Tom Cruise Billion-Dollar Franchise Getting TV Series

By Chad Langen | Published

top gun: maverick top gun 3
Top Gun: Maverick

The massive success of Top Gun: Maverick has rekindled global interest in the thrilling world of fighter pilots and aerial acrobatics. According to The Hollywood Reporter, National Geographic is seizing the opportunity to capitalize on the film’s triumph by developing a series, Top Gun: The Next Generation. The series is poised to give fans an unfiltered look into the elite world of the US Navy’s fighter pilot training program.

National Geographic is developing a reality series, Top Gun: The Next Generation, based on the US Navy Advanced Flight Training Program.

The premise of Top Gun: The Next Generation is as thrilling as it sounds. These young officers aren’t just taking part in regular training; they’re pushing their limits in the demanding Advanced Flight Training Program. Every twist, turn, and heart-stopping maneuver is real, from the gravity-defying aerial stunts to the nerve-wracking landings on an aircraft carrier amidst the vast expanse of the ocean.

What makes this training program unique is the opportunity to pilot the F-35C Lightning II, the world’s most advanced jet. However, this privilege is reserved for only the most exceptional candidates, who must endure demanding challenges and tests to earn the honor of commanding this aviation marvel. The stakes are incredibly high, and Top Gun: The Next Generation will spotlight the unwavering pursuit of excellence that defines this elite group of aviators.

tom cruise
Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick

Beyond the mesmerizing aerial spectacles and demanding training sequences, what sets Top Gun: The Next Generation apart as a truly exceptional documentary series is its focus on the pilots themselves. By way of exclusive interviews, viewers will have the opportunity to delve into the inner worlds of these remarkable individuals, gaining a profound understanding of their thoughts, aspirations, fears, and unwavering determination. These are not anonymous figures hidden behind helmets but real people with dreams who courageously strive against formidable odds in a high-stakes environment, making their journeys all the more compelling and relatable.

The stakes are incredibly high, and Top Gun: The Next Generation will spotlight the unwavering pursuit of excellence that defines this elite group of aviators.

Tom McDonald, the Executive Vice President of Global Factual and Unscripted Content at National Geographic, is just as excited about the project as devoted Top Gun enthusiasts. He revealed his immediate attraction for the series, highlighting the global community of millions of Top Gun fans. Additionally, McDonald said the series promises to provide an engaging, visually spectacular, and compelling exploration of the fiercely competitive realm of elite aviation through National Geographic’s unparalleled behind-the-scenes access.

With the legacy of the Top Gun movies setting the backdrop and the real-life drama of the training program at its core, this documentary series is poised to be a game-changer.

But it’s not just about the high-flying action. Tanya Shaw, the managing director of Zinc Television and executive producer, hinted at a deeper emotional connection that viewers can expect. She spoke of “intimate access” to the pilots and emphasized the emotional narratives that will run through the series. The highs and lows, the joy of success, and the heartbreak of failure – all will be captured, offering a multi-faceted view of this challenging journey.

With the legacy of the Top Gun movies setting the backdrop and the real-life drama of the training program at its core, this documentary series is poised to be a game-changer. As the jets soar and dreams take flight, audiences around the world will undoubtedly be strapped in for a remarkable journey. While the premiere date for Top Gun: The Next Generation has yet to be announced, viewers can expect to be taken to the skies once again alongside these elite aviators.