Tom Cruise is returning as Pete “Maverick” Mitchel for Top Gun 3. Paramount Pictures announced his return at CinemaCon on April 16, 2026. The presentation also confirmed that Jerry Bruckheimer will return as producer.
The project’s script remains in development. No release date has been announced. The studio has not confirmed a production start schedule.
Background on the Franchise
The original Top Gun was released in 1986. It starred Tom Cruise in one of his early leading roles. Tony Scott directed the film. Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer produced it. The film earned approximately $357 million worldwide on a reported budget of about $15 million. It became a major commercial success and established the franchise’s long-term cultural presence.
Top Gun: Maverick was released in 2022 after several delays. Joseph Kosinski directed the film. Tom Cruise returned to the lead role nearly 36 years after the original release. The cast included returning actor Val Kilmer in a limited role, along with new cast members such as Miles Teller.
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The film earned approximately $1.49 billion worldwide, according to box office tracking data. It became one of the highest-grossing films of 2022. It also remained in theaters for an extended period due to strong audience demand. The film received major awards recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
The strong commercial performance of Maverick contributed to renewed franchise development at Paramount.
JENNIFER CONNELLY PLAYS PENNY BENJAMIN AND TOM CRUISE PLAYS CAPT. PETE “MAVERICK” MITCHELL IN TOP GUN: MAVERICK FROM PARAMOUNT PICTURES, SKYDANCE AND JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS.
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Early work on a third installment began following the 2022 release. However, the studio has not confirmed a completed script or production schedule.
Others Attached to the Project
Joseph Kosinski directed Maverick, but his involvement in the third film has not been officially confirmed as director. However, it seems he has taken part in early creative discussions.
Screenwriter Ehren Kruger has been linked in reporting to early story development work. He previously contributed to Top Gun: Maverick. His exact role on the third film has not been defined by Paramount.
Tom Cruise will face existential crisis in Top Gun 3 according to director Joseph Kosinski
“It’s an existential question that Maverick has to deal with, that would make Maverick feel small. Yeah, there’s still more story to tell for him. There’s one last ride.” pic.twitter.com/NmbP6FHRhT
— Emir Han (@RealEmirHan) April 9, 2026
The studio has not confirmed returning supporting cast members. No filming locations or production timelines have been released. Paramount continues to prioritize established franchises within its theatrical strategy.
At this stage, Top Gun 3 remains a developing project rather than an active production. Core elements such as script approval, casting expansion, and filming schedules are still under development.
Are you excited for Top Gun 3? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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As long as Cruise is in the lead role this remains one of the few franchises on my “Take my money!” list. Tom Cruise is back; no matter how they spin it, Tom Cruise IS the face of Top Gun and passing the torch will be difficult.
Not to say they can’t have more exciting movies made about military aviation but they wouldn’t be Top Gun.
I never got particularly excited about the scientology midget, myself, though I like how he is above telling us what to think. And he certainly is a bona-fide movie star.
Wasn’t Top Gun some kind of gay propaganda, even, though, reportedly, a decent movie.
Hollywood has alienated me so much that, whatever movie I watch, I’m just thinking This is DEI, That is messaging, and I just can’t watch anything made after circa 2010