Why That Worked – Episode #2: Top Gun Maverick—The Strategy Behind Its Billion-Dollar Success

Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction

In the second episode of Why That Worked presented by StoryBrand.ai, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed delve into the phenomenal success of the blockbuster film Top Gun Maverick. They explore the multifaceted strategies that propelled the movie to gross over $1.4 billion globally and nearly $800 million domestically. Through an engaging dialogue, the duo dissects the elements that made the sequel not just a nostalgic triumph but also a masterclass in strategic filmmaking and marketing.

Unpacking the Box Office Phenomenon

Kyle Reed kicks off the conversation by sharing his personal experience watching Top Gun Maverick with friends, highlighting the communal and memorable aspects of viewing the film:

"[...] Nobody listening to this has had a better experience watching that movie than I." [01:18]

They then shift focus to the impressive financial metrics:

"The earnings on this movie... it made $1.4 billion globally." [01:59]

This success is particularly noteworthy given the challenging post-COVID environment, where theater attendance was waning. Kyle points out that Top Gun Maverick emerged at a time when audiences were hesitant to return to theaters, making its triumph even more remarkable.

Tom Cruise: The Strategic Superstar

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Tom Cruise's career trajectory and his deliberate choices that prioritize maintaining his status as a global superstar over pursuing critical acclaim. Kyle outlines Cruise's filmography to illustrate this strategy:

"Tom Cruise's strategic choice of roles... Jerry Maguire, Mission Impossible series, Top Gun Maverick, etc." [04:02]

Kyle emphasizes Cruise's commitment to blockbuster franchises and roles that resonate with wide audiences, contributing substantially to his enduring popularity. This approach contrasts with seeking roles that garner Academy Awards, underscoring Cruise's focus on mass appeal and box office success.

Maintaining Persona and Image Control

The hosts explore how Cruise meticulously crafts and maintains his on-screen persona, blurring the lines between character and self. Kyle shares observations on Cruise’s dedication:

"He's obsessive about the role, how he appears. He is all in." [07:02]

This relentless embodiment of his characters—evident in his insistence on performing his own stunts—enhances the authenticity and appeal of his films. The discussion touches upon Cruise’s ability to control his public image, especially in the face of past controversies, reinforcing his status as a beloved action star.

Harnessing the Power of Formulaic Storytelling

Donald Miller introduces the concept of using established storytelling frameworks to ensure narrative success. He references Blake Snyder's "Save the Cat" beat sheet, a foundational blueprint in Hollywood screenwriting:

"The beat sheet includes steps like opening image, theme stated, setup, catalyst, debate, break into Act 2, etc." [16:00]

Kyle concurs, highlighting that Top Gun Maverick adheres closely to this formula:

"Toy Story 2 and Top Gun Maverick use every fricking beat and pretty much don't add anything else." [17:27]

By following these tried-and-true narrative structures, the film guarantees a satisfying and familiar storyline that resonates with audiences, contributing to its widespread acclaim and financial success.

The Emotional Leverage of Nostalgia

A pivotal element in the movie’s success is its strategic use of nostalgia. Kyle elaborates on how the film taps into collective memories and sentiments:

"Nostalgia, absolutely. We had multi generations participating in conversation around it." [19:18]

They discuss the psychological underpinnings of nostalgia, explaining how selective memory and positive recollections of the past make audiences more receptive to reboots and sequels of beloved classics. This emotional connection not only drives ticket sales but also fosters a communal viewing experience that enhances the movie's cultural impact.

Innovative Marketing and Attention-Grabbing Tactics

The conversation transitions to the marketing strategies that amplified Top Gun Maverick's reach. Kyle attributes a significant portion of the film’s success to Cruise's ability to generate buzz through unconventional methods:

"They knew the rules and they knew how to work in the environment... they added the rules in to lead to their success." [28:30]

By refusing to release the film on streaming platforms—a move that diverged from industry trends—the team behind Top Gun Maverick positioned the movie as a must-see theatrical event. This decision capitalized on the post-pandemic resurgence of theater attendance, making the film a centerpiece of social outings and communal experiences.

Quality and Humility as Success Drivers

Despite the film’s formulaic approach, Kyle and Donald argue that Top Gun Maverick's success is not solely due to its adherence to established storytelling techniques. The hosts stress that quality execution is paramount:

"The movie was so incredibly formulaic speaks to the humility of Tom Cruise." [23:38]

They contrast this with unsuccessful sequels and projects, emphasizing that even with nostalgia and formulaic elements, the actual quality of the film must meet audience expectations to achieve monumental success. Kyle cites Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis as an example of how a star's influence cannot salvage a poorly executed project.

Cultural and Societal Resonance

The discussion also touches on how Top Gun Maverick aligns with contemporary cultural sentiments. Kyle connects the film’s portrayal of American pride and military prowess with current societal dynamics:

"They leaned into the pride of the military of the United States." [24:04]

By resonating with themes of national pride and strength, the movie not only appeals to patriotic sentiments but also taps into a universal admiration for heroism and teamwork. This alignment with cultural values further cements the film's broad appeal and enduring legacy.

Conclusion: The Interplay of Strategy and Stardom

In wrapping up, Kyle Reed encapsulates the essence of Top Gun Maverick's success by highlighting the interplay between strategic filmmaking and Tom Cruise's star power:

"There's a person. There’s a man. That is the main reason this thing is going to succeed." [28:21]

The episode concludes with the affirmation that Top Gun Maverick is a testament to how combining proven storytelling formulas, strategic marketing, cultural resonance, and the unwavering dedication of a star like Tom Cruise can culminate in a cinematic blockbuster that stands the test of time.

Notable Quotes

• Kyle Reed on personal experience:

  "Nobody listening to this has had a better experience watching that movie than I." [01:18]

• Kyle Reed on the movie's financial success:

  "The earnings on this movie... it made $1.4 billion globally." [01:59]

• Kyle Reed on Tom Cruise’s career strategy:

  "Tom Cruise decided he wanted to be and stay a global superstar. He did not want critical acclaim." [06:06]

• Kyle Reed on Cruise's persona:

  "He's obsessive about the role, how he appears. He is all in." [07:02]

• Donald Miller on Blake Snyder's influence:

  "Blake Snyder's Save the Cat is the formula for how to write a movie." [16:00]

• Kyle Reed on nostalgia’s impact:

  "Nostalgia, absolutely. We had multi generations participating in conversation around it." [19:18]

• Kyle Reed on marketing strategy:

  "They knew the rules and they knew how to work in the environment." [28:30]

• Kyle Reed on the importance of the star:

  "Show me the person. And Tom Cruise is the person." [28:21]

Final Thoughts

Why That Worked offers a comprehensive analysis of Top Gun Maverick's success, blending personal anecdotes, strategic insights, and industry knowledge. By examining the synergy between timeless storytelling, strategic marketing, and the magnetic presence of Tom Cruise, the hosts provide listeners with valuable lessons on creating enduring success in the competitive world of entertainment.

Thank you for tuning into Why That Worked presented by StoryBrand.ai. Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses of the strategies behind the world's biggest successes.