Top Gun Co-Stars Celebrate Barbaro's Rise to Stardom

As of October 1st, 2025, Monica Barbaro, known for her role as "Phoenix" in the hit film Top Gun: Maverick, has been recognized as one of TIME's most influential rising stars. Her co-star from the movie, Glen Powell, who portrayed "Highball," was selected to write Barbaro's TIME entry, reflecting on their close friendship that blossomed during the making of the film.

Powell expressed that he knew Barbaro would become an important figure even when they first started working together on Top Gun: Maverick over three years ago. He praised her talent and predicted a bright future for the actress, who recently starred in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

The strong bond between the Top Gun: Maverick cast members has endured since the film's release. In March, Danny Ramirez, who played "Fanboy," shouted out Barbaro during the Oscars when she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, Jay Ellis, who portrayed "Payback," revealed that the cast, including Powell, Barbaro, Ramirez, and Miles Teller, remain in constant communication through group text chains.

Barbaro's rising star power is further evidenced by her recent roles, including a stint on the Netflix series FUBAR and an upcoming appearance in the film Crime 101, alongside a star-studded cast. As for Powell, he is currently leading the Hulu series Chad Powers and will soon be seen in the new adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man.