Monica Barbaro, the breakout star of Top Gun: Maverick, is still riding high after the film’s massive success and recent Oscar nomination. In an exclusive interview, the actress opened up about how her Top Gun family celebrated the news — and whether fans can expect a third installment in the iconic franchise.
Barbaro, who played the fierce and talented pilot Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace, shared that her Top Gun group chat “blew up” after the film earned a Best Picture nomination at the 2023 Oscars. “It was chaos in the best way,” she laughed. “Everyone was texting at once, celebrating and reminiscing about how far we’ve come. It’s such a tight-knit group, and this felt like a win for all of us.”
The actress also revealed that the cast remains incredibly close, often staying in touch and supporting each other’s projects. “We’re like a little family,” she said. “Tom [Cruise] is always checking in, Miles [Teller] and Glen [Powell] are constantly cracking jokes, and we all just cheer each other on. It’s really special.”
But the big question on everyone’s mind is whether there will be a third Top Gun movie. Barbaro stayed coy but dropped a few tantalizing hints. “I can’t say too much, but I will say this: the story isn’t over yet,” she teased. “There’s so much more to explore with these characters, and I think fans would love to see where they go next. If the opportunity comes, I’d be there in a heartbeat.”
Fans have been speculating about a potential sequel ever since Maverick shattered box office records and became one of the most beloved films of 2022. With its heart-pounding aerial sequences, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters, the movie proved that the Top Gun legacy is far from over.
Barbaro’s rising star power has also been a major talking point. Since Maverick, she’s been busy with new projects, but she admits that Phoenix will always hold a special place in her heart. “She’s such a strong, inspiring character, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to bring her to life,” she said. “I hope we get to see more of her story.”
As for the Oscars, Barbaro is keeping her fingers crossed for a big night. “It’s such an honor to be part of something that’s been recognized like this,” she said. “No matter what happens, I’m just so proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
With Oscar buzz, a potential third movie, and a cast that’s closer than ever, it’s clear that the Top Gun phenomenon is still soaring. And if Monica Barbaro has anything to say about it, the best is yet to come.
Stay tuned, because the skies are far from quiet for Top Gun.