They took their sweet time, Paramount Pictures has finally confirmed that Tom Cruise will be taking to the skies again, returning to the role of former hotshot pilot Maverick in the Top Gun sequel. They’ve also set a July 12, 2019, release date according to Variety.
The sequel, which Cruise had originally subtitled Top Gun: Maverick, has actually not yet received an official title from the studio. Joseph Kosinski, who directed Cruise in the sci-fi misfire Oblivion, has been rumoured as the frontrunner for the director’s chair, and it seems Paramount is also keen for that to happen. Cruise is producing the film alongside David Ellison and Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the 1986 classic.
The original film launched Cruise’s star, as well as Val Kilmer’s, and set the bar for homoerotic volleyball scenes that still hasn’t been topped. Kilmer has shown he’s keen to return, though it’s yet to be seen as to whether he’s up for re-enacting said scene.
Plot details for Top Gun 2 are thin on the ground, but Variety also reports that the sequel will show how drone technology has changed things for Maverick and co:
“This latest project will be set in a world of drone technology and fifth generation fighters along with exploring the end of the era of dogfighting.”
This is the sequel that we didn’t know we wanted, but honestly, I can’t wait to fly beside Maverick and Iceman once again. If only they could resurrect poor Goose…
TOP GUN 2 fires into theatres July 12, 2019.