Finally, a sequel we can all agree should exist. Rumors have swirled for years about a potential Top Gun 2, but Maverick has now confirmed that the project is a go.
It’s been more than 30 years since the original came out, with its cool-as-ice jumpsuits, aviator shades, motorcycles, and jets. Then there was the Kenny Loggins–laden soundtrack and beach volleyball.
Sequels are a tricky business in Hollywood.
Studios feel like they have a safer bet by starting with name recognition. But critics and discerning moviegoers decry the lack of originality that comes as part of the package.
The other issue that comes with continuing a story is possible damage to the legacy. Longtime fans took personal offense to Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Adults who enjoyed the original movies as kids felt that the universe of the films was somehow tarnished with inferior sequels many years later.
“Top Gun” isn’t really subject to these concerns.
Many people love the movie for its campiness. The wise-cracking students and daredevil stunts were over the top in a perfect way. Those who genuinely loved the movie will probably be happy to see more of the same.
The big case for a Top Gun sequel is that the original was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer before he was known for mega-budget blockbusters. The film was made for a modest $15 million (though it earned back over 20 times that worldwide).
Remember, “Top Gun” took place during the Cold War.
It was a fairly realistic portrayal of the tensions and confrontations that were happening at that time.
This means there were dangerous moments, but no outright war. We have to imagine a sequel will be a little less restrained. We’re also guessing the effects budget will be exponentially larger for the sequel.
“It’s true. It’s true,” Tom Cruise told “The Guardian.”
“I’m going to start filming it probably in the next year. I know. It’s happening. It is definitely happening…you’re the first people that I’ve said this to.”
Although Cruise confirmed that he will be in the sequel, he did not elaborate on additional cast members. Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Tom Skerritt all co-starred with Cruise in the original.
At 83, Skerritt is likely too old for much of a role, and Edwards’ character, Goose, died in the original (sorry for the spoiler, but it happened 30+ years ago). That leaves McGillis and Kilmer. McGillis has not yet commented on the film, but Kilmer has been itching for the sequel. It remains to be seen if he’ll be included or not.
The biggest question we have is what role Cruise will play.
If it were any other actor, we would expect for him to have moved from leading man to supporting cast. He could play an instructor or commander like Skerritt in the original.
But Cruise stays in great shape and does not seem to age. He continues to play leading men and do his own stunts at the age of 54. Frankly, we’d be surprised if he didn’t have any flight time in the upcoming film.
Filming is expected to begin next year. We can’t wait to take another ride into the danger zone.
