Paramount Confirms 'Top Gun 3' in Development with Cruise and Bruckheimer

The long-awaited sequel to 'Top Gun: Maverick' is officially in the works.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:57pm

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A dramatic black and white silhouette of a fighter jet, with the angular wings and tail forming an abstract, geometric composition that conceptually represents the high-octane action and aerial thrills of the 'Top Gun' movies.The high-flying 'Top Gun' franchise soars to new heights with a confirmed third installment.Los Angeles Today

Paramount Pictures co-chair Josh Greenstein announced on Thursday that a third installment in the 'Top Gun' franchise is in development, with Tom Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer set to return for the highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 blockbuster 'Top Gun: Maverick'.

Why it matters

The 'Top Gun' films have become a beloved part of Hollywood's action movie legacy, with the 2022 sequel 'Maverick' reviving the franchise and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. A new 'Top Gun' movie will continue to build on the franchise's enduring popularity and further cement its status as a cultural touchstone.

The details

While plot details for 'Top Gun 3' have not been revealed, the film will once again star Tom Cruise reprising his iconic role as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, the daring fighter pilot who was the central character in the original 1986 'Top Gun' and its 2022 sequel. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who worked on both previous 'Top Gun' films, will also return for the third installment.

  • The original 'Top Gun' film was released in 1986.
  • 'Top Gun: Maverick' premiered in theaters in May 2022 and became a massive box office hit.

The players

Tom Cruise

The acclaimed actor who has starred as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in the 'Top Gun' franchise since the original 1986 film.

Jerry Bruckheimer

The veteran Hollywood producer who has worked on both previous 'Top Gun' movies and will return for the third installment.

Josh Greenstein

The co-chair of Paramount Pictures who officially confirmed the development of 'Top Gun 3'.

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What they’re saying

“Buckle your seat belts. Another 'Top Gun' movie is in the works.”

— Josh Greenstein, Co-chair, Paramount Pictures

What’s next

Paramount and the filmmakers are expected to begin development on the 'Top Gun 3' script and production timeline in the coming months, with a target release date likely in the next few years.

The takeaway

The continued success of the 'Top Gun' franchise, anchored by Tom Cruise's enduring star power and the nostalgia for the original film, demonstrates Hollywood's ongoing appetite for big-budget, high-flying action movies that tap into American military and aviation culture.