All this while, based on reports and speculations, fans had been expecting a third sequel to Tom Cruise’s Top Gun franchise. But on a recent note, following Glen Powell’s appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actor openly confirmed his return in the next installment of the billion-dollar franchise.
Informing fans that there’s a date set for Top Gun 3, Glen Powell heightened the excitement surrounding the project. However, despite the actor confirming his return for Tom Cruise’s high-flying threequel, not everyone seemed happy. Based on the fact that the next installment has to be a passing-the-baton kind of movie, a few fans appeared disappointed with the news.
Glen Powell Gave an Exciting Update About Tom Cruise’s Top Gun 3
In the realm of high-octane aerial action, Tom Cruise’s Top Gun franchise has etched itself as a timeless classic. Thereafter, following the success and popularity of the 1986 installment, it gave birth to Cruise’s sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which not only earned an Oscar nomination but also boasted a global box office draw of $1.4B (via The Numbers).
Now, after years since the release of Top Gun: Maverick, there appeared rumors surrounding the possibility of Tom Cruise’s return with his crew for a third sequel. While fans had been in two minds about the threequel, given the premise and the possible storyline, Glen Powell appeared on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast and confirmed the news.
I mean, I have a date [for Top Gun 3]. Powell confirmed.
Asked about which project would come first, a continuation of Normal People with Daisy Edgar-Jones or Top Gun 3, Glen Powell informed that he has a date set for Tom Cruise’s threequel. Confirming that a start date has been announced, under the table, for him to start working on the third installment, Powell rested his case by stating that there are no more updates regarding the Top Gun franchise.
Fans are Upset that Tom Cruise Might Have to Take the Back Seat
With the confirmation of Top Gun 3, anticipation skyrocketed once again, considering an awaited twist that could redefine the franchise. Glen Powell’s revelation has stirred both excitement and dilemma among fans, particularly regarding the fate of Tom Cruise’s iconic Maverick. Considering how the threequel might shift the spotlight from Cruise to Powell’s character, Hangman and Miles Teller’s Rooster, fans seem to be divided over this change in legacy.
From a storytelling perspective, it seems appropriate for Top Gun 3 to conclude the story of Tom Cruise‘s Maverick. Although there are a few loose ends, Top Gun: Maverick overall provided enough closure to demote Cruise’s character from the lead to a supporting role. So it seems only fair for the next installment to offer the center stage to Powell and Teller’s character.
Glen Powell confirms he’s returning for ‘TOP GUN 3’
(via: @joshuahorowitz) pic.twitter.com/W8cbz82QdH
— ScreenTime (@screentime) July 24, 2024
glen too umm yeah next one’s gonna be Top Gun: Rooster & Hangman https://t.co/j8akGUnttw pic.twitter.com/GOUEQRVvaf
— :･ (@murdocxscastle) July 9, 2022
However, shifting Tom Cruise from his titular position to more of a wingman role in Top Gun 3 might significantly affect the marketing of the film, considering how the actor’s star power has undoubtedly been a booster. Moreover, given how fans are already reacting to the possibility of Cruise passing the torch, the threequel’s success might significantly depend on its ability to balance homage to its roots with a bold leap forward.
Top Gun movies are available on Paramount+.