Top Gun 3 is moving forward, but Tom Cruise will only make the sequel if it can surpass Top Gun: Maverick. Glen Powell knows the story’s broad direction, Ehren Kruger is writing, and Joseph Kosinski has teased an “existential” crisis for Maverick. No filming date or release date is confirmed.
What Is the Latest Top Gun 3 Update?
Image © 2022 Scott Garfield / Paramount Pictures
Top Gun 3 is moving forward, but the sequel remains in development. Tom Cruise is expected to return as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Jerry Bruckheimer is producing, and Ehren Kruger is writing. Cruise does not want another Top Gun movie unless it can beat Top Gun: Maverick.
What Does Glen Powell Know About the Top Gun 3 Story?
Glen Powell knows the story direction, but he has not read a finished script. His comments show the third film has a clear idea, even as key details still remain unsettled.
- Story knowledge: Powell said, “I probably know as much as you do. I know general brushstrokes of a story. I haven’t read anything.”
- Development talks: Powell remains in contact with Cruise and talked with Bruckheimer about the project.
- Powell’s joke: He said, “Hopefully I’m not the age of Maverick in Maverick by the time I make it.”
- Cruise’s return: Paramount has moved Top Gun 3 forward, with Cruise expected to return as Maverick.
- Creative team: Bruckheimer is returning as producer, while Kruger is writing the sequel.
- Story progress: Christopher McQuarrie said the main story is “already in the bag,” but that does not mean the script is finished.
- Hangman’s status: Powell has not been officially confirmed to return as Jake “Hangman” Seresin.
- Rooster’s status: Miles Teller could return as Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, but his role is not confirmed.
- Release timing: There is no filming date or release date yet.
Why Will Tom Cruise Only Make Top Gun 3 If It Can Beat Maverick?
Cruise appears to treat Top Gun: Maverick as the standard the next movie must pass. The 2022 film became a huge box office hit, so the team does not want a sequel simply because the franchise is popular.
- Cruise’s condition: Powell said, “Tom’s not going to do it unless he thinks it can beat Maverick.”
- Cruise’s working style: Powell explained, “He doesn’t want yes men around, he wants somebody who’s gonna challenge the script to make it better.”
- Maverick’s crisis: Joseph Kosinski teased that Maverick will face “a really existential crisis” in the new story.
- Bigger stakes: Kosinski said the problem is “much bigger than himself,” suggesting a larger personal and mission-level challenge.
- One last ride: Kosinski said, “There’s still more story to tell for him. There’s one last ride.”
- Final mission: That does not confirm Top Gun 3 will be Maverick’s final mission.
- Director status: Kosinski is involved in development, but his return as director is not officially confirmed.
- Cruise’s tease: Cruise said, “Maverick’s going to be in it. There’s going to be fighter jets. It’s going to be cool. There’s going to be cool music. That’s about all I can say.”
Final Thoughts
Top Gun 3 is moving forward, but the next installment will take time. Tom Cruise wants a story strong enough to match Top Gun: Maverick, while producer Jerry Bruckheimer and writer Ehren Kruger continue the development process. For now, fans of the Top Gun franchise will have to wait for filming and release news.
FAQs
Paramount has moved Top Gun 3 forward, with Tom Cruise expected to return as Navy pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.
Glen Powell has discussed the story and development, but his return as Hangman has not been officially confirmed.
Miles Teller could return as Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, but his role in the third film is not confirmed.
Joseph Kosinski has teased a major “existential crisis” for Maverick, but the full story remains under wraps.
Top Gun 3 does not yet have a filming date or release date, so fans will need to wait for Paramount’s next official update.