Paramount just released the new trailer for its long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, and it seems fully aware of what audiences are looking for. The thrills immediately make their presence known, leaving viewers all frizzy-haired in its wake. But there are still bound to be questions. Will it live up to the original? Does Tom Cruise do his own stunts? Most importantly, is there another volleyball game?
Right from the get-go, it seems pretty clear that this trailer aims directly for that nostalgia nerve, bringing up plenty of familiar faces and those big fast planes everybody seems to like so much. Of course, after originally planning to release way back in 2020, Top Gun: Maverick has faced so many delays that it almost seems like the trip down memory lane is intentional to win back the good graces of fans. After all, they've been waiting 36 years already since the original Top Gun released in 1986, so some of them might be feeling a little stir crazy. No, an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival probably doesn't count as "tiding over fans."
The trailer does a lot to really entice viewers both new and returning. The returning folks will be happy to see people like Cruise and even a quick mention of Val Kilmer's Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, now promoted from Lieutenant to Admiral. Meanwhile, cinema fans who might be new to the world of Top Gun will likely enjoy the inclusion of new heavy hitters like Jennifer Connelly and Jon Hamm. A shot of the former during what appears to be a somber funeral scene breaks things up with the tease of some tragedy as well. But what will probably draw in everybody equally is the adrenaline-pumping action that's put on full display here. Don't worry, it looks like there's also a new beach volleyball game this time around too. No word on whether it will be as... steamy as the last one, though.
Whether through Cruise's penchant for trying to be as authentic as possible with his action scenes or due to the fantastic cinematography, the actual flying sequences in the trailer are an absolute thrill. Viewers can almost feel the speed and g-forces providing that rush that draws so many people into a life of piloting. Even though his full face isn't usually visible in the cockpit, these shots make it suddenly seem very clear why Cruise apparently can't keep a straight face during action scenes.
Top Gun told the story of Cruise's LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (now a Captain in Maverick) and his best friend/Radar Intercept Officer LTJG Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards) as they're recruited from their positions in the Navy to attend the prestigious Naval Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN. But what really drew in audiences were the film's stunts and action sequences. Top Gun: Maverick seems like it's continuing that tradition, using tons of practical effects and real fighter jets in action to pull off its heart-pumping flight shots.
Top Gun: Maverick also stars Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Monica Barbaro, and Lewis Pullman as new pilot trainees, with Ed Harris also making an appearance as one of Maverick's superiors. It looks like Cruise and the rest plan to hone in on nostalgia while still looking forward both behind the scenes and on-screen. Here's hoping this highly-anticipated sequel lives up to expectations, or is at least really fun to watch at a bar.
Top Gun: Maverick will premiere in theaters on May 27th, 2022.
Source: Paramount Pictures/YouTube