Maverick’s Final Mission Is Now in Active Development
Director Joseph Kosinski has officially confirmed that a third Top Gun movie is on the runway. He calls it Maverick’s “one last ride,” promising a story that’s bigger in scale and more introspective than either of its predecessors. Working alongside producer–star Tom Cruise and longtime collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, Kosinski says the creative team cracked the core concept in record time—an emotionally charged narrative that grapples with Maverick’s legacy, aging, and his place in a rapidly changing Navy.
Why Paramount Is Fast-Tracking the Sequel
Top Gun: Maverick soared past $1.49 billion worldwide and earned a Best Picture nomination, becoming the studio’s most lucrative hit since Titanic. That box-office afterburner gave Paramount every incentive to green-light a follow-up while audience enthusiasm is still sky-high. Cruise’s packed schedule—including finishing Mission: Impossible 8 and promoting Kosinski’s Brad Pitt Formula One drama—means production windows are tight, so locking the script early was essential.
Behind the Script: Existential Stakes Over Pure Spectacle
Screenwriter Ehren Kruger is shaping a plot that leans into themes introduced by Maverick: the tension between human instinct and autonomous tech. Early chatter points to sixth-generation fighters and combat drones pushing Maverick to confront whether fighter pilots still matter in an AI-driven battlespace. Expect Navy and Lockheed Martin advisers—who helped design Maverick’s hypersonic Darkstar jet—to return, ensuring the aerial set pieces feel authentic while grounding the existential questions in real military R&D.
Casting: Familiar Callsigns and Rising Stars
- Tom Cruise returns as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell for his swan song.
- Miles Teller (Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw) and Glen Powell (Jake “Hangman” Seresin) are in active talks, with both actors recently confirming interest.
- Monica Barbaro (Natasha “Phoenix” Trace) is expected back, partly thanks to the Navy’s push for more female pilot representation.
- New faces are being scouted to portray next-gen drone operators, hinting at inter-service friction between old-school aviators and tech-savvy recruits.
Production Timeline and Key Milestones
| Phase | Target Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Script polish & Navy review | Summer–Fall 2025 | Incorporates feedback from TOPGUN instructors and Skunk Works engineers |
| Principal photography | Late 2025–Spring 2026 | Aerial sequences planned at Naval Air Station Fallon and aboard a deployed carrier |
| Post-production | Mid 2026–Spring 2027 | Heavy VFX workload for next-gen aircraft and drone dogfights |
| Theatrical release (goal) | Summer 2027 | Paramount eyeing July 4-weekend positioning |
Aircraft Likely to Steal the Show
- F-35C Lightning II: Already carrier-qualified and primed for cinematic low-level runs.
- NGAD/Sixth-Gen Prototype: A fictionalized version could echo Darkstar’s mystique while staying grounded in emerging Air Force and Navy programs.
- MQ-25 Stingray & MQ-9 Reaper: Uncrewed systems that embody the film’s man-vs-machine conflict.
- P-51 Mustang: Cruise’s personal warbird remains a good bet for a nostalgic fly-by and character-driven moments.
What To Watch Next
- Mission: Impossible 8 arrives May 2026; its performance will shape the marketing runway for Top Gun 3.
- Paramount’s Formula One film drops in early 2026, giving Kosinski and Cruise a high-octane platform to tease the threequel.
- The Navy’s public rollout of next-gen trainer jets in 2025 could foreshadow aircraft choices that appear on-screen.
With its creative team locked, a billion-dollar track record, and a clear thematic hook, Top Gun 3 is lining up to be both a nostalgic farewell and a pointed look at the future of aerial combat. Strap in—Maverick’s last ride is officially cleared for takeoff.
How To Watch Top Gun: Maverick
“Top Gun: Maverick,” following the success of its theatrical release, has made its way to various streaming platforms. The film, starring Tom Cruise reprising his role as the iconic Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, brings action and drama to screens at home. Those looking to watch the high-flying sequel to the 1986 classic can find the movie available on Paramount+ and other digital retailers where films can be rented or purchased.
The availability of “Top Gun: Maverick” on streaming services adds convenience for fans and new viewers alike. With just a subscription to Paramount+ or a rental from popular digital stores, the aerial combat and heartfelt storyline that characterizes the sequel can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s own space. This follows the movie’s substantial commercial success, which sets high expectations for its performance on streaming platforms as well.
“Top Gun: Maverick” is available to stream on several platforms. Here’s where and how you can watch it:
Subscription Streaming:
- Paramount+: This is the primary streaming home for “Top Gun: Maverick.” If you have a Paramount+ subscription, you can stream it there. Paramount+ often offers a free trial if you’re a new subscriber.
- You can also access Paramount+ through other channels like Apple TV Channel, Amazon Channel, or Roku Premium Channel if you have those integrated.
Rent or Buy:
If you don’t have a Paramount+ subscription or prefer to own/rent the movie, you can find it on various digital platforms:
- Amazon Video (Prime Video): You can rent or buy “Top Gun: Maverick” on Amazon Video. While sometimes it’s included with a Prime subscription, it generally requires a separate rental or purchase.
- Apple TV: Available to rent or buy.
- Microsoft Store: Available to rent or buy.
- Google Play Movies: Available to rent or buy.
- Fandango At Home: Available to rent or buy.
- Plex: Available to rent.
- Spectrum On Demand: Available to rent.
To watch:
- Choose your platform: Decide if you want to subscribe to Paramount+ or rent/buy the movie from a digital storefront.
- Access the platform: Go to the website or open the app for your chosen streaming service (e.g., Paramount+ app, Amazon Prime Video app, Apple TV app).
- Search for “Top Gun: Maverick”: Use the search function within the platform to find the movie.
- Stream, Rent, or Buy:
- If you have a Paramount+ subscription, click “Play” or “Watch Now.”
- If you’re renting or buying, select the option and follow the payment prompts. Once purchased or rented, you can start watching.
Key Takeaways
- “Top Gun: Maverick” is streamable on Paramount+ and purchasable or rentable from digital retailers.
- Tom Cruise returns as Maverick in this acclaimed action-packed sequel.
- Streaming offers a convenient way to watch films from anywhere.
Streaming Availability and Options
“Top Gun: Maverick”, the high-flying sequel starring Tom Cruise and Miles Teller, made a notable impact at the box office in 2022. Now, it’s accessible from the comfort of your living room through various streaming services and digital platforms.
Subscription-Based Platforms
Paramount Plus
- Available in: US, UK, Australia
- Launch date on platform: December 22, 2022
- Rotten Tomatoes rating available
Rental and Purchase Outlets
Amazon Prime Video
- Options: Rent or Buy
- Access in: US, UK, Australia
Apple TV
- Options: Rent or Buy
- High-definition available
Vudu
- Options: Rent or Buy
- Offers: Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD), and 4K
YouTube
- Options: Rent or Buy
- User-friendly interface
The availability may vary, so please check the respective service for the most current information.
