Is 'Top Gun 3' Truly Maverick’s Last High-Speed Flight?

Director Joseph Kosinski has confirmed what many fans suspected and hoped for: Top Gun 3 is officially in the works — and yes, Tom Cruise’s Maverick is still the central figure. But don’t expect another adrenaline-fuelled nostalgia trip. This time, it’s personal. And existential.

"There’s still more story to tell for him," Kosinski revealed in a recent interview with GQ magazine. "There’s one last ride."

The third film won’t just be another "baton-passing" sequel. While Top Gun: Maverick introduced a new generation of pilots, Top Gun 3 keeps its focus on Cruise — and takes things to a deeper level. Ehren Kruger (F1) is writing the script, which is currently in development, but Kosinski hints they’re aiming far beyond the skies.

"We’re thinking much bigger… It’s a really existential crisis that Maverick has in this, and it’s much bigger than himself."

He’s tight-lipped on details — of course — but suggests that the story will make Maverick feel "small" in comparison to what’s at stake. That’s a bold claim for a franchise that once redefined blockbuster aviation.

As for the rest of the process? It’s moving, but carefully. "Like all things, it takes a while to work things out," Kosinski said. “We’ll only do it if we feel like we’ve got a strong enough story."

So the jets may not be back just yet — but when they are, it sounds like Maverick’s final flight might be the most surprising one yet.