Is Top Gun 3 the Most Ambitious Sequel Yet?

The anticipation is palpable as updates emerge regarding Top Gun 3. Director Joseph Kosinski, who masterfully helmed 2022’s Maverick, shares exciting details about the next chapter in the iconic franchise. Set three decades after the original Top Gun, the latest installment will once again see Tom Cruise donning the aviator sunglasses as the legendary pilot, Maverick, mentoring a new generation of aerial aces.

In a recent conversation with ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan, Kosinski confirmed that Top Gun 3 is still in the script-writing phase. Screenwriter Ehren Kruger is diligently crafting the storyline, and while the specifics remain under wraps, Kosinski teases that this next endeavor revolves around a “big idea.” He noted the collaborative work he’s engaged in with experts from the Navy and Lockheed to ensure authenticity in the script.

Ehren Kruger is writing the script as we speak. It’s a big idea that I spent almost a year developing—working with some friends at the Navy and Lockheed. And yeah, Ehren’s into it now, so we’ll see how it comes along.

Kosinski, who previously believed that Maverick might serve as a triumphant finale, admits that the innovative ideas they have brewing pulled him back into the fray. He assures fans that the new narrative is “so ambitious,” sparking excitement about how Maverick’s journey will unfold.

It was about coming up with an idea that—again—felt like a new challenge. Something that opens up the story in a way you just can’t let go. And I think the idea is so ambitious. That’s what’s exciting to me.

What Kosinski’s Update Means For Top Gun 3

When The Film Could Release

As the script continues to evolve, fans may need to exercise patience before witnessing Maverick’s next flight. The timeline depends heavily on how soon the screenplay reaches its final form. Once ready, coordinating schedules with returning cast members like Glen Powell and Miles Teller will be crucial to determining filming dates. Should filming commence late next year, expect Top Gun 3 to potentially grace theaters in 2027 or 2028.

Tom Cruise’s packed schedule, along with commitments from the rest of the cast, plays a significant role in the film’s release trajectory. Beyond Top Gun 3, Cruise is set to collaborate with director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and is working on several projects, including Deeper, which promises a thrilling dive into the unknown, and a World War II film titled Broadsword alongside frequent collaborator Christopher McQuarrie. Notably, Cruise is also slated for an ambitious project set in outer space.

Our Take On Kosinski’s Top Gun 3 Update

The Movie Will Be Worth The Wait After Maverick

The critical reception of Top Gun: Maverick has been overwhelmingly positive, blending heart-pounding action with a moving narrative. With three years since its release, it’s clear that the creative team is leaning into the importance of crafting a worthy successor. This commitment may well foreshadow an exhilarating continuation of Maverick’s story, ensuring fans have something significant to look forward to.

While the narrative direction remains uncertain, Kosinski’s insights hint at thrilling possibilities. The challenge will certainly lie in providing an ending that resonates just as deeply without retreading familiar ground. As the gears are set in motion behind the scenes, fans can remain hopeful and enthusiastic for the sun-soaked skies that await in Top Gun 3.