Top Gun 2 Is Happening, Says Tom Cruise

For those of you with an unwavering desire for speed and a hunger for more Hollywood sequels, we've got good news. Well, actually, Tom Cruise has it: Maverick himself has confirmed that Top Gun 2 is happening. 

Cruise recently made an appearance on Australia's news network talk show Sunrise, where he discussed behind-the-scenes secrets and anecdotes from his time on his latest film, The Mummy. The conversation ended with a look into Cruise's past when one Sunrise host asked the actor to comment on the Top Gun 2 rumors. 

Much to the Sunrise crew's surprise, Cruise confirmed that the sequel is on its way after years of speculative chatter. According to Cruise, production on Top Gun 2 could begin as soon as next year. 

"It's true. Yes. You know what, I'm gonna start filming it probably in the next year," Cruise said, practically beaming as he made the announcement. "It's happening. It is definitely happening."

In the past, whisperings of a possible Top Gun follow-up floated through the film world, suggesting that the sequel would tack on a new screenwriter and that Val Kilmer would reprise his role as Iceman. There was also that mysterious meet-up between Cruise and film producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Early last year, fans got a Top Gun tease when Bruckheimer shared a photo of himself with Cruise, apparently after a discussion about the sequel. "Just got back from a weekend in New Orleans to see my old friend Tom Cruise and discuss a little Top Gun 2," Bruckheimer wrote on Twitter. 

The original Top Gun was released in 1986. Directed by Tony Scott, Top Gun follows Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he enrolls in  the Top Gun Naval Flying School, a U.S. Navy elite fighter weapons institution, to refine his piloting skills and become the very best. Through his efforts, Maverick connects with civilian instructor Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood (Kelly McGillis) and strengthens his bond with his Radar Intercept Officer Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards). The film also stars Tom Skerritt as Mike "Viper" Metcalf and Michael Ironside as Rick "Jester" Heatherly, among many others. 

If past plans have held up until now, The Jungle Book scribe Justin Marks will pen the Top Gun 2 script, and the film will "focus on modern drone warfare and fighter pilots" (via Collider).

Some may approach this news with caution, as sequels to classic films don't always shake out. But judging by the look on Cruise's face when he made the news public, we think Top Gun 2 just might be a successful second installment.