Tom Cruise demands record-breaking pay cheque for his next movie

Tom Cruise has reportedly made a jaw-dropping salary demand for his next blockbuster movie.

According to Radar Online, the 62-year-old actor and film producer has asked for $35 million to $40 million upfront to play Pete “Maverick” Mitchell again in a third instalment of Top Gun.

Hollywood sources have claimed that his “colossal ask” is slowing down the movie’s development. The studio is working on a script and plans to talk to Cruise later this year despite their desire to sign him before fall.

The insider said, "The current status of the third Top Gun movie is that they are working on the script at the studio level.”

"When it's ready for Tom's thoughts and input, it will be presented to him, and hopefully he will agree to make the movie and put it on his schedule,” they added.

"His salary is still going to be subject to negotiation if and when he does commit. But it is so larger it could honestly tank the whole franchise, as it's doubtful he will allow it to continue without him – and he has big enough clout in Hollywood to make that happen."

The sources went on to share that "it’s going to be a different deal structure for the third film," as “Tom gave Paramount a discount on his salary for the last movie, but he made a killing on his profit participation because the movie was bigger than anybody imagined.”

"Tom has more than proven himself worthy in this role of an upfront salary between $35 to 40 million,” the insiders remarked.

It is pertinent to mention that if Top Gun 3 happens, then filming might start in spring 2026 with a release planned for May 2027.