Tom Cruise was barred by the Navy from flying an actual F-18 combat jet for the Top Gun sequel, according to one of the film’s producers.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who co-produced the original Top Gun, spoke to Empire about the upcoming film.

According to Bruckheimer, Cruise wanted to make sure the actors “could actually be in the F-18s” while filming the sequel – but having him fly one himself was apparently a no-go.

“The Navy wouldn’t let him fly an F-18,” Bruckheimer told the publication.

“But he flies a P-51 in the movie, and he flies helicopters. He can do just about anything in an airplane.”

In the end, Cruise and some of his castmates shot scenes inside the aircraft while skilled pilots took care of the actual flying.

Bruckheimer says the movie will enable viewers to “experience what it’s like to be in an F-18, in that cockpit with those pilots”.

Top Gun: Maverick is still scheduled for release on 24 June in the US and 17 July in the UK, though the coronavirus pandemic has delayed many of the year’s planned releases.

Cruise will return as the titular Maverick, 34 years after the character was first introduced to viewers.