Why Kurt Russell wrote Tom Cruise a letter about Top Gun: Maverick

Published: Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3:00 pm

Kurt Russell Praises *Top Gun: Maverick* for Revitalizing Theatrical Experience

Veteran actor Kurt Russell has revealed he penned a personal letter to Tom Cruise, praising *Top Gun: Maverick* for its role in reviving the struggling movie theater industry. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Russell highlighted the film's significance in bringing audiences back to cinemas after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russell, known for his roles in films like *Escape From New York*, emphasized the shift in viewing habits during the pandemic, with streaming services gaining immense popularity. He saw *Top Gun: Maverick* as a crucial project to counteract this trend and encourage collective viewing experiences.

The sequel to the 1986 classic, *Top Gun: Maverick*, saw Cruise reprise his role as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, training a new generation of Navy pilots. The film, released in May 2022, was a massive box office success, grossing $1.48 billion globally and becoming the 15th highest-grossing film of all time. It was the second highest-grossing film of the year, behind *Avatar: The Way of Water*.

*Top Gun: Maverick* also garnered critical acclaim, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning for Best Sound at the 2023 Oscars. A third film in the franchise is currently in development, with director Kosinski in talks to return.

In other news, Russell is also set to star in Michelob ULTRA's new Super Bowl advertisement, titled "The ULTRA Instructor," alongside *Maverick* actor Lewis Pullman. The commercial blends football festivities with the upcoming Winter Olympics.

BNN's Perspective:

While the success of *Top Gun: Maverick* is undeniable, it's important to acknowledge the evolving landscape of entertainment. Streaming services offer convenience and a vast library of content. However, the communal experience of watching a film in a theater remains a unique and valuable aspect of our culture. The success of *Top Gun: Maverick* demonstrates that audiences still crave these shared experiences, and the industry should continue to find ways to balance theatrical releases with the growing popularity of streaming.

Keywords: Kurt Russell, Tom Cruise, Top Gun: Maverick, movie theaters, box office, COVID-19, streaming, film, sequel, Academy Awards, Super Bowl, Michelob ULTRA, Lewis Pullman

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