Top Gun: Maverick introduced a new class of aviators to the Top Gun Navy training program and Glen Powell’s Hangman is one of the more exciting pilots to wander through the halls. With an all-new cast of characters in Top Gun: Maverick, there was a chance for the long-awaited sequel to stumble if the characters did not have the same charisma as Charlie Blackwood, Iceman, Goose, Viper, and the other memorable people who dotted Tony Scott’s classic 1986 action drama.
Fortunately, everyone invited to Top Gun: Maverick perfectly fits the tone and world, maybe none more so than Glen Powell, who has a supporting role as LT Jake “Hangman” Seresin. Hangman is a talented pilot and cocksure soldier who has a rivalry with Rooster (Miles Teller) throughout the film. This performance marks the very start of Glen Powell’s rise to fame, so he’s not quite at the center of the film just yet, but even with his limited screen time, he makes a big impression. His call sign, “Hangman”, also makes him hard to forget.
Hangman Is Called Hangman Because He ‘Leaves You Out To Dry’
Seresin Flips The Script On His Call Sign At The End Of Top Gun: Maverick
According to LT Natasha “Phoenix” Trace (Monica Barbaro), another mission candidate, Hangman is Seresin’s call sign because “[he] will always leave you out to dry.” It’s a reference to his ego and unwillingness to play second fiddle to anyone. If a pilot needs help, they shouldn’t expect Hangman to come. This is proven entirely false at the end of Top Gun: Maverick, because when Rooster and Maverick (Tom Cruise) look done for, Hangman arrives just in time to save the day and get them back safely. The only thing hung out to dry is everyone’s ᴀssessment of Hangman.
Glen Powell Originally Turned The Role Down Because The Character Was One-Dimensional
Powell At First Had A Different Idea For Hangman’s Call Sign
When Glen Powell was first offered the role of Jake Seresin, he turned it down. Powell originally auditioned for the role of Rooster, but when Teller got it, Powell was offered the Seresin part. The actor found the character to be too one-dimensional, saying (via GQ),
“If I were editing this movie, I would cut him out immediately.”
The original Seresin was a bad pilot and had found himself at Top Gun due to nepotism, and Powell thought a character like that didn’t service the movie at all. Cruise and the director Joseph Kosinski had enough faith in Powell that they reworked the character based on his suggestions, greatly improving Seresin, and ensuring Powell would appear in the movie. Powell said about the change,
“I said my piece to Tom about what I do and what I do well, and he listened. Tom’s a listener. He listens to the crew members, he listens to his collaborators, and he hears people.”
Powell even had a hand in creating the character’s call sign (via Cinemablend). Powell’s character was originally called “Slayer”, but during a production briefing, he learned that his call sign was actually an Air Force call sign. Wanting a Navy one, he spoke with Naval aviators and decided on “Hangman” with their help.
Why The Call Signs Are Such An Iconic Part Of Top Gun As A Franchise
Each Call Sign Has A Meaning Behind It
The call signs in Top Gun are such an important part of the franchise that the second film in the series is named for Tom Cruise’s call sign. Each call sign has some sort of significance behind it. “Rooster” in Top Gun: Maverick is “Goose’s” (Anthony Edwards) son, so it’s fitting that both pilots would be named after ornery avians. “Maverick” means someone who is independently-minded, perfect for the trailblazing Pete Mitchell. “Iceman” (Val Kilmer) has ice in his veins and makes no mistakes, though he ends up chilling out by Top Gun: Maverick.
When Hangman is put on standby alert at the end of Top Gun: Maverick, his call sign is temporarily changed to “Dagger-Spare”.
Beyond being interesting insights into each character, the call signs are simply cool. Each one is a fun and easy way to remember each character, and they give everyone a flavor, even if they appear for only a moment. Glen Powell would have been a memorable part of Top Gun: Maverick no matter his name, but calling him Hangman just adds another awesome layer to the character.
