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Tom Cruise says landing the role of Navy pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in 'Top Gun' was "life-changing."

The 59-year-old Hollywood star had always dreamt of being either a pilot or an actor growing up, and when he could combine both careers in one film, it was a big thrill for him.

He told HELLO! magazine: "All I ever wanted to be was a pilot or an actor, so 'Top Gun' was a huge moment in so many respects, including my passion for aviation.

"It was life-changing for me.

"I got to actually fly in an F-14 jet which was a dream come true, and play a character I loved in Maverick."

For the latest movie in the blockbuster series, 'Top Gun: Maverick', Tom got to do more plane stunts than ever before.

He said: "The P-51 Mustang you see in the movie is actually my plane, so I got to pilot in those sequences.

"I also got to be in the jet fighter a lot more this time, which was thrilling.

"It was something I had been working up to."

The sequel to the 1986 action-drama comes with an epic soundtrack by Oscar winner Lady Gaga in 'Hold My Hand'.

On how the pop megastar came to record the song, Tom said: "I had seen one of Lady Gaga's shows in Las Vegas and been amazed, so I called her to ask if she could help us.

"She sent the song over and it was perfect.

"It really is the heartbeat of the score."