Tom Cruise's Top role

Tom Cruise and wife Katie Holmes

Tom Cruise is set to star in a 'Top Gun' sequel.

The 46-year-old actor - who starred as arrogant pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in the hit 1986 action movie - is reportedly considering reprising his role for a new movie, following the success of sequels to 80s franchises 'Rocky' and 'Indiana Jones'.

A source said: "The idea is to pick up the story of Maverick 20 years after the first movie. He is still at Top Gun school as an instructor but this time the roles are reversed and it is he who has to deal with a cocky new female pilot."

However, studio bosses are said to be unwilling to go ahead with the project unless they can convince Tom to star in the movie.

The source added to gossip website Absolute Now: "Whether the movie ever gets off the ground all depends on Tom and if he wants to play Maverick again because it would be hard to get someone else to play him."