Top Gun: Maverick premiere date set for Tom Cruise and stars - with Royal Family members likely to attend

After almost 40 years, the highly anticipated sequel to Top Gun is finally here - with a UK premiere set for May.

Maverick, starring Tom Cruise, will open in London as a Royal Film Performance, with members of the Royal Family likely to be on the guest list.

It will be held as a fundraising event for The Film and TV Charity, which supports people working behind the scenes in the UK's screen sector.

The movie sees Hollywood star Cruise feeling the need for speed once again, reprising the role of US naval aviator Pete Mitchell some 36 years after the 1986 original, alongside Val Kilmer's Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller and Jon Hamm also star.

Originally due for release in July 2019, the opening date was repeatedly pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the UK premiere will now take place at an as-yet unspecified venue on 19 May.

A return to the skies

Top Gun: Maverick producer Jerry Bruckheimer said he was "delighted" that the premiere would be in aid of The Film and TV Charity. "After 36 years, we are thrilled to bring Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell back to the big screen with the help of an incredible cast and truly talented crew," he said.

"We know audiences around the world are going to love returning to the skies in this long-awaited return, and we are thrilled to be able to support such an amazing charity that continues to aid and support the UK film industry."

Initially called the Royal Command Film Performance, the first Royal Film Performance took place at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square in 1946, with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attending, along with Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, to see A Matter Of Life And Death, starring David Niven.

Prince Charles and Camilla turned out for the last performance, which featured a screening of First World War epic 1917, directed by Sir Sam Mendes, and took place at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square in 2019.

John Fletcher, managing director of Paramount Pictures UK, said the company was "honoured" to premiere the film as a Royal Film Performance.

"We feel this worthy charity is a fantastic partner for this hugely anticipated movie and on behalf of Paramount we look forward to welcoming everyone to what we hope will be a most memorable night," he said.

Alex Pumfrey, chief executive of The Film and TV Charity, said the organisation had supported more than 10,000 people during the pandemic.

"The last couple of years have been incredibly tough for everyone, not least people working behind the scenes who saw their livelihoods threatened by the pandemic," she said.

"After such a challenging time, it really does feel special to be using the platform that is The Royal Film Performance to celebrate the return of event cinema, and also to shine a light on the support we're able to offer to those who make it all possible."

Top Gun: Maverick will be released in the UK and Ireland on 25 May