Tom Cruise to Reprise 'Maverick' Role in 'Top Gun 3'

Paramount confirms sequel to 2022 blockbuster 'Top Gun: Maverick' is in the works.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of aviator sunglasses reflecting the bright lights and glitz of a red carpet premiere, capturing the glamour and star power of the 'Top Gun' franchise.The return of Tom Cruise's Maverick in 'Top Gun 3' promises to bring the same high-flying action and Hollywood star power that made 'Top Gun: Maverick' a global box office sensation.Las Vegas Today

Paramount has announced that a third installment in the 'Top Gun' franchise is officially in development, with Tom Cruise set to reprise his iconic role as Lt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell. The sequel to the 2022 hit 'Top Gun: Maverick' was first revealed to be in the works in 2024, with Ehren Kruger, who co-wrote the previous film, attached to pen the script.

Why it matters

The announcement of 'Top Gun 3' comes after the massive success of 'Top Gun: Maverick,' which grossed $1.5 billion globally and helped revive movie theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cruise's return as Maverick is expected to generate significant interest and box office revenue for the franchise.

The details

In 'Top Gun: Maverick,' Cruise's Maverick returned to the famous flight school to train a new generation of pilots, including Miles Teller's Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw, the son of Maverick's former wingman Goose. The film featured an ensemble cast of up-and-coming stars, including Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Monica Barbaro, and Danny Ramirez, as well as veteran actors like Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, and the late Val Kilmer, who reprised his role as Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky.

  • The sequel to 'Top Gun: Maverick' was first revealed to be in the works in 2024.
  • 'Top Gun: Maverick' was released in 2022 and became a blockbuster hit, grossing $1.5 billion globally.

The players

Tom Cruise

The iconic actor who will reprise his role as Lt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in the upcoming 'Top Gun 3'.

Jerry Bruckheimer

The veteran producer who is also attached to the 'Top Gun 3' project.

Ehren Kruger

The screenwriter who co-wrote 'Top Gun: Maverick' and is attached to pen the script for the third installment.

Miles Teller

The actor who played Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw, the son of Maverick's former wingman, in 'Top Gun: Maverick'.

Val Kilmer

The actor who reprised his role as Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in 'Top Gun: Maverick,' which marked his final film role before his death in 2025.

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What’s next

With the announcement of 'Top Gun 3,' fans can expect more details to emerge in the coming months, including the film's release date, director, and additional cast members.

The takeaway

The continued success of the 'Top Gun' franchise, anchored by Tom Cruise's iconic performance as Maverick, demonstrates the enduring appeal of classic action-adventure films and the power of nostalgia to draw audiences back to theaters.