Top Gun’s Tom Cruise on Why He Kept Rejecting a Sequel for a Long Time

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More recently, Tom Cruise shared insights into his early career choices, explaining why he held off on a Top Gun sequel for such a long time. During a talk at the British Film Institute, the actor delved into his journey as a filmmaker, his worldwide aspirations, and the artistic decisions that molded his path beyond the 1986 classic.

Tom Cruise talks rejecting Top Gun sequel

At a BFI gathering in London, Tom Cruise shared that after the success of Top Gun, he turned down multiple offers to make a sequel. “They persistently asked me to keep making Top Gun,” Cruise explained, further stating, “However, I was keen on expanding my acting skills and seeking more complex roles.” He expressed his desire to delve into diverse characters and tackle various creative endeavors. (Based on Deadline’s report)

While working alongside Ridley Scott on the movie “Legend” (1985), I had the chance to meet Tony Scott, the director of Top Gun. Following my decision to star in Top Gun, I managed to secure an arrangement that allowed me to keep tabs on the film’s progress. During this time, I closely watched as Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson handled the production process for the movie.

As the film achieved blockbuster status, the production company proposed a sequel to Cruise. However, he turned down the proposals, expressing his desire to expand his acting repertoire and tackle fresh artistic endeavors outside of the Top Gun series.

The BFI discussion continued to shed light on Tom Cruise’s extensive hands-on approach in movie-making, starting with his role as a producer for Mission: Impossible back in 1996. In his own words, he expressed his desire to advance action and storytelling, infusing them with increased emotional depth. He shared that he crafted his film knowledge by observing directors such as Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, and by journeying overseas to gain insights into various filmmaking techniques from around the world.

Credit goes to Cruise for originating the concept of global red-carpet film premieres, as he proudly declared, “It was my idea to have red carpet premieres. This way, we can share the glamour of Hollywood with these locations daily, and then continue our journey.

He also confirmed interest in future projects, stating, “My goals are endless.”

Significantly, Tom Cruise reappeared in the series for the follow-up film, Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022.

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2025-05-12 11:44