Movies - TV
What Every Call Sign In Top Gun: Maverick Really Means
By LYVIE SCOTT
Rooster
Actor Miles Teller chose "Rooster" because it was similar enough (or, a bird at least) to "Goose," his late on-screen dad (Anthony Edwards).
Hangman
Originally, Jake Seresin’s nickname was "Slayer" but Tom Cruise intervened, and the necessary tweaks were made to give the character some nuance, including his call sign.
Phoenix
Monica Barbaro earned her call sign after one night out with the cast. "I had a pretty intense night of frivolity, we'll say, and I rose from the ashes the next day."
Payback
Jay Ellis told USA Today his call sign was pretty fitting from the start. "I remember just going, 'I love Payback! There's nothing better. I'm coming for payback!'"
Fanboy
The call sign "Fanboy" is more or less straightforward. It's clear that Lt. Mickey Garcia (Danny Ramirez) likes to geek out about things.