Jay Ellis Shares ‘Top Gun 3’ Update: ‘They’re wanting to get it right’

Fans eager for a Top Gun: Maverick sequel will have to wait a little longer, as the project is still in development. According to actor Jay Ellis, who played Reuben “Payback” Fitch in the 2022 blockbuster, work is ongoing to ensure the story meets high expectations.

Speaking at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards, Ellis gave an exclusive update on Top Gun 3 to Us Weekly. With a playful nod to his character, he joked, “So here’s what the story’s going to be. It’s going to be Payback. No, no, I’m kidding.” But on a serious note, he confirmed, “They’re still working on the script. They’re still working on the story. They’re wanting to get it right.”

Ellis’ comments reflect the careful approach being taken with Top Gun 3. Given the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick, which was both a critical and commercial hit, expectations are sky-high. The film, a follow-up to the 1986 classic starring Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, introduced a new generation of pilots, including Ellis, Miles Teller, and Glen Powell.

Tom Cruise, who not only starred in Maverick but also produced it, is known for his dedication to delivering top-tier entertainment.

Ellis acknowledged this, saying, “You know, Tom is a stickler, and that really comes from him wanting to make sure the audience gets what they paid for and that they’re entertained. [So] that for those two hours, they can fully disappear in this theater, and the world around them doesn’t exist anymore, and [be] fully entertained. That’s where the focus is.”

For Top Gun 3 to move forward, the filmmakers want to build on the foundation of the first two films while also bringing something fresh to the table. Ellis emphasized that the story must be meaningful and engaging. “[It’s also about] really making sure that this story is not done just to make a movie, but made because these characters are going to make people lean in,” he explained.

While waiting for more updates on Top Gun 3, Ellis has kept busy with other exciting projects. He recently filmed All Her Fault, an upcoming miniseries for Peacock. The psychological thriller, based on a novel, features a star-studded cast, including Sarah Snook, Michael Peña, Dakota Fanning, and Abby Elliott.

Describing the show, Ellis said, “It’s one of those things where it’s kind of like the Spider-Man meme. Everybody’s pointing at each other like, ‘You did it.’ It’s a lot of fun.” He also teased the intense nature of the series, adding, “Your fists are going to hurt so much. Your hands are going to be balled up in anxiety so much for this show. It was fun. We got to shoot it in Australia, which was really cool. Such a great, thrilling, heart-pounding [show].”

Although there’s no confirmed release date for All Her Fault yet, fans can expect an intense and gripping experience when it does premiere.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!