Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Connelly is in early talks to join the cast of Top Gun: Maverick as the film's female lead. Connelly would join recent addition Miles Teller and returning cast members Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer.

In May 2017, Tom Cruise, who originally starred in the 1986 film, confirmed plans for a sequel film that would be moving forward. Since that time, production was announced as likely to begin this summer, and an official title to the sequel has been revealed as well. Cruise will be returning for the sequel as Navy pilot Maverick, along with Kilmer who will reprise his role as Iceman. It has been over 30 years since the original Tony Scott-directed film hit theaters. Now, with Joseph Kosinski directing, the film is moving forward looking to add a new cast member to its ensemble.

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According to THR, Jennifer Connelly is in talks to play the film's female lead. Connelly's lead role would feature the actress as a single mother who runs a local bar near the Navy base. Connelly will join returning cast members Cruise and Kilmer. Teller, who was a name in the consideration pool for some time, landed the role of Goose's son earlier this July. In May, Cruise shared the first image from the film.

Maverick (Tom Cruise) talks to Goose (Anthony Edwards) as other pilots walk behind them in Top Gun.

Connelly has taken on roles in various genres including drama, action and romantic comedies. Later in 2018, the Oscar-winner will also be starring in Alita: Battle Angel as Chiren, co-starring the likes of Mahershala Ali and Michelle Rodriguez. Connelly will also be a part of the ensemble cast of Snowpiercer, which has been ordered to series by TNT.

A part from her awards and acclaim, Connelly is an actress that can shift into different genres. While winning her first Oscar for A Beautiful Mind opposite Russell Crowe, her career of more than 30 years has taken her to roles in films such as LabyrinthRequiem for a Dream, and Noah. As a seasoned professional, Connelly will be working alongside industry veterans and younger talents. Connelly has been quite consistent in her performances regardless of genre. She will be a draw for fans of her previous work and her character will add a new dimension to the film's story. With her forthcoming projects, Connelly's addition to Top Gun: Maverick, will continue to add to the film's hype as it moves into production and careens onto the runway for its release in July 2019.

More: Where Are They Now? The Cast Of Top Gun

Source: THR

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