The much-anticipated sequel to the iconic 2022 film, Top Gun: Maverick, is set in motion, and there’s plenty of buzz surrounding it. With Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick and a new generation of pilots entering the fray, the sequel promises to be an action-packed thrill ride.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the third flick is the mystery surrounding Glen Powell’s character, known as Hangman. While details about him have been kept tightly under wraps, there are some fascinating theories floating around that suggest he could be the son of Val Kilmer’s character, Iceman.
The resemblance between Powell and Kilmer is uncanny, both physically and in terms of personality. Powell’s cocky and competitive demeanor in the trailers mirrors a young Kilmer in the original Top Gun. if this theory is true, we could again see Kilmer reprising his role in the upcoming Top Gun 3.
Unveiling the Unrealized Top Gun Sequel Plot Twist Involving Tom Cruise & Val Kilmer
As Top Gun fans eagerly await the release of the third movie, speculation & theories continue to swirl around the potential plot twists and character developments. There is this one curious theory that has caught the attention of fans: the idea that Hangman, played by Glen Powell, could actually be the son of Iceman, assumed by Val Kilmer.
The resemblance between Powell and Kilmer is striking, with both actors sharing similar physical features such as face and eye shape, as well as lighter hair. Additionally, Top Gun: Maverick’s marketing has framed Hangman as a cocky rival to Tom Cruise’s Maverick, reminiscent of a young Iceman from the original flick.
Given that Iceman was not in the original sequel story, the writers may have managed to include him in a limited role with a significant impact by possibly introducing his son. It is noteworthy that even though he was not originally expected to be in Top Gun: Maverick, Kilmer apparently went above and beyond to be a part of it (via Screen Rant). His belated addition to the sequel may have influenced Powell’s expanded role, leading to speculation that Hangman could indeed be Iceman’s son.
If the theory holds true, the idea of Hangman being Iceman’s family makes sense for Top Gun: Maverick. Maverick’s reluctance to change and move on from the past could conflict with the idea of him being a father figure, whereas Iceman’s character could be more flexible for this storyline.
With the potential for Powell and Miles Teller’s character, Rooster, to become the faces of the franchise moving forward, Top Gun 3 could pave the way for a whole new chapter in the Navy-centered film series. Who knows what the future holds for Maverick, Iceman, and their talented offspring?
Flying High Again: Top Gun 3 Production Updates & News
Fans of Top Gun 3 will not have to wait long for the third entry in the Tom Cruise-starrer series. The Hollywood Reporter claimed that the forthcoming flick is currently in development at Paramount, with Glen Powell, Cruise, and Miles Teller set to reprise their roles.
Although the film has been in production since late 2023, audiences will not be able to watch it for some time. Right now, Cruise is working nonstop on the eighth Mission: Impossible film, which will keep him occupied until its May 2025 release.
It is still unknown if Val Kilmer, who starred with Cruise in the first Top Gun film and later rejoined him in Top Gun: Maverick, will work on the project. However, the latter was content enough for Kilmer to simply make an appearance in the second film.
Cruise stated in 2022 on Jimmy Kimmel Live!:
That was pretty emotional. I’ve known Val for decades. For him to come back and play that character… He’s such a powerful actor, that he instantly became that character again.
Sure, as we eagerly await the release of the sequel to Top Gun: Maverick, the mystery surrounding Hangman and his possible connection to Iceman adds an exciting element to the mix.
Will the above-explored theory prove to be true, or will the filmmakers have something entirely different in store for us? Either way, we can’t wait to strap in and take flight when the sequel lands in theaters.
Top Gun: Maverick is now available on Paramount+.
