Top Gun 3: this post was originally written in January 2024, when a third Top Gun film was purely speculative. As of mid-2026, that has changed — Paramount has now officially confirmed Top Gun 3 is in development, with Tom Cruise set to return as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. However, the film still does not have a director, composer, or release date attached, so there is no soundtrack information to report yet. This page has been rewritten to reflect the confirmed, current status rather than the earlier rumors.
Quick Facts
| Title | Top Gun 3 (working title, unconfirmed) |
| Status | Officially confirmed in development (announced at CinemaCon 2026) |
| Confirmed Cast | Tom Cruise (Pete “Maverick” Mitchell) |
| Producer | Jerry Bruckheimer |
| Writer | Ehren Kruger |
| Director | Not yet announced (Joseph Kosinski reportedly not returning) |
| Composer | Not yet announced |
| Release Date | Not yet announced |
| Studio | Paramount Pictures |
Is Top Gun 3 Officially Confirmed?
Yes — as of Paramount’s CinemaCon 2026 presentation, Top Gun 3 has moved from rumor to officially confirmed development. Tom Cruise is set to return as Maverick, and longtime Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer is back as well. Writer Ehren Kruger, who also worked on Top Gun: Maverick, is attached to the script, which has reportedly been in the works for some time.
What remains unconfirmed: Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski is reportedly not expected to return, and Paramount is said to still be searching for a new filmmaker to lead the project. No supporting cast beyond Cruise has been officially announced, though Miles Teller and Glen Powell — who played Hangman and Rooster in Maverick — are widely expected to be approached to reprise their roles. None of this is confirmed casting yet, so treat it as informed speculation rather than fact.
No release date, composer, or full title has been announced. Given the film doesn’t yet have a director attached, a soundtrack is not something we can meaningfully report on — we’ll update this page as soon as verified information becomes available, rather than guessing.
What Made Top Gun: Maverick’s Soundtrack So Successful?
While we wait for concrete Top Gun 3 details, it’s worth remembering why expectations are so high. Top Gun: Maverick (2022), directed by Joseph Kosinski, grossed nearly $1.5 billion worldwide, becoming Tom Cruise’s highest-grossing film ever. Its score, composed by Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer, and Lorne Balfe, wove in Faltermeyer’s original 1986 “Top Gun Anthem” alongside new material, and the soundtrack also featured Lady Gaga’s Oscar-nominated song “Hold My Hand.” Any Top Gun 3 soundtrack will have a high bar to clear.
Where to Watch Top Gun: Maverick
While you wait for Top Gun 3 news, Top Gun: Maverick is available to stream on Paramount+ and available to rent or buy digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Top Gun 3 actually happening?
Yes. Paramount officially confirmed the film is in development at CinemaCon 2026, with Tom Cruise returning as Maverick and Jerry Bruckheimer producing.
Who is directing Top Gun 3?
No director has been officially announced. Joseph Kosinski, who directed Top Gun: Maverick, is reportedly not expected to return, and Paramount is said to be searching for a new filmmaker.
Will Miles Teller and Glen Powell return for Top Gun 3?
It hasn’t been officially confirmed. Reports suggest they’re expected to be approached to reprise their Top Gun: Maverick roles, but no casting beyond Tom Cruise has been announced.
Does Top Gun 3 have a release date?
No. As of this writing, Paramount has not announced a release date for Top Gun 3.
Who will compose the Top Gun 3 score?
No composer has been announced yet. Top Gun: Maverick’s score was written by Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer, and Lorne Balfe, building on Faltermeyer’s original 1986 Top Gun themes.
Related reading: Browse more Movie Soundtracks, or see what’s streaming on Paramount+.