Top Gun: Maverick was released in theatres last year and landed 36 years after its original release (1986). Even after years, Maverick still pushes the envelope as a top naval aviator.
Although this time, Tom Cruise didn’t only make the return as Maverick but also as a co-producer of the film. But besides this, he has created a major problem for future Top Gun: Maverick franchise installments. How?
Because the main lead of the movie was more heavily involved in the movie’s development and decision-making process that his one requirement has already ruined (sure-to-be) Top Gun 3.
Tom Cruise Doesn’t Want Any Numbering in His Future Top Gun Sequels
Jerry Bruckheimer gave credit to Tom Cruise for being the ‘better producer’ than him and praised his leading man by saying:
“Tom can do everybody’s job. He is a terrific actor. He is a better producer than I am and surrounds himself with great people.”
The producer of Top: Gun Maverick seems happy with his co-producer because of the remarkable success of the movie. So, there’s no doubt that the movie would spawn a sequel soon in no time.
Although there’s no clarification about the third sequel of the Tom Cruise’ franchise but the actor has already complicated the threequel (for sure) from both marketing and story perspectives. And several reasons prove it.
The first reason is the title because the star preferred a title without numbers. That is the reason why filmmakers chose Top Gun: Maverick instead of ‘Top Gun 2.’
The 54-year-old told this to Acess Hollywood while he was in London on the promotional trail of The Mummy:
“I didn’t want a number, you know what I mean?”
While numbering could have made naming easier, Cruise’s requirements just unnecessarily complicated the naming of future installments. It seems obvious that Cruise didn’t want any mess with the titles for this franchise, just like what it was in the case of Mission: Impossible.
The second reason is Tom Cruise’s involvement in the series as another role (Co-producer). The success of the summer blockbuster proves that people are eager to watch more of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell — from a storytelling perspective, it does seem appropriate for Top Gun 3 to close out his story.
Top Gun: Maverick provides enough closure to move Cruise’s character from a lead to a supporting role. Now, because of the heavy involvement of the Jack Reacher actor, it’s unlikely that he’ll step down the role — even if that’s most needed in the story.
Numbering Confusion Sparks Concerns Over Top Gun 3 Success
The filmmakers need to push themselves hard to find a title focusing on the Maverick and not on numbers. As ‘Top Gun’ is used in both movies, it’s clear it will be used in the third sequel too. If they drop ‘Maverick,’ it suggests Tom Cruise’s character will take on more of a wingman role (according to the franchise’s narrative).
If Top Gun 3 doesn’t delve deep into Maverick’s story, it could focus on another character like Miles Teller’s Rooster, and title it something like “Top Gun: Maverick & Rooster.” This solution might resolve the numbering issue, but it could somewhat sideline Cruise’s character.
The numbering issue has created confusion for the filmmakers and raised questions about the third installment’s success — as the success is heavily dependent on the title, and it can take a u-turn if it doesn’t align with the storyline.
Watch Top Gun: Maverick on Prime Video.
Source: Screen Rant
