Speaking to US Weekly, Ellis clarified that although fans are eager for details, the team is taking their time to ensure the film meets high expectations
Jay Ellis, who portrayed fighter pilot Lt. Reuben ‘Payback’ Fitch in Top Gun: Maverick, recently shared an update on the much-anticipated sequel. According to Ellis, work on the follow-up film is still in progress, with Tom Cruise and co-writer Ehren Kruger continuing to refine the script and storyline.
Speaking to US Weekly, Ellis clarified that although fans are eager for details, the team is taking their time to ensure the film meets high expectations. “They’re still working on the script. They’re still working on the story. They’re wanting to get it right,” he said. The 43-year-old actor emphasized Cruise’s dedication to making the film perfect, noting that the 62-year-old actor and producer is a “stickler” for quality. Ellis described how Cruise’s commitment is rooted in his desire to ensure the audience is thoroughly entertained, allowing them to fully immerse in the movie for its duration.
Ellis also touched on the importance of not just making another film for the sake of it but ensuring the characters continue to engage viewers. “This story is not done just to make a movie, but made because these characters are going to make people lean in,” he explained.
The sequel is expected to delve deeper into the storylines and character arcs introduced in the first two films, with Ellis hopeful that it will provide a satisfying continuation for fans.
The Top Gun: Maverick sequel will see the return of Cruise, who will also produce the movie alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and David Ellison. Other returning stars include Miles Teller as Lt. Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw and Glen Powell as Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin. Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski is also expected to return, though it’s unclear if he will direct or produce the sequel.
While the sequel was confirmed in January 2024, updates have been scarce. The last major news came from Powell in July, when he hinted that filming would begin soon. Fans eagerly await more details, but as Ellis stated, Cruise and the team are taking their time to get it just right.
