With the Top Gun franchise celebrating 40 years this month, we take a look at all the details surrounding Top Gun 3, which was officially confirmed by Paramount Pictures in April 2026.
Everything You Need to Know About Top Gun 3
Top Gun 3 was officially confirmed by Paramount Pictures in April 2026. While a specific release date has not been set, early reports and industry estimates place it between 2027 and 2028.
The core creative team from Top Gun: Maverick is reuniting for the third instalment. Tom Cruise is confirmed to return as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, while Ehren Kruger, who co-wrote Maverick, is currently writing the script. Joseph Kosinski is expected by many to return, but his involvement is not yet finalised due to other high-profile projects like a Miami Vice film.
Miles Teller is expected to return as Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, as is Glen Powell as Jake "Hangman" Seresin. Jennifer Connelly is also rumoured to be back, playing Penny Benjamin. Glen Powell has hinted that he has a "start date" for production, which is anticipated to begin as early as 2025.
Specific details of the plot are "classified," but the story reportedly follows Maverick facing a new existential crisis as he navigates a changing military landscape. Discussions have focused on a story Tom Cruise liked, potentially exploring the shift toward autonomous systems and drones in modern warfare.
This month marks the 40th anniversary of the original Top Gun movie, which first arrived in theatres on May 16, 1986. To celebrate this major milestone, Paramount Pictures is bringing the high-octane classic back to the big screen for a special limited run. You can find showtimes and book tickets at major retailers like Cineworld, ODEON, and Vue Cinemas.
