Penny Returns (Interlude) is the second piece of music from the Top Gun ‘Maverick’ soundtrack after the previous entry – Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga. I have remarked about my fascination with this movie a few times. I saw it again last night and I found myself in awe all over again. Today’s featured music Penny Returns (Interlude) appears in the initial Darkstar ‘hypersonic’ sequence. One might have expected more ‘gung-ho’ cerca Top Gun ’86 music at this point, but this is where this sequel deviates and supersedes the original. This music spectacularly captures the beauty of the moment of a freed man in the tranquillity of the skies; dreaming to go beyond the limits of aeronautics.
This scene also sets us up with the themes that will follow through the rest of the film. As Maverick comes so close to touching the heavens, and quietly calls out ‘talk to me Goose,’ watching the sun breaking over the horizon, we see Maverick once again pushing the limits, and looking for his friend [seeking redemption]. How could the audience member not become a well of emotions? This piece also reminds me of the music “Tienes que darle cuerda” composed by Sergio de la Puente for the film Sin Fin which I presented in December, 2023.
In June 2017, the original Top Gun composer Harold Faltermeyer returned to score for the sequel. Later, in October 2018, Hans Zimmer (Dark Knight and Dune fame) joined Faltermeyer to score for the film. Zimmer produced a new original theme for the film that was featured in the February 2022 trailer, and was played by guitarist Johnny Marr who has featured here prominently with The Smiths. Marr claimed that the theme was “completely accidental” and did not watch the preview of the film before scoring. Speaking in an interview to Marr said “I think there was some issue with how the theme was sounding, and I was around and I have a guitar. It really was as simple as that.”
It’s said the director confirmed that today’s track for Penny and Maverick was incorporated from the Lady Gaga song and its a more calmer and slower version of the song.
Overall, thank god for this movie..there is still hope in Hollywood.. It’s a passionate effort to translate this good feeling of pure cinema to the audience.
References:
1. Top Gun: Maverick (soundtrack) – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Hi Matt! Anything with Hans Zimmer, will always get my attention! Hope all is well, X
I loved his music in Dune 2. He’s done some good stuff – that’s for sure. Cheers Sharon.
Awesome, Matt!
Good morning from The States!
Yup, it’s pretty, pretty, good. Howdy Ma’am. You have ya self’s a wonderful day.
Great post! Yep I agree with you on “Top Gun: Maverick”. Fantastic film. Music definitely played a role in evoking tense emotions in that movie. One of Tom Cruise’s best films. I’ll never forget the first time I watched it in a theatre with a crowd of excited movie-goers.
So understated, yet majestic!
Yes, it’s so befitting the scene too