Penny isn’t a new character in Top Gun 2: Maverick – that’s what she was called in the original

That Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Penny (Jennifer Connelly) have a history before “Top Gun 2: Maverick” becomes more than clear in the film. Although she has not been running the bar near the Pilot Base for very long, it soon becomes apparent that the two have been dating before. But this relationship did not end well. Penny’s daughter Amelia (Lyliana Wray) then makes it clear to the pilot, but please don’t break her mother’s heart this time.

But what even some die-hard fans of the original may have overlooked: This penny was already a subject in “Top Gun”. There Maverick meets Charlie (Kelly McGillis), but in the first part an old love is mentioned several times.

For example, his superior Stinger (James Tolkan) scolds him for having an affair with the daughter of an admiral. And Carole (Meg Ryan), the wife of his best friend Goose (Anthony Edwards), mentions this relationship and even names it: Penny Benjamin!

Jennifer Connelly’s Penny Is The Admiral’s Daughter From ‘Top Gun’

And it really is the same penny, as Top Gun: Maverick makes clear twice. This is teased in the movie by mentioning that this Penny is also an Admiral’s daughter. And to avoid misunderstandings, she is then really identified as Penny Benjamin.

Also Director Joseph Kosinsky confirmed to be the same character. Including Penny gave him a chance to introduce a character who hasn’t been seen before, but still makes a reference to the old movie.

Then again, there was never any plan to bring Kelly McGillis back as Charlie. While it was important to Kosinski to always address the old film, he wanted to work with new stories and faces. There’s also a connection to Maverick’s old wingman Goose through a new character: his son, Rooster (Miles Teller). However, it was decided not to bring Meg Ryan back as a mother.

According to his own statement, Kosinksi fought only one returnee alongside Tom Cruise: Val Kilmer. You can currently see in theaters how, despite his throat cancer, the star managed to be worked into the sequel, leading to as much of a retreat from the public eye as possible.

You can also learn more about “Top Gun: Maverick” in our screen love podcast.