Earlier this month, reports confirmed that a third installment of the Top Gun franchise is in the works at Paramount. With the success of Top Gun: Maverick, which hit theaters in 2022, fans have been eagerly anticipating the possibility of another film. In a recent conversation with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, director Joseph Kosinski addressed whether he would be interested in returning for Top Gun 3.
While the conversation took place before the news of the third movie's development, Kosinski didn't outright confirm his return as director or provide specific details about the status of the project. He shared his thoughts on the possibility of another sequel, stating, 'As you're about to go to sleep at night, the brain dreams and you can't help but think of if there was another one, what would that story be? What's the emotional reason to bring Maverick back? What's the challenge?'
Kosinski acknowledged that he does think about the potential for a third film, but he is currently focused on his upcoming F1 movie and developing other projects. Tom Cruise, who plays the iconic pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, is also busy shooting another Mission: Impossible film and has possible plans to film in space with director Doug Liman.
Despite the excitement surrounding Top Gun 3, it's important to note that the movie being in development doesn't guarantee its production. Projects can spend years in development before moving forward, and sometimes they don't progress at all. However, given the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick, which earned $1.496 billion at the global box office, it's not surprising that Paramount is eager to continue the franchise.
Scheduling may present a challenge for bringing the cast back together, particularly with Cruise's busy filming schedule. While the studio is reportedly eyeing Miles Teller and Glen Powell for potential returns, securing Cruise's involvement may prove more difficult. Nevertheless, it's clear that Top Gun: Maverick's success and the potential for future stories make a sequel a compelling opportunity.
The production of Top Gun: Maverick itself was a massive undertaking, involving filming close to 800 hours of footage. As Kosinski mentioned, any potential sequel would need to up the ante and push boundaries in new and exciting ways. Additionally, crafting a compelling story after the impactful ending of Top Gun: Maverick, which provided a strong sendoff for Cruise's character, presents its own challenges.
Overall, while Top Gun 3 may be in the works, fans will need to exercise patience. As Kosinski humorously suggested, 'It took 36 years for Maverick, it could take 36 for the next one.' The focus remains on finding a story that the director loves and that presents an exciting challenge. As Kosinski aptly summarized, 'For me, that's why I do it, and I know that's why Tom does it.'
In the meantime, both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick are available to stream on Paramount Plus, allowing fans to revisit the iconic world of Maverick and his daring adventures. As we eagerly await further updates on Top Gun 3, we can appreciate the impact and enduring popularity of this beloved franchise.
