Tom Cruise Confirms Top Gun 3 and Days of Thunder 2 Are in Development; Know His Next Big Projects

Tom Cruise is moving on from Mission: Impossible but has big plans ahead. The actor confirmed sequels to Top Gun: Maverick and Days of Thunder are in the works. He also shared updates on other upcoming films.

Cruise recently wrapped up Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth and final film in the long-running franchise. The movie releases on May 23, 2025, ending Ethan Hunt’s story after nearly 30 years. Now, fans are curious about what Cruise will do next.

The actor revealed he is actively developing Top Gun 3 and Days of Thunder 2. He made the announcement during an interview with Today Show Australia. Cruise said both projects are in early discussions, and he is excited about the possibilities.

“Yeah, we’re thinking and talking about many different stories and what could we do and what’s possible,“ Cruise said. “It took me 35 years to figure out Top Gun: Maverick, so all of these things we’re working on, we’re discussing Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick.”

Top Gun: Maverick was a massive hit in 2022, earning $1.49 billion worldwide. It also got an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. The sequel brought back Cruise as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and introduced new pilots like Rooster (Miles Teller) and Hangman (Glen Powell). Both actors are expected to return for the third film.

Days of Thunder 2 will see Cruise reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle. The original 1990 film was directed by Tony Scott and co-starred Nicole Kidman. While plot details are still unknown, Cruise confirmed the project is moving forward.

Apart from these sequels, Cruise has other films lined up. He recently finished shooting an untitled movie with director Alejandro Iñárritu, known for The Revenant. The film is set to release on October 2, 2026.

“That was an extraordinary experience,” Cruise said about working with Iñárritu. He also mentioned ongoing collaborations with Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie on multiple projects.

One of those projects is Deeper, an undersea thriller directed by Doug Liman. The film follows an aquanaut who encounters a terrifying force during a deep-sea dive. Cruise is also developing a space-set action film and a World War II movie titled Broadsword.

Despite ending Mission: Impossible, Cruise has no plans to slow down. At 62, he aims to keep making movies well into his 80s and beyond. He previously said he wants to continue acting in action, drama, and comedy films for decades.

“I will never stop,” Cruise declared. “I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, comedy films. I’m excited.”

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is expected to be a major box office hit. Early premieres in Cannes, Tokyo, and London received standing ovations. The film features returning stars like Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, and Angela Bassett.

Cruise has always been known for doing his own stunts, and this movie is no different. He performed dangerous sequences, including walking between the wings of a biplane mid-flight. Fans can expect high-octane action in what may be Ethan Hunt’s final mission.

With Top Gun 3, Days of Thunder 2, and other projects in development, Cruise remains one of Hollywood’s busiest stars. His dedication to filmmaking and delivering thrilling entertainment ensures he will stay in the spotlight for years to come.

Also Read: Tom Cruise Praises Ana de Armas’ New Movie Amid Dating Rumors

Credits: Sources include Variety, Deadline, Screen Rant, and Today Show Australia interviews.

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