Long before the release of Top Gun 3, the heavily anticipated blockbuster already has one major difference from Top Gun: Maverick. Since the incredible box office success of 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, it quickly became known that a Top Gun 3 was inevitable. Top Gun 2 is currently the twelfth highest-grossing movie ever made and was the most profitable film of 2022 by a long shot, earning a whopping $1.46 billion at the worldwide box office. Early stages of Top Gun: Maverick had been in development since 2010, allowing 12 years to perfect the highly anticipated Top Gun sequel after the release of the 1986 original.
Top Gun 3 Announcement
Top Gun 3 was confirmed to be in the works at Paramount despite the massive deal Tom Cruise made with Warner Bros. earlier this year. Top Gun 3 was officially announced in January 2024 and will see the return of Cruise as the iconic protagonist, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell. There has also been speculation of a Top Gun: Rooster that was proposed by Miles Teller as recently as 2023, which would focus significantly more on his character. As far as returning characters for Top Gun 3, Cruise and Teller are safe bets, while the return of Glen Powell’s ‘Hangman’ character, as well as John Hamm’s ‘Cyclone’ and Jennifer Connelly’s Penny, are also strong possibilities.
Development Timeline
From its inception to its eventual release, Top Gun: Maverick took decades to make happen from script to screen. Rumors of a Top Gun sequel had been kicked around since the release of the original movie in 1986, but it wasn’t until 2010 that Paramount seriously started to develop a sequel. Even after that major step forward, it still took another 12 years to hit screens and become one of the most financially successful movies ever made. By comparison, it has not even been two years since Maverick came out and already a new sequel is in some stage of development, with confirmed story ideas and production timelines on the horizon.
Challenges and Expectations
With Top Gun 3 likely unable to hit theaters until 2026, this still allows Cruise and Paramount ample time to fully develop the project although the impact and hype around the release might be significantly less than the long-awaited Maverick. With Cruise now in his 60s, it would be the best-case scenario to have him star in as many Top Gun movies as they can possibly churn out, so there is greater urgency behind Top Gun 3 and the future of the entire franchise. Teller is likely to be handed down the reins of Top Gun eventually, but it would be great to have a true Cruise Top Gun trilogy before that happens.
Top Gun 3 faces an extremely high bar to overcome if it wants to classify itself as the best of the franchise. There are certainly ways that it can do this without having to focus so intently on honoring the original characters and plot of the 1986 movie, which Maverick was essentially forced to do. Top Gun 3 could establish a new energy in the franchise by branching into uncharted territory, such as creating antagonists with more identity and expanding on characters added to Maverick that aren’t connected to the original film. There’s an element of magic in Maverick that Top Gun 3 can certainly ride off but might not be able to capture.
FAQ
How does Top Gun 3 differ from Top Gun: Maverick?
Top Gun 3 differs from Top Gun: Maverick in that it is positioned as a more traditional sequel rather than a legacy sequel. While Top Gun: Maverick brought back cherished characters from the original film, Top Gun 3 will likely establish its own storyline without relying heavily on nostalgia.
Who are the confirmed returning characters for Top Gun 3?
Tom Cruise is confirmed to return as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, and Miles Teller is expected to reprise his role as Rooster. Additionally, there is speculation about the return of characters played by Glen Powell, John Hamm, and Jennifer Connelly.
When was Top Gun 3 officially announced?
Top Gun 3 was officially announced in January 2024 by Paramount Pictures.
What impact might Tom Cruise’s age have on the future of the Top Gun franchise?
Tom Cruise’s age, as he approaches his 60s, adds urgency to the production of Top Gun sequels to ensure his continued involvement in the franchise. It is likely that Cruise will eventually pass the reins to younger characters like Miles Teller’s Rooster.
How does the release pattern of Top Gun 3 compare to other action franchises like Mission: Impossible?
Top Gun 3 is expected to follow a sequential release pattern similar to other action franchises like Mission: Impossible, potentially releasing every 4 or 5 years from its initial release.
What challenges does Top Gun 3 face in surpassing Top Gun: Maverick?
Top Gun 3 faces the challenge of surpassing the success and acclaim of Top Gun: Maverick, which set a high bar for the franchise. To achieve this, the film may need to explore new territory and expand on characters introduced in Maverick.
How might Top Gun 3 establish its own identity within the franchise?
Top Gun 3 could establish its own identity by creating unique antagonists, expanding on secondary characters, and exploring fresh storylines not directly tied to the original film. This approach could inject new energy into the franchise while honoring its legacy.