Summary:
- Following the triumph of Top Gun: Maverick, the announcement of the franchise’s third installment was made.
- Producer Jerry Bruckheimer emphasizes that Top Gun 3’s timeline hinges entirely on Tom Cruise’s schedule.
- Given Cruise’s existing commitments to several ongoing projects, the commencement of production for the third movie will likely be delayed.
The Top Gun films, spearheaded by Tom Cruise, have been phenomenal box-office successes. The 1986 original kickstarted the saga, and in 2022, Top Gun: Maverick continued to mesmerize audiences.
Maverick not only reignited interest in the franchise but also revitalized the pandemic-impacted movie industry.
Despite a significant decline in theater attendance during and after the pandemic, Maverick managed to draw crowds back to cinemas, becoming Cruise’s highest-grossing film with $1.496 billion in global box office earnings.
This triumph naturally sparked discussions about a third installment.
Top Gun 3’s Fate Hangs on Tom Cruise’s Decision
Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer of Top Gun: Maverick alongside Tom Cruise under Paramount Pictures, discussed the potential third installment in the franchise with ComicBook.com.
While the third movie is intended to directly follow Top Gun: Maverick, its realization hinges entirely on Cruise’s schedule. With Cruise being the lead star and juggling numerous other projects, the timing for his involvement in the third movie remains uncertain.
“It’s hard to tell. You don’t know, you really don’t know. You don’t know how they come together. You just don’t know. Because with Top Gun, you have an actor who is iconic and brilliant. And how many movies he does before he does Top Gun, I can’t tell you.”
While Tom Cruise is undoubtedly the linchpin for advancing the storyline, the timing of its fruition remains up in the air.
Tom Cruise Set to Lead Top Gun 3 Too
Jerry Bruckheimer is currently immersed in promoting his upcoming movie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, starring Henry Cavill and directed by Guy Ritchie.
Scheduled for release on April 19, 2024, the World War II spy film has Bruckheimer engaged in various promotional activities, including interviews with Screenrant.
During one such interview, Bruckheimer reaffirmed that Tom Cruise would indeed lead Top Gun 3.
“Tom Cruise is integral to the project. His enthusiasm is remarkable. We’ve collaborated on a compelling story, sparked by a wonderful idea from Joe Kosinski, which Tom has embraced.”
He went on: “However, the timing of production remains uncertain due to Tom’s demanding schedule. Currently immersed in Mission: Impossible and with subsequent commitments, Tom’s availability is a factor we must navigate. Nevertheless, we’re optimistic about crafting a screenplay that resonates with him, and hopefully, we’ll soon take flight again.”
Cruise’s packed schedule includes filming the eighth installment of Mission: Impossible, among other projects, as noted by Bruckheimer.
Despite mixed reactions from fans speculating on the necessity of a third installment following the conclusion of Maverick’s story, the anticipation for Cruise’s return remains palpable.
Top Gun: Maverick is now available for streaming on Paramount Plus.
