The surge in Glen Powell’s popularity following his appearance in Top Gun: Maverick fuels speculation about the potential for a Top Gun 3. However, the direction the franchise should take remains debatable. The sequel, which took a remarkable 36 years to materialize, succeeded beyond expectations, not just in terms of box office numbers but also by offering a richer narrative focused on the character of Maverick, portrayed by Tom Cruise.
In his return as an older and more seasoned Maverick, Cruise delivered a blend of charisma and poignancy, particularly showcased in his poignant scenes with the late Val Kilmer. This brief yet powerful exchange became a standout moment in the high-octane series, emphasizing the film’s dedication to character development over mere spectacle. Critics have widely praised this focus, allowing Top Gun: Maverick to outshine its predecessor, both in critical reception and commercial success.
Maverick’s Potential Retirement in Top Gun 3
Glen Powell’s Ascendancy: A New Face for the Franchise
One challenge posed by Top Gun: Maverick is that its self-contained narrative complicates the possibilities for a third installment. While the original film left several plot threads unresolved, the sequel deftly tied up many of Maverick’s personal struggles. By the end of Top Gun: Maverick, Maverick finds happiness with Penny, overcomes his guilt surrounding Goose’s tragic death by salvaging Rooster’s life, and earns respect from Navy leadership. Such developments leave little room for further personal growth unless Maverick shifts to a mentorship role in the Navy.
This potential transition might seem like a significant step back for Cruise’s iconic character, yet the rapid rise of Glen Powell, especially following his success in the blockbuster reboot Twisters, suggests that he could very well step into the franchise’s lead role. Powell’s standout character, Hangman, provided a compelling counterpoint to both Rooster and Maverick, ultimately proving to be pivotal during the film’s climax.
The Prospects of Retiring Maverick
A Positive Conclusion for Maverick’s Arc
While Powell taking the reins from Maverick may initially appear as an unexpected move, it could effectively set the stage for the franchise moving forward. Since his role in Top Gun: Maverick, Powell’s career trajectory has soared. His romantic comedy, Anyone But You, grossed an impressive $220 million against a $25 million budget, and Twisters has already racked up $370 million as of summer 2024.
Following these successes, Powell is set to star in Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian tale, The Running Man, which is expected to fare well at the box office. His journey in Hollywood is commendable, particularly after honing his craft in various supporting roles over the last decade. Critically acclaimed performances in projects like Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, which Powell co-wrote, further solidify his position as a rising star.
Transitioning to a teaching role could present Maverick with a humbling challenge, prompting reflections on aging, mortality, and legacy. Cruise’s character is defined by his daring spirit, but taking on a mentorship role as a full-time instructor could weave a compelling narrative about personal growth and acceptance of change.
Exploring Potential Replacements for Maverick in Top Gun 3
Miles Teller’s Rooster: A Viable Successor?
Nonetheless, the box office struggles of Miles Teller’s recent films might make his replacement of Cruise less certain. While his portrayal of Rooster in Top Gun: Maverick was well-received, his performance history includes several box office disappointments leading up to the sequel’s release. Movies like 2015’s Fantastic Four and 2016’s The Divergent Series: Allegiant did not perform well, and since Top Gun: Maverick, only The Gorge has been released—resulting in modest critical reception and a streaming-only release on Apple TV.
Moreover, the aviation drama Devotion, which bears similarities to Top Gun: Maverick, underperformed despite positive reviews. This situation indicates that while both Powell and Teller present potential as successors to Cruise, Powell’s recent successes at the box office position him as a more reliable choice for the franchise’s future.
The Case Against Retiring Maverick
Maverick: The Heart of the Top Gun Franchise
Despite Powell’s rising stardom and industry acclaim, it would be difficult to justify sidelining Maverick in Top Gun 3. The franchise is intrinsically connected to Tom Cruise’s character; the narrative has always revolved around Maverick’s personal journey rather than focusing solely on aerial combat or flight training. Although the series could see him taking on a mentor role, truly stepping back from the limelight presents considerable challenges in execution. Given the momentum of Top Gun: Maverick, the narrative’s center should remain anchored in Cruise’s iconic portrayal of Maverick.