Originally published May 25, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
After Tom Cruise’s reveal that Top Gun 2 could actually start production next year, Variety has come out with a new piece of information regarding the film, revealing that Paramount has already found a frontrunner among directors for the anticipated sequel: Joseph Kosinski, who directed Cruise in 2013’s sci-fi Oblivion.
While no formal announcement has been made, one is apparently imminent from Paramount and Skydance Pictures. Cruise has reportedly been meeting with potential directors before and during filming of Mission: Impossible 6 in order to get started on Top Gun 2 as soon as he’s done on the spy sequel. After meeting with Kosinski again to discuss the film, it was apparently the director’s vision for the sequel that impressed Cruise enough for the job.
Little is known about the film, but producer David Ellison hinted that Top Gun 2 will delve into the technology of unmanned drones and a dying fighter jet and aerial fighting program. Original Top Gun actor Val Kilmer has also expressed his interest in reprising his role as ‘Iceman’, Maverick’s professional rival in the film.
