Top Gun: Maverick will fly into theaters in one week. Fans have been anticipating the sequel of one of the 80s iconic films. Those in attendance last night at the Cannes Film Festival got to see the movie early and it received a five-minute standing ovation from the crowd. Top Gun star Tom Cruise also received an honorary Palme d’Or.
Prior to Tom Cruise receiving the Palme, which came as a surprise, a tribute reel played before the film. But before it started, French fighter jets flew over and decorated the sky with streams of blue, white and red smoke. The jets did a second pass right before the Top Gun: Maverick star went on stage at the Palais to address the crowd.
“An incredible evening and an incredible time,” said Cruise to the crowd, “Just to see everyone’s faces. It’s been 36 years since Top Gun and we had to hold this for two years because of the pandemic.”
“Thank you Paramount people, this was a dream to be here with you,” said the Top Gun actor, “I’m going to take this all in and I’m never going to forget this evening.”
“Thank you for being here. We’re here for you. I make these movies for all of you. I’m with you in every meeting, in every moment,” Cruise added, “Especially in Cannes, you love movies.”
Hours before the Top Gun: Maverick Cannes premiere and the actor’s tribute, Cruise sat down for a one-on-one interview. The actor expressed his commitment to making movies for the big screen. He emphasized that the Top Gun sequel heading to streaming platforms before premiering in theaters was never an option during the pandemic.
Top Gun: Maverick’s next premiere is in London for a Royal Screening on Friday. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this film would be Tom Cruise’s biggest opening weekend ever. The film is already receiving soaring reviews from critics.
The Top Gun sequel is directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Top Gun: Maverick premieres in the U.S. May 27, Memorial Weekend, in theaters only.
