Top Gun 3 Officially in Development with Tom Cruise

Paramount confirms sequel to 2022's blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick is underway

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:39am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of shattered glass and chrome aircraft parts reflecting a bright red light, capturing the technical precision and high-octane energy of the Top Gun films.The continued success of the Top Gun franchise promises more high-flying, adrenaline-fueled action for audiences.Today in Miami

Paramount Pictures has officially announced that a third installment in the Top Gun franchise is in development, with Tom Cruise set to reprise his iconic role as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The news was revealed at CinemaCon, where Paramount's co-head Josh Greenstein confirmed that a script is already underway for the highly anticipated sequel.

Why it matters

The Top Gun franchise has been a cultural phenomenon since the original 1986 film, and the recent sequel Top Gun: Maverick was a massive box office success, grossing nearly $1.5 billion worldwide. A third film in the series has the potential to continue the legacy of the franchise and capitalize on the renewed interest in high-flying aerial action films.

The details

While details about the plot of Top Gun 3 are still scarce, it's expected that the film will once again feature Tom Cruise as the iconic Maverick, along with the return of supporting characters like Rooster (Miles Teller) and Hangman (Glen Powell). Joseph Kosinski, who directed Top Gun: Maverick, is rumored to be attached to the project, though no director has been officially announced yet.

  • On April 17, 2026, Paramount Pictures confirmed that Top Gun 3 is in development during CinemaCon.

The players

Tom Cruise

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

Jerry Bruckheimer

The veteran producer who has been involved with the Top Gun franchise since the beginning and is set to return for the third installment.

Josh Greenstein

The co-head of Paramount's film division who officially announced the development of Top Gun 3 during CinemaCon.

Joseph Kosinski

The director who helmed the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Top Gun: Maverick, and is rumored to be attached to the third film.

Ehren Kruger

The screenwriter who co-wrote the script for Top Gun: Maverick and is expected to return for the third installment.

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What they’re saying

“Top Gun 3 officially in development with a script well underway, reuniting Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer.”

— Josh Greenstein, Co-head of Paramount's film division

What’s next

With the film still in the early stages of development, fans will have to wait for more details on the plot, casting, and release date for Top Gun 3. However, the confirmation of the sequel's production is sure to generate significant excitement among audiences eager to see Maverick and the rest of the iconic characters return to the big screen.

The takeaway

The continued success of the Top Gun franchise, with the recent Maverick sequel proving the enduring appeal of the high-flying action and charismatic characters, demonstrates the enduring power of nostalgia-driven blockbusters in Hollywood. The development of Top Gun 3 signals Paramount's confidence in the franchise's ability to draw in audiences and deliver another thrilling cinematic experience.