Why Lewis Hamilton Turned Down Tom Cruise’s Offer To Join Top Gun: Maverick

It’s easy to imagine the suave and confident Lewis Hamilton stepping into the shoes of one of the pilots in «Top Gun: Maverick.» But ultimately, the racer never got the opportunity to cement his friendship with Tom Cruise on the big screen. Those initial chats about starring in «Maverick,» however, seemed to help Hamilton secure his next gig. 

He’ll be starring in and producing Joseph Kosinski and Brad Pitt’s untitled racing film for Apple TV+. Set in the world of Formula One racing, the film reunites «Top Gun: Maverick» director Kosinski with franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The duo asked Hamilton to join the film and help ensure its authenticity, something that excites the driver. «I felt my job really has been to try to call BS […] Just giving them advice about what racing is really about and what, as a racing fan, would appeal and what would not,» he told GQ. While he missed out on Cruise’s flick, Hamilton could potentially be responsible for another cinematic classic. Details are slim but hopefully, the film can make box office history like «Top Gun: Maverick.» 

Seeing as Hamilton already has a working relationship with Kosinski and Bruckheimer and a friendship with Cruise, it’s possible that he could still have a shot at the upcoming «Top Gun 3,» which is in the works at Paramount.