Top Gun 3 Takes Flight: Writer Reveals Plot is Already in the Bag

Published: May 27, 2025

Get ready to feel the need for speed again! Christopher McQuarrie, 56, has confirmed that the storyline for Top Gun 3 is already in place and ready to take off.

In a recent interview on the Happy, Sad Confused podcast, McQuarrie shared that the idea for the third installment of the Top Gun franchise came from fellow writer Ehren Kruger. He stated, "It wasn't hard. I already know what it is. It wasn't hard."

McQuarrie, who co-wrote and produced Top Gun: Maverick, explained that the writers were able to come up with a premise that worked after a conversation with Kruger. "The framework is there, so no, it's not hard to crack," he added.

However, McQuarrie, it's not just about coming up with a storyline, but also about getting to the heart and emotion of the film. He noted that one of the main things that has to shine through the Top Gun films is the "emotion" and heart of the characters.

The confirmation comes a few months after Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, Jerry Bruckheimer, 80, teased that they were "working on" Top Gun 3.

Top Gun: Maverick grossed nearly $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office following its release in 2022. The sequel was the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office that calendar year and currently stands out as the fifth-highest-grossing movie of all time in the U.S. and 12th-highest in the world.

Multiple Maverick stars previously confirmed that there have been talks of a third installment. Miles Teller, who plays Lt. Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw in the film, revealed in July 2022 that he and Cruise had "been having some conversations" about the possibility of another movie.

Glen Powell, who portrayed Lt. Jake "Hangman," in the film also shared in July 2024 that he had "a date" when it came to filming the third installment of the Top Gun series.

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