What’s Next for Tom Cruise? Exciting News About Top Gun 3!
The Legacy of Top Gun Continues
Tom Cruise's legendary aerial action film, Top Gun, first hit theaters in 1986, followed by its blockbuster sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which premiered in 2022. The original film made an impressive $357.3 million at the box office, while the sequel achieved a staggering $1.504 billion, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic. This success has made Top Gun: Maverick Cruise's most lucrative film globally. Recently, it was revealed at CinemaCon 2026 that Cruise will be returning for Top Gun 3.
The original Top Gun was directed by the late Tony Scott, and the sequel was brought to life by Joseph Kosinski, who had previously collaborated with Cruise on the 2013 film Oblivion. However, it appears that Kosinski may not be returning to direct the third film. Consequently, several notable directors are being considered for this role.
One of the leading candidates is Christopher McQuarrie, a frequent collaborator with Cruise. McQuarrie directed Cruise in the 2012 action-thriller Jack Reacher and has helmed the last four installments of the Mission: Impossible series, which together have grossed an impressive $2.923 billion worldwide. His established rapport with Cruise makes him a prime candidate for Top Gun 3.
Another potential director is Ridley Scott, the elder sibling of Tony Scott. Ridley boasts a strong history with high-budget films and has previously worked with Cruise on the 1985 fantasy-adventure Legend. His involvement would not only honor his late brother but could also add a unique dynamic to Top Gun 3.
Ryan Coogler, celebrated for his Oscar-winning film Sinners and the blockbuster Black Panther, is also a strong contender. His knack for managing large-scale projects while crafting emotionally impactful stories makes him an exciting choice. Additionally, Doug Liman, who directed Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow and American Made, along with Neill Blomkamp, known for District 9 and Gran Turismo, are also in the mix, each bringing their distinct talents to the project.