‘Top Gun 2’ Star Miles Teller Opens Up About ‘Torture Chamber’ While Filming

Tom Cruise fans have been waiting for years for a sequel to the 1986 film “Top Gun,” and in 2021 they will finally get it. However, when “Top Gun: Maverick” is released, there will be several new faces on the cast, including Miles Teller.

Although the movie is praised for its aerial stunts, Teller revealed training for his scenes in the cockpit felt like “torture.” During an interview with Men’s Journal, the 33-year-old opened up about some of the challenges he faced while shooting the upcoming movie.

“Before we got into the jets, we had to pass the Naval Aviation Survival Training course in San Diego. You learn all the protocols you need to go through if you ever have to eject over the ocean,” he explained.

“They drag you across the water, they flip you on your bag, they want to see you able to get out of your harness, and much more. That all leads up to the big test they put you through, which is called ‘The Dunker,’ where they put you into a modified helicopter, strap you to a chair, and then submerge this tank underwater.”

Teller revealed that he was then tasked with escaping the contraption without using his sight. “They blindfold you. Give you a chance to grab your last breath, and then they take you down under the surface,” the actor said.

“Once you are under, they start to flip the tank, and you have to prove you can go through the right operations to get out, as calmly as possible. Your partner is in there with you, and together you have to break open the hatch. It feels like some sort of torture chamber to a degree.”

Although Teller was not a fan of some of the training that was required for the film, he was in awe anytime he came into contact with Cruise on set.

“He elevates everyone around him. He is so dialed into the details that he not only knows every element of his job, but he knows what is going on in every department, from props to wardrobe. He’s a machine,” he gushed to the publication.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is scheduled to be released on July 2, 2021.