Bruckheimer’s Oscar buzz and two tentpoles in play
Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer has spent decades shepherding some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. This awards season he added a second Oscar nomination to his résumé for the Brad Pitt–led racing drama F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski. The film earned nods including Best Picture, Visual Effects, Film Editing and Sound — a recognition that follows the producer’s earlier Oscar attention for Top Gun: Maverick.
At a recent Oscars luncheon, conversation about F1 shifted toward two other major Bruckheimer projects: Top Gun 3 and Pirates of the Caribbean 6. When asked about their status, Bruckheimer framed the effort to get either film into production as competitive. “I think it’s a horse race between the two of them, so we’ll see,” he told Entertainment Tonight. Pressed on which project was closer to moving forward, he added: “Right now, Top Gun is a hair ahead, but that’s it. We’re expecting a script shortly.”
Where Top Gun 3 stands
Top Gun: Maverick reignited interest in event cinema when it arrived in 2022, delivering strong box office returns and widespread critical praise. That success set a high bar for any follow-up.
Director Joseph Kosinski — who also directed F1 — has confirmed work is underway on a third Top Gun. Kosinski told Collider that Ehren Kruger is writing the script and that the team is actively developing ideas. “The idea of it is very exciting,” Kosinski said, adding that the project’s scope will be considerable: “The scale of it is massive. It’s going to make Maverick feel small in comparison, honestly.”
Beyond those comments, specifics remain limited. Key questions—whether Tom Cruise will return as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, who else might join the cast, and a production timeline—have not been publicly confirmed. Bruckheimer’s remark that a script is expected “shortly” suggests the film is past initial concept development and moving toward preproduction once a draft is in hand.
Where Pirates of the Caribbean 6 stands
The long-running Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is similarly in development, though its path forward has been more uncertain. A sixth installment has been discussed for years, but the status of a return by original star Johnny Depp remains unresolved. Bruckheimer did not disclose creative details, cast attachments, or a schedule, only confirming that the project exists in the pipeline.
Given the franchise’s history and the complications around casting and creative direction, Pirates 6 appears to be further from production than Top Gun 3 — a dynamic Bruckheimer’s “horse race” comment captures.
Why the outcome matters
Both franchises carry significant commercial and cultural weight:
- Top Gun reestablished a summertime appetite for big-screen spectacles and high-concept sequels, with Maverick helping to reassert the value of theatrical releases.
- Pirates of the Caribbean remains one of Disney’s most lucrative and recognizable properties, with strong franchise brand recognition worldwide.
Which project moves first will shape studio priorities, talent availability and marketing strategies. A finished Top Gun 3 script could accelerate scheduling, especially if it demands extensive aerial sequences or practical stunts that require long lead times.
Where to watch the recent films now
- Top Gun: Maverick is available to stream on Paramount+.
- F1 is available on Apple TV.
What to watch for next
Expect the next public developments to include confirmation of screenwriters, casting announcements, and (for Top Gun 3) the arrival of the promised script. Bruckheimer’s comments signal active development rather than a green-lighted production, meaning timelines remain tentative. Fans of both franchises will be watching closely as the “horse race” progresses.