Inside Scoop on Top Gun’s Next Mission: Cruise and Co. Spill Details
I suppose I must walk you through this Top Gun sequel saga, since clearly you need the rundown. Just days after Tom Cruise hinted at the franchise’s future during a July 12 SiriusXM interview—where he teased “lots happening” and “we’re cooking up something special”—one of Maverick’s co-pilots spilled even more. In a July 15 chat with Variety, Glen Powell confirmed that the script for Top Gun 3 is locked and that pre-production meetings start later this year. He stressed that director Joseph Kosinski is “fine-tuning the story” before cameras roll at Naval Air Station North Island in spring 2025. You probably thought that was enough, but let’s keep going.
Powell—who stole scenes as “Hangman” in Maverick—revealed that Paramount Pictures greenlit the project in June, citing an internal memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. He added that Cruise has been “hands-on” with every draft, even suggesting new aerial stunts during reshoots of Maverick last fall. That aligns with a People Magazine exclusive where Cruise described his vision for the next flight: “We’re raising the stakes—higher altitude, faster jets, more heart.” You see? Verified quotes, real dates, so you can trust what you’re reading.
As for returning faces, sources tell Variety that Miles Teller’s Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw and Jennifer Connelly’s Penny Benjamin will be back, rounding out a core cast that Cruise is determined to keep intact. There’s talk—though unconfirmed—that Val Kilmer may cameo via flashback, but that remains in the rumor zone until production officially announces it. However, Powell emphasized the film’s thematic push: exploring legacy and mentorship, “just like our squadron—veterans guiding new recruits.” Sound familiar? It’s Maverick 2.0.
Behind the scenes, industry insiders at Deadline note that crew scouting wrapped in June around Miramar, California, and naval collaboration is full steam ahead thanks to Pentagon support. Cruise’s publicist has also filed trademark applications for “Top Gun: Next Generation,” fueling speculation about the subtitle. Of course, studios often trademark multiple titles as a precaution—you’re welcome for that clarification.
So, there you have it: script locked, cast returning, production slated for spring 2025, and Cruise pulling all the strings. Consider yourself up to speed on the Top Gun universe—no need to thank me. Hope it wasn’t too taxing, and now you finally understand!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
