Tom Cruise’s $357 Million Classic Action Movie Flies Back to Theaters
A new studio announcement has placed a major Tom Cruise-led legacy title back in the spotlight. As the film approaches a milestone anniversary, audiences now have a confirmed date for its return to theaters. The re-release will arrive amid a competitive franchise-heavy month in 2026.
Top Gun sets 40th anniversary theatrical rerelease date
Paramount has confirmed the 40th anniversary theatrical re-release of Top Gun, scheduled for May 13, 2026. This marks the film’s fourth major theatrical release since its original debut on May 16, 1986. Previous releases include a 3D re-release in February 2013 and another theatrical reissue in May 2021 ahead of the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
Paramount plans to expand its long-term theatrical lineup by re-releasing Top Gun in 2026. The film will arrive in theaters in May 2026, following Mortal Kombat II on May 8 and preceding Disney’s The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22. Paramount also scheduled new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sonic the Hedgehog films for 2028.
Top Gun grossed over $357 million globally during its original 1986 run, becoming that year’s highest-grossing film. Tony Scott directed the movie, and Tom Cruise featured as Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. The film gained cult status and led to a sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, which premiered on May 27, 2022, and earned around $1.496 billion worldwide.
The 2026 re-release will mark the first Top Gun theatrical event without Val Kilmer, who played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. Kilmer died on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, and Jennifer Connelly paid tribute to their late co-star following the announcement.
Paramount placed Top Gun 3 among its production priorities and released early development updates a few months ago. The studio has not yet confirmed the cast or production timeline. The 40th anniversary theatrical release may increase momentum for the sequel following Maverick’s commercial success.
Source: Comingsoon.net