A sequel 36 years in the making

After Top Gun took flight in 1986, it took more than three decades for Maverick to hit the runway. Development started in 2010, but delays, including the death of Top Gun director Tony Scott, script rewrites, and the COVID-19 pandemic meant the film didn’t release until May 2022.

Cruise had also explained the movie had taken so long to make because he wanted to ensure the story was right and was waiting for technology to evolve to a point where he could create a truly immersive experience for audiences.