According to People magazine and The Hollywood Reporter, the 59-year-old actor, clad in aviator sunglasses, arrived at the red carpet event in a helicopter, which landed on the retired USS Midway aircraft carrier in San Diego.
Although some outlets reported that Cruise, who has a pilot’s license, was flying the N547SA Airbus, he told “Entertainment Tonight” that he wasn’t controlling the chopper Wednesday.
“I do fly that helicopter, but not today,” he told “ET.”
The highly anticipated sequel to the 1986 movie “Top Gun,” which faced several delays because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is coming to theaters May 27, People reported. Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, Jon Hamm and Manny Jacinto also star in the film, according to the entertainment outlet.
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Tom Cruise attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Tom Cruise attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" World Premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Tom Cruise arrives at the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Tom Cruise arrives at the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere A general view of atmosphere during the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Tom Cruise attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Rachel McAdams attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Jennifer Connelly attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Jay Ellis attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry attend "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola attend the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Greg Tarzan Davis attends "Top Gun: Maverick" World Premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Joseph Kosinski attends "Top Gun: Maverick" World Premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Ian Boggs attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Dianne Doan and Manny Jacinto attend the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Keleigh Sperry attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Natalie Mariduena attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Jason Nash attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Peter Weber attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Monica Barbaro attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Glen Powell attends "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Tom Cruise arrives by helicopter to 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiere Lyliana Wray attends the "Top Gun: Maverick" world premiere on May 4, 2022, in San Diego. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)