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'Top Gun: Maverick': Will Tom Cruise's Maverick die in the much-anticipated sequel?

Killing off Cruise's character also doesn't necessarily stop the franchise from spawning a few more sequels

While Val Kilmer's Tom "Iceman" Kazansky's death has been teased in the 'Top Gun: Maverick', there could be a twist if the sequel decides to kill the main man himself. Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell (Tom Cruise) could perhaps get the perfect send-off in the form of a heroic end in the upcoming installment. Of course, this is pure what if...? But it would make sense to have a fitting end to one of the most iconic Hollywood movies ever.

For starters, it brings Maverick's journey a full circle. An absolute daredevil of a pilot with zero regard for orders, Maverick ended 'Top Gun' as a hero with the Kazansky. But the trailers hint that he's distanced himself from an authority, suggesting he still has issues taking instructions from the head honchos. After being tasked to train some of the best pilots in the business, he switches from the role of a test pilot to commandeering a bunch of ace fliers prepping them for a secret assignment.

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Killing off Cruise's character also doesn't necessarily stop the franchise from spawning a few sequels. With his former partner Goose's son Rooster (Miles Teller) being one of the pilots, Maverick's death could mean passing the baton to another skilled pilot who seems to have the same qualities as Mitchell. Teller is one of the franchise’s newcomers, and it makes sense for Goose’s son to take over Maverick’s old role in a potential third Top Gun flick. It would be even fitting if Rooster and Maverick fly together if at all the director plans to give Mitchell his final flight.

The official synopsis reads, "After more than 30 years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. Training a detachment of graduates for a special assignment, Maverick must confront the ghosts of his past and his deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who choose to fly it."

'Top Gun: Maverick' releases May 27 in the US.