MH: Did you see the original Top Gun?
Jack: Of course! I saw the original for the first time when I was a teenager and loved it right away. And then when I got the audition I watched it a few more times during that whole process.
What was the audition process like? How long did you have to wait till you got the part?
I had three rounds of auditions and the final one was with the director Joseph Kosinski in the room. Those all went great and I remember feeling like I may have booked it when I walked out of the final audition. The tough part then was having to wait over a month to hear back. I was told at one point that Tom Cruise was looking at my tape which was a mind-blowing thing to hear, but obviously a very good sign. Then finally one day my manager met me in person to surprise me with the amazing news that I got the part.
Did you train for the film? What went into that training?
Yes there was a lot of research about F-18s and how Top Gun pilots train themselves and what they go through. I had classroom sessions about the basics of flying before we actually got to fly with an instructor which was a wild experience. And then of course, it was necessary to get into the best shape possible physically in order to represent the strength these pilots actually need in order to do this job.
What was the experience like filming with Tom Cruise? Many people in interviews have said Tom set the standard on set and really mentored the cast. How was it for you?
Working with Tom Cruise was exactly that. He is without a doubt one of the kindest, motivated, and hard-working people I’ve had the pleasure to be around. From day one he made everyone feel welcome, but more than that he has an infectious ability to inspire everyone else to bring their absolute A game to a project. My favorite memories from the film were the impromptu sessions Tom held with the cast. He would hold court and just talk. It was like a masterclass on film-making and acting.
What is the one thing that surprised you about the experience? It’s one thing to film the movie but to have a huge blockbuster and then all the press and premiere is it overwhelming?
One thing that surprised me about the experience was the level of knowledge and invaluable experience I would take from being on a set with such a massively talented cast and crew. Every day I felt like I was absorbing something crucial, and the amount that I’ve taken from my time on set and the relationships I’ve built from it have already had a massive effect on my overall work ethic and approach to a performance. To be part of something of this caliber and then see it so well received has been nothing short of surreal. The entire experience could really be described as surreal, but to see my name attached to a piece of work like this really is a dream come true.
Is there something you will take with you to every job you have after this?
Yes there is so much I take with me to each job now that it’s hard to pin it down to just a few things. Never stop being curious, ask questions, and let go of fear. Fear is ultimately the one thing that holds you back in every situation.
What projects are you working on next?
I have a couple of projects that will be out this fall. One is a thriller horror film and also a new series on Hulu about the story behind The Chippendales in the 1970s.
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