Paramount CEO David Ellison Fast-Tracks Top Gun 3 and Star Trek in Major Franchise Revival

David Ellison isn’t waiting for the ink to dry on his Paramount CEO contract before making explosive moves. Days after finalizing his takeover, Ellison has greenlit a blockbuster strategy centered on Paramount’s crown jewels—with Top Gun 3 and Star Trek leading the charge alongside Transformers and World War Z. “One of our biggest priorities is restoring Paramount as the No. 1 studio for filmmakers and talent,” Ellison declared at a recent leadership briefing, as reported by Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.

Why Are Top Gun and Star Trek Paramount’s Top Priorities?

The strategic focus stems from proven box-office power and untapped potential. Top Gun: Maverick soared to $1.4 billion globally in 2022, while Star Trek boasts a 58-year franchise legacy. New studio co-head Dana Goldberg explicitly called Star Trek “a priority across the company,” signaling unified corporate backing. Ellison emphasized quality-driven scaling: “We’re going to strategically scale content for our streaming service and studios.”

For Star Trek, this means two distinct film tracks:

• A Kelvin Timeline sequel reuniting Chris Pine’s Captain Kirk crew
• A prequel film directed by Andor‘s Toby Haynes, scripted by Seth Grahame-Smith (The Lego Batman Movie), and produced by J.J. Abrams. Set decades before 2009’s Star Trek, it explores Starfleet’s origins and humanity’s first alien contact.

What Can We Expect From Top Gun 3?

Goldberg confirmed Top Gun 3 is a non-negotiable priority. While not officially greenlit, insiders confirm Tom Cruise will return as Maverick, alongside Miles Teller (Rooster) and Glen Powell (Hangman). Director Joseph Kosinski (Maverick) teased a high-stakes narrative shift: “We’re thinking much bigger… It’s a really existential crisis that Maverick has to deal with, one that would make the previous film feel small.” Kosinski’s cryptic comments suggest themes beyond aerial combat, potentially involving global stakes requiring Maverick’s unique skills.

Which Other Franchises Are Getting Revived?

Ellison’s team is reigniting multiple properties:

• Transformers: Despite recent struggles, multiple projects are brewing—including discussions with original director Michael Bay about a potential return.
• World War Z: The long-dormant zombie franchise starring Brad Pitt resurfaces as a priority.
• Strategic streaming content: Ellison plans calibrated releases for Paramount+ to complement theatrical tentpoles.

Paramount’s franchise-first strategy under David Ellison signals a return to theatrical dominance through beloved universes. With Top Gun 3’s existential stakes, Star Trek’s dual timeline expansion, and legacy franchises getting fresh fuel, the studio is betting big on nostalgic appeal with modern scale. As these projects accelerate, expect casting announcements that will redefine summer blockbusters for years to come.

Must Know

Q: Who is Paramount’s new CEO?
A: David Ellison, founder of Skydance Media, finalized his Paramount takeover in July 2024. He immediately prioritized franchise revivals including Top Gun 3 and Star Trek films.

Q: Is Tom Cruise returning for Top Gun 3?
A: While unconfirmed officially, Paramount leadership and industry sources confirm Cruise’s return as Maverick is expected alongside co-stars Miles Teller and Glen Powell.

Q: How many Star Trek movies are in development?
A: Two distinct films: a sequel to the Chris Pine-led Kelvin Timeline series, and a prequel directed by Toby Haynes about Starfleet’s origins.

Q: Will Michael Bay direct another Transformers?
A: Paramount is discussing a possible Bay return to the franchise he launched, alongside other Transformers projects.

Q: Why is World War Z mentioned after years of silence?
A: Ellison’s team identified it as an underutilized asset; the 2013 original earned $540 million globally despite development challenges.