Top Gun: Maverick star Jay Ellis shares insight into why Top Gun 3 is taking longer than expected to develop. The franchise began with the 1986 film follows the story of H๏τsH๏τ fighter pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) as he navigates the challenges of training at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. Over three decades later, the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, was released in 2022, bringing the iconic character back into action as he trains new pilots, including the son of his late best friend Nick Bradshaw, Bradley (Miles Teller). Since then, there has been a demand for Top Gun 3.

While speaking with Variety, Ellis, who plays Reuben ‘Payback’ Fitch, explained that the writer’s room is diligently working on the script for Top Gun 3. He noted that Cruise’s efforts to push the boundaries, as seen with Top Gun: Maverick, will continue with the third film. Ellis also highlighted the involvement of Jerry Bruckheimer and Joe Kosinski, who will return to produce the sequel. The goal is to guarantee that audiences will be satisfied with the next chapter of the franchise. Check out his comments below:

“They’re diligently working on the script and wanting to get it right. Tom was very discerning. It took a while to make Top Gun: Maverick for a reason. He wanted it to be right, he wanted to push film forward, he wanted to be able to film in the jets. So I think when we look at whatever the next iteration of this franchise is, it’s gonna be that. Tom’s gonna take his time. He’s gonna get it right. Jerry [Bruckheimer] is gonna be there. Joe Kosinski is back as well, producing. I think it’s a very creative group of folks, who want to make sure the story is right [and] want to make sure the audience is wildly satisfied.”

What This Means For Top Gun 3

Top Gun 3 Writers Are Prioritizing Quality

Cruise’s focus on innovation, such as filming in jets for Top Gun: Maverick, demonstrates his commitment to enhancing the viewer experience. This dedication will likely carry over to the third installment, as the team is focused on ensuring every detail meets the same level as its predecessors. Also, recurring producers, like Cruise, Bruckheimer, and Kosinski, suggest a consistent approach to the third installment. Given Ellis’ comments, Top Gun 3’s plot details and a definitive release date are under wraps.

Moreover, the extended development process highlights the significance of getting the script right. In an era of fast-paced production cycles, this careful attention to storytelling suggests that the writer’s room is not rushing. The production quality of Top Gun: Maverick was widely praised, with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, and the team seems to be maintaining that standard. While this comment means that the third film won’t be going into production any time soon, several cast members from the sequel have expressed their interest in returning for another movie, including Teller and Glen Powell, who have also revealed similar statements about its development.

Our Take On Top Gun 3’s Delay

Good Things Take Time

Top Gun 3 might seem slow to fruition, but it’s clear that the team is prioritizing quality. Given the monumental success of Top Gun: Maverick, Ellis’ comments indicate there’s a clear understanding that the next installment has larger shoes to fill. Taking the time to ensure the story and production are handled with precision only enhances the likelihood of another blockbuster. The delay may actually be a sign of how committed the filmmakers are to pushing Top Gun 3′s boundaries even further, without compromising on the elements that made the franchise a cultural phenomenon.

Source: Variety/X