Kelly McGillis didn’t return for Top Gun: Maverick, and many wondered why Charlie wasn’t in Top Gun 2 when she was Maverick’s love interest in the first movie. Charlie was hesitant to start a romance with Maverick, but attraction between them was just too strong. Despite their mutual admiration, Goose’s tragic death and Charlie’s job caused their brief split, but Top Gun‘s ending ultimately saw them getting back together, hinting at a long-term future. This is why there being no Kelly McGillis Top Gun: Maverick appearance, and Mitchell with a new love interest in Penny Benjamin (Jennifer Connelly), raised eyebrows.
https://screenrant.com/why-kelly-mcgillis-charlie-isnt-in-top-gun-maverick/