooning lol

[@divinemadness8117]

He steals every scene he appears in. Awesome job!

[@TrainLikeAProDaily]

Awesome !!!

[@katiel1979]

This guy needs more leading man roles

[@lyndaburgess5582]

Love this movie

[@hassanalishah333]

Glenn Powell is quite an amazing character in the movie as Hangman, the character simmiar to Ice Man. He's a superb actor. I watched his film "Anyone But You" some time ago, and he played a fantastic role in it. After Tom Cruise, if I was looking forward to anyone in "Top Gun Maverick," it's definitely Glenn Powell. They're casting Miles Teller in "Top Gun 3," but in my opinion, Glenn Powell should have been given the lead role. He deserves more.

[@LinYouToo]

I love that Foghat’s Slow Ride is in the movie 🎥

[@fredwerza3478]

LOL Hangman loved the song

[@Nk-zd3xj]

I was also hoping for some Thin Lizzy

[@LinYouToo]

@@Nk-zd3xj The Boys are Back in Town

[@agyei31]

WOW ... My daughter took me to see it and your right; it was a great daddy daughter experience.

[@brandonlee4013]

Senoir Cruise, Thank-you for leaving the 'special aspirations' out !!

[@lorraineryan7928]

I saw the film it was brilliant

[@yeeluvspizza]

When he says "I am good" and hits the cue ball with out looking at it....it's an homage to Cruise in Color of Money.

[@scottwilson6467]

He was the most memorable character from Top Gun 2 - Even more so than Maverick lol ......

[@thepasstimevideos7195]

Do u know top gun maverick made all the actors a legend kids now will remember all of u as legends later on and take inspirations.

[@LowEarthOrbitPilot]

I knew Glenn would go far and do very well, from the first moment I saw him in [Netflix] ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’. Very good actor!

[@finestfotosllc.9964]

Awesome Thrill!

[@RS-jb1lf]

Glen was fantastic in TGM. Looking forward to his next movie, “Devotion” it is a Korean war drama film and the trailer looks amazing. It is hitting theaters November 23 🍿🥤

[@youbigdork6260]

After watching Top Gun I can see this guy in a superhero movie I would love to watch him play the sentry MAKE IT HAPPEN MARVEL

[@black96h]

He would be a great Hal Jordan green lantern ..

[@youbigdork6260]

@@black96h good shout

[@vietnameeseguy]

He was jacked AF in this movie

[@gjaram]

@@black96h - He'd be a GREAT Bruce Wayne!

[@davidlaid1146]

He would be a phenomenal green lantern