Scott Baio confirmed on E! that he actually turned down the part of Maverick.

Linda told Charlie Rose that she turned down the role because it glorified war.

Modine was considered for the role of Maverick.

Turned down the lead role.

Mickey Rourke was offered a role, but turned it down.

Ally Sheedy turned down the role of Charlie Blackwood because she didn't think that anyone would want to see a movie about fighter pilots.

Sheen was considered for the role of Maverick but was determined to be too young.

Brooke Shields was offered the role of Charlie, but lost it to an unknown, Kelly McGillis due to scheduling conflicts from Princeton.

John Travolta was considered for the lead role, but producers were reportedly worried that he would not draw a big box office at that time.

Winger was considered for the role of Charlie Blackwood, but producers wanted an unknown for the part: Kelly McGillis.