The sequel to 1986’s Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, was once again delayed so Tom Cruise could go on a global press tour for the film. 2021 was supposed to see Cruise return to two of his most iconic film roles, Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible and Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick. However, due to Paramount’s recent release date changes, Cruise will now only be seen in the second installment of Top Gun. Top Gun 2 was originally set for a 2019 release but has experienced a number of delays due to COVID-19, with the most recent move meaning fans now have to wait until November 19 (M: I 7’s previous release date) as opposed to July 2.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Top Gun: Maverick will see Cruise’s Maverick return to the danger zone, but this time, Maverick will be training a crop of fighter pilots, and in doing so, will have to confront his past as one of the students is Miles Teller’s Rooster Bradshaw, the son of Goose. The sequel will also star Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris and will also feature the return of Val Kilmer’s Iceman. The trailers for the film have given a glimpse into the thrilling ride Maverick’s latest journey is expected to be, and Cruise himself even called the film an unreal experience. It turns out Cruise is hell-bent on promoting the unreal experience in grand fashion, which is why Top Gun: Maverick was delayed yet again.

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A new report from THR has stated that sources close to Top Gun: Maverick informed them that the reason behind the film’s delay is due to Cruise wanting “to embark on a world tour in advance of the opening.” The report highlights how that would currently not be a possibility for the star, as it would be “impossible in much of Europe, where there are once again lockdowns, and possibly Japan.” THR also notes that the film would not be “sandwiched” between Fast & Furious 9’s June 25 release and Black Widow’s July 9 release. In addition to that, “a veteran studio executive” said "Cruise is one of the few stars who can move the needle by doing late night shows and premieres across the world.”

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One of Cruise’s greatest qualities is his commitment to his projects, and this is exemplified by him doing his own stunts and having an emphasis on his film’s being practical, which is also the case for Top Gun: Maverick, as there was no green screen used and Cruise will be flying the fighter jets. However, Cruise is also very active in promoting his films, particularly high-profile ones like Mission: Impossible. He’s often seen making the rounds on shows like The Tonight Show, as well as popular UK shows like The Graham Norton Show. Considering the history behind the Top Gun franchise and the fact countries like the UK are taking steps to come out of lockdown, it's understandable why Cruise wants to promote the film around the world.

Cruise and co. have also been insistent on Top Gun: Maverick receiving the big screen experience. The film was filmed with new IMAX 6K cameras to enhance the spectacle, and Paramount reportedly expects the film to do big business in theaters. As the COVID-19 vaccine is slowly making its way around and Godzilla vs. Kong’s box office performance has given upcoming blockbusters a boost, Cruise will be hopeful he can promote the highly anticipated Top Gun: Maverick around the world and see a big return at the box office.

Next: Did John Carpenter Change Top Gun’s Original Ending?

Source: THR

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