Ridley Scott is one of Hollywood’s most prominent directors. The director recently explained why he turned down the directing job of the much-awaited ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘, which blew up at the box office after a Covid-induced lull in 2022.
The film is the sequel to the ‘Gladiator‘ director’s brother Tony Scott’s 1986 American classic ‘Top Gun‘. Ridley Scott has himself helmed many popular franchises. This was certainly no easy decision, of course, but Ridley’s reasoning speaks volumes about his respect for Tony and his dedication to his work.
Ridley Scott’s Emotional ‘Top Gun’ Sequel Decision For His Late Brother
The reason Ridley Scott chose to decline the offer for ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ was mostly because he wanted to pay his respect to his brother Tony. The original ‘Top Gun‘, which became one of the defining films of the 1980s, also sealed Tom Cruise’s status as a global superstar. Tony Scott, tragically deceased in 2012, directed it. Ridley confided in a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he wasn’t comfortable following in Tony’s footsteps on this particular project. “They asked me to [direct] it,” he explained, “and I said, ‘I don’t want to follow my brother.'”
For Ridley, ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ would have been a very personal film, one he feared could compromise his memories of his brother. He thought it best to let another director handle it, not wanting to afford any chance of changing the legacy Tony had made.
This has been Ridley Scott’s development towards proving his integrity as a filmmaker and brotherly loyalty by declining to sign up for ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘. He would have surpassed the work done on the original by his brother Tony had he signed up for the sequel. By turning away from the sequel, Ridley ensured that Tony Scott would be the only Scott brother associated with this iconic movie.
Ridley Scott’s Filmmaking Sensibilities Didn’t Fit ‘Top Gun’
Another reason Ridley Scott said he didn’t make ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ was the difference in creative style. Ridley Scott has mentioned a key distinction between himself and brother Tony. Tony Scott was especially excellent in fast-paced action films and always had a good focus on the stories that are in current settings.
On the other hand, Ridley prefers historical dramas, sci-fi, and fantasy films. His filmography comprises ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Alien‘, and ‘The Martian’. With ‘Blade Runner‘ and Alien, his work emphasizes far-reaching concepts and otherworldly ideas, whereas Tony’s work clings closely to the adrenaline-pumping action genre.
In case you missed it: Ridley Scott Reveals Joaquin Phoenix Nearly Quit ‘Gladiator’ Because Of Last-Moment Meltdown
Ridley had openly admitted to this distinction, saying he wouldn’t be able to do what ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ required of its style. Instead, he preferred the sequel to be the same as the first film in terms of tone and style that Tony had laid down; that’s where an action-packed director such as Joseph Kosinski fits right in.
Top Gun: Maverick Broke Records At The Box Office
With Ridley stepping aside, ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ was directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his visually stunning work on ‘Oblivion‘ and ‘Tron: Legacy‘. Kosinski’s direction, in conjunction with Tom Cruise’s commitment to authenticity (he even piloted fighter jets), brought the franchise back in a big way. Released in 2022, ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ received widespread acclaim, broke box-office records, and secured a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. It balanced nostalgia with fresh storytelling so well that it proved that Ridley’s inability to take up the project led to a perfect creative match.
In this world dominated by sequels and reboots, Ridley’s decision to not produce ‘Top Gun‘ sequel or any reboot was a rare and touching tribute to his brother’s artistic legacy. Although it would be great to see what Ridley would have brought into Top Gun, his choice reflects a respect for the film’s roots and Tony’s voice.
