Tom Cruise stars as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in the original Top Gun film released in 1986, laying the foundation for the sequel.
Paramount Pictures announces the development of a sequel to the original Top Gun film, setting plans in motion for Top Gun: Maverick.
Tom Cruise undergoes extensive pilot training to authentically portray a naval aviator, including flying fighter jets for the new film.
Principal photography for Top Gun: Maverick starts, including aerial scenes filmed with real fighter jets.
Tony Scott, director of the original Top Gun, passes away in 2012, impacting the legacy of the franchise.
The sequel to Top Gun is officially released, grossing significant box office revenue worldwide and receiving critical acclaim.
Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell is nominated to be an instructor at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School after decades of service.
Maverick arrives at the Top Gun school to begin training a new generation of fighter pilots.
Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw, the son of his late friend Goose, who is anxious about Maverick's influence.
Maverick begins rigorous flight training sessions with the new Top Gun candidates, pushing them beyond their limits.
The pilots participate in advanced simulated dogfights and combat exercises to prepare for real-world missions.
Maverick briefs the Top Gun pilots on a high-risk mission to destroy an unsanctioned uranium enrichment facility guarded by advanced enemy defense systems.
Maverick decides to take a risky approach to minimize collateral damage, flying at low altitude to evade radar.
The team executes the dangerous mission involving precise flying through mountainous terrain and advanced aerial combat.
After intense dogfights and near-fatal moments, Rooster confronts Maverick about his leadership and their past.
In a critical moment, Maverick risks his life to save Rooster during the mission, reigniting their trust and bond.
The Top Gun team successfully completes the mission and returns to base; Maverick reflects on his legacy and future.
