Megastar Tom Cruise will return as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in Top Gun’s sequel Top Gun : Maverick after a gap of 34 years. Cruise appeared on San Diego Comic-Con in a surprise visit to launch the official trailer of the long-awaited sequel.

Calling it a “a love letter to aviation”, he said that he felt it was his responsibility to really deliver the sequel he has been getting most requests for.

In a video of the event that has been circulating on the internet, Cruise is seen saying, “I was always asked ‘When are you going to do another one?’ Well, you’ve been very patient with me. I felt like it was my responsibility to really deliver for you.”

He further added that Top-Gun, to him, is about “competition, sacrifice, family, heroism and aviation. ”

The 1986 film, Top Gun, was an American action drama directed by Tony Scott that was inspired by an article titled “Top Gun” published in California magazine in 1983.Despite receiving mixed critical reception, the film broke box office records and has since then become a cult favourite film for varied generations.

The trailer only gives audiences a glimpse into the world that will only unfold on the film’s release on cinema screens across the world.

It does begin with a high ranking official, played by Ed Harris, stating to Maverick, “Thirty-plus years of service. Combat metals, citations — only man to shoot down three enemy planes in the last 40 years. Yet you can’t get a promotion, you won’t retire and despite your best efforts, you refuse to die. You should be at least a 2-star admiral by now but here you are a captain, what is that?”

Maverick’s response is enough to establish that the “hero” is back and this time with much more vigour. Tom’s style and character quotient are well established by his iconic jacket, sunglasses and the bike.

In fact, Cruise told fans at the event, “Everything you see in this film is for real”, quoted IANS, with regards to the jet flying, bike sequences and the action.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the movie also stars Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell and Lewis Pullman. Top Gun: Maverick is slated to release in 2020.