Top Gun Star Shares Thrilling Update on Tom Cruise’s Threequel, Says the Movie Has Never Felt More Real
Top Gun 3 is moving forward in small but encouraging steps, according to Jay Ellis, who played Payback in Top Gun: Maverick. During a red-carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight for his new series Not Suitable for Work, Ellis said a script already exists and that Paramount, Tom Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer and the franchise’s creative team are all enthusiastic about continuing the story.
Ellis described the project as being in an early stage, emphasizing that no one is rushing to finish it just for the sake of making another sequel. He said the goal is to push the film beyond what Top Gun: Maverick achieved, much like Cruise spent years waiting to make a follow-up to the original Top Gun until the technology and story felt ready. While Ellis did not give any release date or production timeline, his comments make the film sound more concrete than speculation.
The update is notable because Top Gun: Maverick became one of the most successful and widely praised legacy sequels in recent memory, raising expectations for any future installment. Fans have been eager to see whether the franchise could return again with the same mix of spectacle, emotion and practical action that made the 2022 film such a hit. Ellis suggested the team understands that challenge and is focused on making sure a third movie would feel earned.
He also reflected fondly on his experience filming Maverick, saying the production had personal meaning because he comes from a military family. The actor said the sights and sounds of Naval Air Station North Island brought back memories of growing up around his father, who served in the Air Force. That connection helped make his role in the film especially memorable.
Ellis also praised the franchise’s core creative group, pointing to Cruise, Bruckheimer, Christopher McQuarrie and Joseph Kosinski as a powerhouse team with a strong track record. He said their approach to Top Gun has always been about combining large-scale entertainment with emotional stakes, and that any new sequel should aim to continue that standard rather than simply repeat it.
In addition to discussing the film, Ellis shared a lighthearted story about Cruise calling his father on FaceTime while they were filming Maverick. His father, a former Air Force serviceman, was surprised to suddenly be speaking with the Hollywood star, adding a personal and memorable moment to the production.
For now, Top Gun 3 remains in development, but Ellis’ comments suggest momentum is building. With a script in place and the key players reportedly on board, the sequel appears to be edging closer to takeoff, even if fans will have to wait before seeing Cruise return to the cockpit once again.
