For a long time, we’ve heard rumors that a sequel to Top Gun is in the works and it now appears that the project is actually taking a step forward. Peter Craig, screenwriter of The Town, has been brought on board by Paramount to write the follow-up. Craig represents a “sizable hire” for the studio, suggesting that they are getting serious about the film. Craig’s name is also attached to the upcoming Horse Soldiers, a film about “soldiers who did battle on horseback against the Taliban after 9/11.” Tom Cruise has confirmed that he has held talks with director Tony Scott and producer Jerry Bruckheimer about reprising his role of Maverick from the original, so the pieces seem to be coming together. In other Top Gun news, a 3D re-release is still being planned and could happen later this year.

Of all the blockbuster films of the 1980s, Top Gun has always come across as one of the most representative of that time (not necessarily in a good way), so the idea for a sequel at this point has always seemed strange. If anything, this is a case where a reboot/remake would make more sense. Plus, as it stands now, I can’t imagine that returning for a sequel would be a worthwhile career move for Cruise. He already has the Mission: Impossible series to fall back on and he has plenty of other offers to consider. How many of you out there are interested in seeing Top Gun 2? What about a 3D version of the original?