The Rise of Glen Powell and Monica Barbaro
It was over three years ago when Glen Powell and Monica Barbaro captured the attention of audiences around the world, thanks to their roles in Top Gun: Maverick. This film, available through a Paramount+ subscription, showcased their talents as Jake “Highball” Seresin and Natasha “Phoenix” Trace, two pilots under the mentorship of Tom Cruise’s iconic character, Pete “Maverick.” Since then, the two have maintained a strong friendship that has only grown stronger with time.
Powell recently shared his admiration for Barbaro, highlighting her unique qualities and the impact she has had on those around her. He spoke about how he knew from the start that she would be an important presence in his life, noting her quiet confidence and grounded nature. As an actor, Barbaro is driven by curiosity rather than ego, which allows her to deeply connect with the characters she portrays.
Barbaro has been recognized for her talent, recently being named one of the world's most influential rising stars in 2025 by TIME. Powell, who reconnected with her over the summer, took the opportunity to write her entry. He praised her transformation into Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown, a Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet. His words reflected not only his appreciation for her performance but also his belief in her future success.
A Strong Bond Among the Cast
The cast of Top Gun: Maverick has remained close since filming, with several members expressing their support for each other. Danny Ramirez, who played Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia, publicly praised Barbaro at the Oscars in March when she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Later in May, Jay Ellis, who portrayed Reuben "Payback" Fitch, revealed that many of the cast members are still in touch through group chats.
While all the cast members share a strong connection, Barbaro and Powell’s bond seems particularly special. It is fitting that Powell was chosen to highlight her achievements for TIME, given their long-standing friendship and mutual respect.
Future Projects and Excitement
Barbaro has continued to expand her career beyond Top Gun: Maverick. She recently appeared in the Netflix series FUBAR, co-starring with Arnold Schwarzenegger, though the show was canceled after two seasons. She will next be seen in Crime 101, alongside Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan, set to release on February 13, 2026. Additionally, she is currently working on the film Artificial with her boyfriend, Andrew Garfield.
Powell, meanwhile, continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. He is currently leading the Hulu-exclusive series Chad Powers and will soon appear in the new film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man. If Top Gun 3 gets the greenlight, it is likely that both Barbaro and Powell will return for the sequel. However, there may be other projects that bring them together before that happens.
For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that these two talented actors remain close friends off-screen, continuing to support each other in their respective careers. Their friendship is a testament to the lasting bonds formed during the making of Top Gun: Maverick, and it is exciting to see where their paths will lead next.
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