“Top Gun” sequel gets release date

Paramount Studios has given Tom Cruise's “Top Gun” sequel a July 12, 2019, release date — 33 years after the original.

Variety reported on May 24 that Joseph Kosinski — who directed Cruise in “Oblivion” — was the frontrunner to direct “Top Gun 2” for Paramount and Skydance Pictures.

Skydance CEO David Ellison and Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the 1986 original, will produce with Cruise. This latest project will be set in a world of drone technology and fifth generation fighters along with exploring the end of the era of dog-fighting.

Cruise said recently the title would be “Top Gun: Maverick” although Paramount listed the title Friday only as “Top Gun”. Maverick was Cruise's character's nickname in the film in which he played Naval aviator Lt. Pete Mitchell.

The original film, directed by the late Tony Scott and set at the Navy's Fighter Weapons School at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, was a massive hit with more than $350 million in worldwide grosses. Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, Tom Skeritt and Anthony Edwards also starred in the film.

Source: Variety