Warning: Contains potential SPOILERS for Top Gun: Maverick
Reviving Top Gun's Iceman vs. Maverick formula, Top Gun: Maverick features an intense rivalry between Rooster and Hangman, which begs an interesting question: who among the two is the better pilot? Similar to how Iceman and Maverick are always at odds with one another throughout the span of the original Top Gun, Rooster and Hangman rarely see eye to eye in Top Gun: Maverick. The two do eventually develop some mutual understanding toward the end of the film by playing their part in the final mission, but it is hard not to wonder who deserves more credit for the mission's successful completion.
Other than featuring slam-bang acrobatic aerobics with a vast array of supersonic fighter planes, Top Gun: Maverick reflects on how the aeronautical performances and team dynamics of its primary characters are deeply affected by their personal lives. While Maverick cannot help but feel protective of Rooster because of his traumatic history with his father, Rooster brawls his self-inflicted limitations to prove his worth as a pilot. Meanwhile, Hangman oozes unmatched confidence, but his cockiness holds him back from being a team player.
Throughout Top Gun: Maverick, both Hangman and Rooster go through their own rite of passage and learn that there is a lot more to being a great pilot than meets the eye. From the beginning, Lt. Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw (Miles Teller) emerges as a potential leader because of his willingness to take one for the team. However, he gets bogged down by his self-doubt and by-the-book methods. He only reaches his true potential when he takes Maverick's advice to his heart and learns to trust his flying instincts instead of fearing them. As a result, in the final mission, he outperforms everyone — except Maverick — and even shows extreme courage when he strays away from the team only to save Maverick. His awe-inspiring catharsis, acts of valor in the face of danger, and openness to shedding old ways make him the superior pilot.
Unlike Rooster, Glen Powell's Hangman mirrors Maverick's over-confidence and arrogance from Top Gun. His hubris holds him back from seeing the forest for the trees, and in turn, despite being extremely skilled, he fails to lead the way for the rest of his team. However, in the initial training segments of the film, Hangman reigns supreme by putting his flying prowess on full display and even enjoying the heck out of every challenge. He also encourages Maverick to defy higher orders and prove that their seemingly impossible mission is possible. Toward the end of the film, Hangman also gets his shot at redemption when he sneaks up on an enemy plane and deftly shoots it down to save Maverick and Rooster. His climactic scenes prove that he has learned his lessons the hard way and is now willing to discard his ego to work with the team. This transformation establishes that more than Rooster, Hangman is the rightful successor of Maverick's legacy.
Ultimately, Rooster and Hangman's storylines come full circle in Top Gun: Maverick as they soar above their weaknesses and become well-rounded pilots. Due to this, the answer to who is better among them can be a little subjective. While Hangman gets the upper hand for his sturdy hold on the control wheel and ability to thrive under pressure, Rooster's comradeship and receptiveness make him a force to be reckoned with.