Director Patty Jenkins, known for her work on Wonder Woman, is once again developing a Star Wars movie centered on starfighter pilots, a project often described as “Top Gun in space.” Initially announced in 2020 and later shelved, Jenkins’ film, tentatively titled Rogue Squadron, aims to introduce a new generation of elite pilots engaged in risky, high-velocity battles within the iconic galaxy far, far away. This resurgence positions the project as a natural fit for actor Tom Cruise, known for his own starfighter-driven saga in the Top Gun series.
The planned film involves fast-paced dogfights and high-stakes missions, evoking the thrilling aerial scenes that have defined Cruise’s Top Gun franchise. Jenkins confirmed during a 2024 podcast that she is currently drafting the screenplay under a new deal with Lucasfilm, though she remains uncertain whether it will proceed to production amid competing projects focused on starfighter stories within the Star Wars universe.
Background on Jenkins’ Star Wars Endeavor and Current Development Status
Jenkins’ involvement with the Star Wars franchise dates back nearly five years when she was first tapped to write and direct a pilot-focused film titled Rogue Squadron. The project promised to spotlight daring pilots embarking on groundbreaking missions, capturing a spirit similar to that of Tom Cruise’s Top Gun, but set against Star Wars’ vast cosmic backdrop.
Despite early enthusiasm, Variety reported in 2023 that Lucasfilm had removed the movie from active development, coinciding with Jenkins’ departure to pursue other projects. However, her recent comments on Talking Pictures revealed that she is now back on board, tasked with delivering a new draft script, which signals renewed momentum toward reviving the film.
At the same time, Lucasfilm is advancing another starfighter-focused production starring Ryan Gosling, which may impact Jenkins’ project’s timeline or completion. This potential overlap underscores the competitive nature of expanding the Star Wars franchise’s aerial combat narratives.
So now I owe a draft of Star Wars. So we will see what happens there.
—Patty Jenkins, Director
Why Tom Cruise Could Be the Perfect Fit for a Star Wars Pilot Role
The prospect of a Star Wars film highlighting elite starfighter pilots aligns well with the cinematic energy that has driven Tom Cruise’s successful Top Gun series. With Cruise reportedly nearing the end of his Mission: Impossible franchise commitment, joining the Star Wars universe would offer a fresh chapter for his career while leveraging his established appeal in action-packed aviation stories.
Cruise has consistently pushed the boundaries of stunt work and high-octane action sequences, qualities that could inject a new level of excitement into Star Wars’ space battles. His involvement might invigorate the franchise and attract a wider audience, particularly fans who appreciate intense, pilot-centric narratives.
Alongside Cruise’s current projects, such as developing a sequel to his 1990 racing film Days of Thunder, entering the Star Wars franchise could mark a strategic shift toward more franchise-based roles, contrasting with his longtime rival Brad Pitt’s recent focus on original films like Wolfs and a Formula 1 biopic.
A Star Wars movie inspired by Top Gun, featuring Cruise as a starfighter pilot, would create synergy between two iconic action properties and enhance both his and Lucasfilm’s profiles in the coming decade.
The Broader Context of Star Wars and Tom Cruise Franchises
Star Wars films and series continue to be a major part of Disney+’s streaming lineup, delivering ongoing content to a large fanbase eager for new stories from the galaxy. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise’s Top Gun movies remain popular, available on Paramount+ in the United States, reinforcing his strong association with pilot-centric action franchises.
Lucasfilm’s renewed interest in starfighter pilots and action-heavy storylines, together with Cruise’s legacy of pushing cinematic action boundaries, presents a compelling future for these intertwined franchises. How this development unfolds could influence the direction of upcoming Star Wars titles and Cruise’s evolving career path.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. When was Tom Cruise diagnosed?
A. When Tom Cruise was seven, he learned he had dyslexia, which makes reading difficult. This condition presented challenges with reading in high school and early acting roles. Nonetheless, Cruise didn’t allow this obstacle to stop his dreams.
Q. What is Tom Cruise’s religion?
A. Beyond acting, Cruise is known for openly supporting the Church of Scientology, which has led to some controversy and questions about his role in the group. Additionally, he loves flying and earned his pilot’s license in 1994.
Q. What syndrome does Tom Cruise have?
A. Tom Cruise realized that dedication and effort could help him deal with dyslexia. While he had trouble reading, he still followed his dream of acting. Acting also turned out to be a way for him to manage his dyslexia.
Q. How many face surgeries has Tom Cruise had?
A. Many celebrities choose to get facelifts when they reach around 40 years old. However, Tom has mostly avoided this.
In 2014, someone close to him mentioned that Tom dislikes plastic surgery. He believes the results might not turn out well and could make him look unnatural.
