- Philippine military says will acquire US Typhon missile system
- Afghan bread, the humble centrepiece of every meal
- Honda and Nissan expected to begin merger talks
- 'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears
- Israeli women mobilise against ultra-Orthodox military exemptions
- Asian markets track Wall St rally as US inflation eases rate worries
- Tens of thousands protest in Serbian capital over fatal train station accident
- Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority
- Daniels throws five TDs as Commanders down Eagles, Lions and Vikings win
- 'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
- Only 12 trucks delivered food, water in North Gaza Governorate since October: Oxfam
- Langers edge Tiger and son Charlie in PNC Championship playoff
- Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
- Holders PSG edge through on penalties in French Cup
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin to talk gas deliveries
- Daniels throw five TDs as Commanders down Eagles
- Atalanta fight back to take top spot in Serie A, Roma hit five
- Mancini admits regrets over leaving Italy for Saudi Arabia
- Run machine Ayub shines as Pakistan sweep South Africa
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin
- Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 35
- 'Incredible' Liverpool must stay focused: Slot
- Maresca 'absolutely happy' as title-chasing Chelsea drop points in Everton draw
- Salah happy wherever career ends after inspiring Liverpool rout
- Three and easy as Dortmund move into Bundesliga top six
- Liverpool hit Spurs for six, Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth
- Netanyahu vows to act with 'force, determination' against Yemen's Huthis
- Mbappe back from 'bottom' as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- Ali hat-trick helps champions Ahly crush Belouizdad
- France kept on tenterhooks over new government
- Salah stars as rampant Liverpool hit Spurs for six
- Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
- 'Sonic 3' zips to top of N.America box office
- Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens to limited crowds
- Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- 'Nervous' Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- Pope again condemns 'cruelty' of Israeli strikes on Gaza
- Lonely this Christmas: Vendee skippers in low-key celebrations on high seas
- Troubled Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- 2 US pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: military
- Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth, Chelsea held at Everton
- France awaits fourth government of the year
- Germany pledges security inquest into Christmas market attack
- Death toll in Brazil bus crash rises to 41
- Joshua bout only fight left for beaten Fury says promoter Hearn
- Odermatt stays hot to break Swiss World Cup wins record
- Neville says Rashford's career at Man Utd nearing 'inevitable ending'
- Syria's new leader vows not to negatively interfere in Lebanon
- Germany pledges security inquest after Christmas market attack
- Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack
Tom Cruise unveils 'Top Gun' sequel with mid-air stunt
Tom Cruise unveiled the world-first screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" at CinemaCon in Las Vegas Thursday -- introducing the long-awaited sequel while balanced atop a flying bi-plane.
The new "Top Gun," which picks up the story of Maverick and his fighter pilot buddies some three decades after the blockbuster original, was scheduled to open in 2020 but was repeatedly delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cruise, famous for doing many of his own stunts, introduced the screening to the movie theater industry convention with a video message recorded in typically hair-raising style, perched on the moving plane's fuselage from the skies above South Africa.
"Hey everyone. Wish I could be there with you. I'm sorry for the extra noise," yelled 59-year-old Cruise over a roaring plane engine and high winds.
"As you can see, we are filming the latest installment of Mission: Impossible."
"Tom does everything at full speed all the time... and you can't stop him. He's going to do it no matter what," joked producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who also returns from the first movie, at the CinemaCon event.
While plot details and reviews are embargoed before the film officially premieres at the Cannes festival next month, "Top Gun: Maverick" drew immediate glowing praise on social media from journalists attending Paramount's CinemaCon presentation.
It combines adrenalin-packed action sequences largely shot on real US Navy fighter jets with emotional references to the original.
Bruckheimer said it had taken so long before making the follow-up because "all our careers kind of took off from that point" and Cruise "had a lot of stories he wanted to tell."
Tony Scott, who directed the original, died in 2012, but new director Joseph Kosinski "came up with a way to make it that excited Tom."
Kosinski said he had been inspired by stunning footage on YouTube recorded by US Navy pilots filming with GoPro cameras during their training.
"I showed that to Tom and I said 'this is available on the internet for free -- if we can't beat this, there's no point in making this film.' So he agreed."
With the assistance of Navy engineers, the filmmakers found ways to insert six cameras into the jet cockpits.
- 'Emotional' -
The blockbuster original was based on a real training program that was known as Topgun and based at San Diego's former Naval Air Station Miramar.
Navy recruiting officials reportedly saw a dramatic uptick in inquiries from would-be flyboys following the film's release, with military recruiters in some cities setting up tables outside cinemas.
Filmmakers "did not get a lot of support from the Navy" to make the original "Top Gun," said Kosinski.
"This movie on the other hand, when we approached the Navy to make it, it was like throwing open the doors. You know, 'come on in, tell us what you need.'"
The latest movie was granted access to the secretive Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in the Mojave desert of California, said Kosinski.
It also features an appearance from Val Kilmer, whose career was effectively ended when he lost his voice during treatment for throat cancer.
"Val felt comfortable doing it. It was very emotional filming it," recalled Bruckheimer.
"Obviously, he's compromised, but he's still an amazing actor, an amazing individual.
"Tom actually said 'I'm not making this movie unless Val is in it.'"
F.Bennett--AMWN