Key Takeaways:
• Top Gun: Maverick features Tom Cruise reprising his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.
• Monica Barbaro plays a groundbreaking character, Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace.
• Barbaro counters sexist rumors about her role and acknowledges Cruise's instrumental help.
The Intensity of “Top Gun: Maverick”
Cinematic powerhouse Tom Cruise returned on screen as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the phenomenal 2022 release, Top Gun: Maverick. The film, a successor to the 1986 hit Top Gun, is revered not only for its high-octane action but also for highlighting particular struggles. This time, the limelight not only fell on Cruise but also on his co-stars who did not slack in their performances.
Monica Barbaro as Phoenix
Among these talented actors, Monica Barbaro stands apart, portraying Lieutenant Natasha “Phoenix” Trace. What makes her role unique is its departure from stereotypical gender norms in a largely masculine environment.
Rumors and Rebuttals
However, with recognition come controversies. During the filming of the movie, Barbaro found herself at the center of a sexist rumor. It was speculated that her character was the love interest of Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, played by Miles Teller. Addressing this, Barbaro expressed her joy that the narrative mainly focused on Phoenix's abilities rather than her supposed romantic relationships.
She said, “There was a rumor going around that I was playing Miles' love interest… but one of my favorite things about Phoenix is that she's not a love interest.” Barbaro emphasized the honor she felt playing a skilled professional who is treated with respect and seriousness.
The Guiding Light: Tom Cruise
Giving salience to Barbaro's reflections, she spoke freely about the role of Tom Cruise in the making of the movie. The veteran actor's guidance and tutelage in cinematography and storytelling was invaluable. Cruise's mentoring changed Barbaro's approach to her craft, enabling her to better understand her character and perform her own stunts.
Highlighting the intense physical aspect of filming, Barbaro mentioned that actors signing up for a Tom Cruise movie “have to be ready to perform their own stunts and fully understand their character and part.” She further hailed Cruise's commitment to safety, reflected through his frequent performance of dangerous stunts.
The Ballet Effect
Barbaro's role in Top Gun: Maverick was not only mentally challenging but also physically demanding. However, her background in ballet helped her brace for these rigorous demands.
She revealed how her experience with inverted movements in ballet helped her handle the somewhat unusual sensations experienced during in-flight sequences. This flexibility, combined with her overall physical preparation, ensured she endured the intense flight scenes without any undue discomfort.
The Road Ahead
The journey of Monica Barbaro is undoubtedly inspiring for several aspiring actors. From battling sexist rumors to showcasing extraordinary physical prowess, Barbaro illustrates the multifarious challenges and rewards of acting. With an array of projects under her belt, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's FUBAR, she is just at the beginning of a promising path.
For those wishing to experience the thrill and drama of Top Gun: Maverick, it is available for streaming on Prime Video, with the original Top Gun available on Paramount+.
