Top Gun 2: Val Kilmer confirmed to return as Iceman

Filming has begun on the sequel, which will see Tom Cruise's Maverick mentor a new generation of pilots

(Paramount Pictures)

"I feel the need... the need for a sequel."

Top Gun, one of the 80s' greatest contributions to unintentional homoeroticism, has seen a sequel start filming this month, with Tom Cruise back for what's been titled Top Gun: Maverick.

Yet, who would Maverick be without his wingman? Good news, then, that The Wrap has reported Val Kilmer will also return to the role of Iceman for the film.

Top Gun saw Maverick and Iceman turn from rivals to friends, with this new outing now envisioning Maverick as a mentor to the newest generation of fighter pilots, dealing with a world in which drone technology threatens to make their old style of flying obsolete.

Oblivion director Joseph Kosinski will direct, with a script by Eric Warren Singer, Peter Craig and Justin Marks; Harold Faltermeyer, who composed the 1986 original's catchy synth score, will also return.

The project is currently shooting, with Cruise announcing the first day of production on Twitter on 31 May.

Top Gun: Maverick hits cinemas 12 July 2019.

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.