Maverick knows Penny Benjamin because they share a significant romantic history; she was his girlfriend long before the events depicted in the original Top Gun movie.
Their connection is not new but is deeply rooted in a past relationship that predates Maverick's time at the Top Gun school and his subsequent romance with instructor Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood. This earlier romantic involvement established a foundational bond between them, making Penny a long-standing figure in Maverick's life.
- Past Girlfriend: Penny Benjamin was Maverick's romantic partner.
- Timeline Significance: Their relationship occurred years before Maverick joined the Top Gun program, placing it early in his personal and professional narrative.
This extensive personal history is the reason Penny reappears in Maverick's life as an established, familiar presence rather than a newly introduced character, reflecting a deep-seated connection that has endured over time.
