The TopGun Franchise has proven beyond all doubt its worth with its immensely successful sequel 2022’s, TopGun: Maverick. Now all roads are leading to a recently confirmed threequel and franchise leading man, Tom Cruise will return for this third installment.

TopGun 3 should do well to refocus the franchise to its newer characters.
Characters that will undoubtedly allow for continuity of the franchise beyond its forthcoming threequel.

Amongst the swath of next gen TopGun pilots that were introduced in the sequel. Currently, only 3 have the most potential to lead the franchise beyond TopGun 3.

Lt. Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw – The son of Lt. Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw from the first TopGun is easily the first contender for this role of leading star.

So much so that his relationship with Tom Cruise’s Maverick was a major focal point for the sequel.

With a clear character growth experienced in that film. Rooster would be most deserving as a successor of the franchise.

Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin – The antagonistic Hangman would later redeem himself himself by the end of the sequel.

Given his profound confidence, charm and his rivalry with Rooster. Hangman could stand in for Rooster or simply lead the franchise alongside. Now that both have mutual respect for one another.

But the love/hate relationship could still be allowed to play out, albeit in a friendly fashion. As it could add some needed character dynamic to TopGun 3.

Lt. Natasha ‘Phoenix’ Trace – TopGun: Maverick did something special by having women partake in the feature but not as spectators this time out.

Of all of them, the standout was undoubtedly Phoenix who was perfectly capable of holding her own alongside the likes of the sequel’s leading men.

Plus her empathy for Rooster could blossom into something more if given the chance. Which is how the threequel’s love story could play out.

Also her presence balances out the testosterone rivalry between Rooster and Hangman.

These three candidates prove beyond doubt that if TopGun wanted to continue without its current poster child, Tom Cruise. It could and really just hinges on getting a story worth telling.

TopGun 3 does not currently have a theatrical release date.

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