Director Joseph Kosinski has officially confirmed that Top Gun 3 is now in active development, thrilling fans of the high-flying franchise. In a recent interview with GQ, the Top Gun: Maverick and upcoming Formula One movie director teased a dramatic and emotionally complex storyline for the third installment. Kosinski revealed that the new movie aims to be even more ambitious in scope and theme than its predecessors, taking Tom Cruise’s Maverick character into deeper and more existential territory.
Without spilling every detail, Kosinski hinted that the next chapter won’t just focus on intense aerial stunts but will delve into profound personal questions. “We’re thinking much bigger,” Kosinski said. “It’s an existential crisis Maverick must face, one that might make the previous films feel small in comparison.” He emphasized that the story is still evolving but confirmed that there’s definitely “one last ride” left for Cruise’s legendary character.
Kosinski also confirmed that Ehren Kruger, who contributed to Top Gun: Maverick, is working on the screenplay for the third film. Although many believed the 2022 sequel was a perfect send-off for Maverick and a passing of the torch to a younger generation, Kosinski insists Cruise’s journey isn’t over yet. He stressed that there’s still more to explore, emotionally and dramatically, with the character.
Adding even more excitement, Kosinski revealed that he’s open to pairing Tom Cruise with Brad Pitt again—this time possibly as racing rivals. Referencing Cruise’s iconic Days of Thunder role as Cole Trickle and Pitt’s new character Sonny Hayes in the F1 movie, Kosinski said he imagines a shared history between the two. “What if they were rivals? What if they crossed paths in the past?” he mused. He even mentioned an old rumor about a go-kart race between the stars on the set of Interview with the Vampire as inspiration. “Who wouldn’t want to see Cruise and Pitt battle it out on the track?” he grinned.
As anticipation for both the Formula One film and Top Gun 3 builds, fans can rest assured that Tom Cruise’s legacy as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell will continue in what promises to be his most personal mission yet.