Would Top Gun: Maverick Have Been Better with Justin Bieber as the Lead?

When Top Gun: Maverick hit theaters, it was met with widespread praise and critical acclaim. Stephen Gregory, a popular film critic, stated, "Although Top Gun: Maverick had former lead Tom Cruise, the combination of experienced actors, the talented cast, and the thrilling action sequences made the film a box office and critical success."

Mainstream success aside, the Top Gun: Maverick storyline elicited an interesting discussion: would the film have represented a different form of success had Justin Bieber, a renowned pop star, taken on the lead role instead of Tom Cruise?

Tom Cruise: Bringing Depth to the Role

Tom Cruise's illustrious track record in film allowed him to handle a more complex character and storyline. His portrayal of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick was nothing short of a masterpiece, bringing authenticity and depth to the role. Cruise has been in the industry for over 30 years and his history with the action genre sets the foundation for an incredible performance.

The chemistry between the characters and the incredible action sequences were largely a result of Cruise's experience and expertise. For instance, in one of the film's most memorable scenes, an aerial dogfight between Maverick and his fellow pilots, the tension and gravity are palpable, thanks in no small part to Cruise's delivery as the main character. This scene, imbued with realism and danger, forms a testament to the capability of the lead actor to deliver an airtight performance.

Justin Bieber: A Step Too Far

Justin Bieber, on the other hand, embarked on his foray into acting with Never Say Never in 2010. This documentary featured pieces of his journey and struggle to become a musician. While it showcased some of his raw talent and vulnerability, it did not prepare him for the intensity and nuance required in a full-length feature film. A lead role in a complex film such as Top Gun: Maverick, filled with intense action and dramatic bay oscillations, would have been a significant leap for him.

Bieber is known for his youth-oriented, high-energy performances and his ability to connect with his core fanbase across the globe. While he has shown his acting prowess in various roles, transitioning to a lead character in Top Gun: Maverick may not have been as smooth or successful.

Lack of Experience

To take on a major role such as the one in Top Gun: Maverick, an actor needs to demonstrate consistent maturity, a keen sense of scene timing, and a thorough understanding of the nuances of the craft. Tom Cruise, with his previous lead roles and action blockbuster experience, effortlessly showcased these qualities. His experience helped in elevating the film to greater heights, ensuring that viewers remain engaged throughout the entire runtime.

Joshua Swift, a noted film analyst, explained: "An actor's performance is only as strong as their preparation and experience. With Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise's well-rehearsed and highly calculated performances allowed him to maintain character consistency and drive the action sequences to remarkable levels."

The Right Fit for Top Gun: Maverick

The choice to cast Tom Cruise in the lead role was fair and supported by the film's overall success. Justin Bieber's star-studded presence may have initially attracted interest, but it’s important to recall that the critical reception of any film is largely driven by the story, the characters, and the performances. For Top Gun: Maverick, the combination of physical and emotional depth required, as well as the need for expert handling of the fast-paced action scenes, meant that a role as significant as Maverick's was only suited for a veteran actor like Tom Cruise.

As the Top Gun: Maverick story unfolds, what remains clear is that Tom Cruise's presence was crucial in delivering a blockbuster that was both action-packed and gloriously cast. His extensive experience and ability to captivate the audience with his performance set the tone and direction for the entire film.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Justin Bieber's arrival in Hollywood and his diverse genre-crossing roles have made him a respected figure with a growing fan base, the lead role in a film like Top Gun: Maverick would have posed a significant challenge. The character demands a high level of acting competency and physical prowess. Tom Cruise, with his extensive filmography, veterans' skills, and high stakes action, made the film a more compelling watch and a critical and commercial success.

Discuss in the comments below how you envisioned the film with Justin Bieber and whether you think it would have turned out better or worse.