Jerry Bruckheimer is flying high after Top Gun: Maverick’s monumental success. The long-awaited sequel to 1986’s Top Gun scored a record Memorial Day weekend opening at the box office with $156 million (including preview screenings), beating Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’s $153 million.
It took 36 years for a Top Gun sequel to take to the skies, leaving many to wonder why it took so long for Tom Cruise’s Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell to get back to the pilot’s seat. According to Bruckheimer, it was fate, more or less. “This was the time that it was going to happen,” Bruckheimer told Deadline. “It never really got that close; we never had a script, never had ideas,” Bruckheimer added.
“Joe [Kosinski] went to Paris where Tom was shooting Mission: Impossible; he had a look book and a poster,” remembers Bruckheimer. “He wanted to make sure to do everything right including shooting in the jets with the actors.” Cruise didn’t take long to jump on a couch about the idea. He quickly called the head of Paramount to get the gears grinding.
Bruckheimer’s pride for Top Gun: Maverick is far-reaching and he thinks it’s a movie that everyone can enjoy. “We make films for all audiences. Top Gun is for everybody; it’s all about the story and the characters and the ride we take them on. I don’t care where you see this movie. You see it with packed audiences; it’s playing all over the world. We have huge numbers in Europe and Asia.”
When it comes to making another film in the Top Gun franchise, Bruckheimer isn’t ruling out the possibility. However, he’s content to watch Maverick soar beyond expectations while it continues to dominate the box office. “Let’s ride this wave,” says Bruckheimer.
Additionally, Bruckheimer insisted that he’s still working on a feature follow-up to National Treasure regardless of Disney’s plans to launch a series based on the property on Disney+. There is no word as to whether Nicolas Cage will be involved.
Is it too early to start thinking about a Top Gun 3? Do you want another National Treasure film? What about Pirates? Will a rebooted version without Johnny Depp have the same appeal? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.