Get ready to feel the need for speed—and for buttery popcorn. AMC Theaters has just unveiled a collectible popcorn bucket for the upcoming 40th anniversary re-release of Top Gun and its blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick, and it's a direct nod to the franchise's iconic flight gear. The bucket is shaped like Maverick's helmet from the original 1986 film, giving fans a tangible piece of aviation history to hold while they watch Tom Cruise soar once more.
The re-release, scheduled to hit theaters next month, will bring both the original Tony Scott-directed classic and the 2022 legacy sequel back to the big screen. This double feature is expected to dominate the box office, potentially overshadowing the debut of Guy Ritchie's In the Grey, which stars Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal. Given that Top Gun: Maverick already ranks among the highest-grossing movies of all time, this theatrical encore could add even more altitude to its earnings.
Popcorn buckets have become a major part of the moviegoing experience in recent years, thanks in large part to the viral sandworm bucket from Dune: Part Two. Since then, studios have gone all out, with designs ranging from the space helmet in Project Hail Mary to the Logan-themed receptacle in Deadpool & Wolverine. These novelty containers have turned into must-have souvenirs, and AMC's latest offering is sure to be a hot commodity among fans.
The new bucket, which AMC revealed earlier this week, is modeled after Maverick's helmet from the first film. It's a sleek, detailed replica that captures the spirit of the character's rebellious style. While AMC is leading the charge, other chains like Regal are expected to announce their own Top Gun-themed buckets in the coming days.
For those who need a refresher, the original Top Gun follows Maverick (Tom Cruise) as he attends the elite Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, where his cocky attitude clashes with fellow pilots. The sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, finds an older Maverick returning to train a new generation of hotshots for a dangerous mission. A third installment is in development at Paramount, though details remain under wraps.
If you're looking for more binge-worthy content while you wait for the re-release, check out our picks for Apple TV+'s 'The Studio' or Netflix's 'The Letter for the King'. And for a deeper dive into cinematic perfection, don't miss our ranking of the most perfect Marvel movie endings.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on the Top Gun re-release and all things entertainment.
