Here’s The InSneider reporting on that third installment of the Top Gun franchise, which is now in fast-track mode following the massive success of “Top Gun: Maverick,” which grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide.
In early 2024, development on ‘Top Gun 3’ was officially underway, with writer Ehren Kruger attached and Tom Cruise set to return. However, despite the momentum, uncertainty surrounds the project—especially regarding who will direct it.
Director Joseph Kosinski, who helmed ‘Maverick,’ is not expected to return due to potential back-to-back shoots in 2026 and 2027, leaving the sequel as an “open directing assignment.” His absence could very well be felt as Kosinski was the visual brains behind ‘Maverick.’
Producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Cruise are reportedly seeking a filmmaker who will align closely with their vision—someone who can be controlled. Several candidates have been floated, including Jon M. Chu (“Wicked”), Joachim Rønning (“Tron: Ares”), and directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (“Bad Boys: Ride or Die”), all of whom are seen as capable of executing a big studio project under tight creative oversight.
Notably absent from consideration is Christopher McQuarrie, a longtime Cruise collaborator who directed multiple ‘Mission: Impossible’ movies and contributed to ‘Maverick.’ Despite their strong working relationship, sources say McQuarrie will not direct ‘Top Gun 3.’ The decision appears to stem from the disappointing reception and box office performance of the recent two-part ‘Mission: Impossible’ finale, which failed to meet expectations and reportedly led Cruise to hold McQuarrie responsible.
Although Cruise and McQuarrie remain on “good terms,” insiders suggest they need a professional “break” after working so closely for years. McQuarrie is still believed to have contributed to the ‘Top Gun 3’ script, but his involvement will likely end there.
Finally, if you can believe it, Cruise himself is somewhat hesitant about ‘Top Gun 3,’ aware of how difficult it will be to surpass “Maverick” both critically and commercially. At the same time, he is motivated to return. Cruise is also pushing for another project, the submarine film “Deeper,” directed by Doug Liman, which he may leverage alongside his involvement in ‘Top Gun 3’ to secure the $200M in funding needed for it.
Paul Greengrass’ "The Uprising," starring Andrew Garfield, opened to $3.2M from 2,068 theaters this weekend. Yikes. The budget hasn’t been disclosed, but is said to be in the $20-$30M range.