A new update for Top Gun 3 is reassuring that the threequel will come out sooner rather than later. It has been more than two years since Tom Cruise effectively revived the Top Gun franchise with the impressive Top Gun: Maverick. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the sequel was the movie that defined the 2022 summer blockbuster period. It was universally loved by old-time fans of the original Tony Scott movie while also appealing to a new audience. Considering the popularity of franchises, there was never any doubt that a follow-up would happen.

Despite that, it took a while before Top Gun 3 was ordered by Paramount. I always assumed that it was something in the pipeline, but unlike other sequels that were announced ahead of time, the studio opted to take their time when making any official comment about the threequel. Since Cruise took more than three decades to do Top Gun: Maverick, this shouldn’t have been surprising. So, although there was some wait, I learned from the sequel that good things come to those who wait. However, it may not be that long before the next movie in the series comes out.

Glen Powell Reveals That Top Gun 3 Has A Target Date

Despite His Busy Schedule, Powell Offers A Small But Optimistic Update For Top Gun 3

Although there’s a guarantee that Top Gun 3 is happening, when exactly it will be released has been the main issue. Multiple people who are involved in the project have been asked about any movement regarding the film, and all of them have been cagey with their answers. Then comes Hangman actor Glen Powell, who has been having a fantastic year with a string of hits, offering the most promising update about the threequel. In a new interview, while promoting his latest blockbuster, Twisters, the actor reveals that he has a date.

Powell keeps it vague, however. I’m not sure if he means that it’s for a production start or release date because he refuses to give any additional context when pressed about it. Nevertheless, I’m thrilled about it. Although the record-breaking Top Gun: Maverick was worth all the wait, I don’t think that delaying Top Gun 3 for several more years would be wise, considering Cruise’s age, not to mention the busy roster. Having a target date means the cast and crew are already working towards making sure that they are all available to hit whatever date Powell means.

Why A Start Date Is So Crucial For Top Gun 3 To Move Forward

Scheduling Has Been One Of The Biggest Hurdles To Top Gun’s Future

Admittedly, the ending of Top Gun: Maverick could double as a franchise capper. Seeing Maverick reconcile with Rooster and re-establish his relationship with the Navy is a great place to leave Cruise’s career-making role. That being said, it’s not lost on me the potential for the Top Gun franchise to grow beyond Maverick and all the remaining legacy characters. The sequel introduced a crop of newbies that can take over the film series moving forward. For now, however, its center remains Cruise. His busy schedule has been the main culprit why Top Gun 3 has yet to move forward.

Whether Powell means a meeting, production, or release date, having that goal post is very important because it means that Cruise has finally slotted Top Gun 3 into his calendar. Without it, everyone could just be waiting around, hoping that their timelines would magically line up, and they could push through with filming. This is also immensely helpful for the rest of the people involved in the threequel, especially those who have full schedules, as well. For context, both Powell and Miles Teller, who played Rooster in Top Gun: Maverick, have upcoming projects already booked.

When Top Gun 3 Might Release

It May Still Be Several Years Away, But At Least There’s A Tentative Timeline For Top Gun 3

As previously mentioned, Cruise isn’t the only one who has a loaded schedule moving forward. In fact, one of the reasons why I became concerned about Top Gun 3‘s release was Powell and Teller getting increasingly busy in the foreseeable future. After Twisters, Powell has already confirmed to start production on Edgar Wright’s Running Man remake this fall, effectively ruling out the possibility of Top Gun 3 starting filming then. This means that the earliest that production can kick-off for the prequel is sometime next year.

If this comes to fruition, Top Gun 3 can be ready sometime in the latter half of 2026. I don’t think Cruise would be willing to sacrifice quality just to get the movie out as soon as possible. Couple that with Paramount likely targeting another summer release, given their success with Top Gun: Maverick, we are probably looking at a 2027 premiere date for Top Gun 3. Still, that’s so much better than having it delayed indefinitely.