Tom Cruise says Top Gun 2 in the works

SYDNEY: Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise revealed Wednesday he plans a sequel to the cult action film Top Gun, with filming set to begin next year.

Rumours have swirled for years that he would revisit the 1986 movie that made him a household name, and Cruise finally spoke out while in Australia to promote his latest flick "The Mummy".

Asked by a Channel Seven breakfast TV host about whether a second installment of the action drama was on the cards, he replied: "Yes, it´s true."

"I´m going to start filming it probably in the next year.

"It´s happening, it´s definitely happening."

The original Top Gun, which also starred Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis and Tim Robbins, received mixed reviews but was a huge commercial hit.

Directed by Tony Scott, Cruise played hotshot US Navy pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, who has a dangerous and reckless flying style.

He struggles to balance life, responsibility and a love affair while competing at the Navy´s fighter-weapons school.