Tom Cruise Teases New Projects Including Top Gun 3 and Days of Thunder Sequel

SYDNEY, Australia — Actor Tom Cruise has shared exciting news regarding the future of his film projects, including a long-anticipated sequel to “Top Gun.” Speaking on Australia’s Today show, Cruise mentioned that the new installment is in discussions, alongside a potential follow-up to his classic sports movie, “Days of Thunder.”

“Yeah, we’re thinking and talking about many different stories and what could we do and what’s possible,” Cruise said. He emphasized that developing these sequels is a careful process, explaining that it took 35 years to perfect “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Paramount confirmed in early 2023 that “Top Gun 3” is officially in development, with Cruise reprising his role as test pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Despite the positive momentum, there is no confirmed timeline for production.

In addition to his work on the “Top Gun” franchise, Cruise hinted at a second “Days of Thunder” movie. Released in 1990, the original film follows NASCAR rookie Cole Trickle—played by Cruise—as he competes in the fierce world of stock car racing. Though the film didn’t fare well with critics, it garnered a dedicated fan base over the years.

In a recent venture, Cruise is also working on the eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series, titled “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” set to release in theaters on May 21 in the UK and May 23 in the US. He returns as Ethan Hunt, facing off against an AI antagonist called the Entity.

Cruise is also collaborating with acclaimed director Alejandro Iñárritu on an unnamed project expected to debut in late 2026. He described working with Iñárritu as an extraordinary experience.

As film fans await the continuation of these beloved franchises, they can enjoy streaming “Top Gun: Maverick” and the original “Days of Thunder” on Paramount+