Jay Ellis Lands Role in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Opposite Tom Cruise

Jay Ellis (Credit: Deposit Photos)

When one door closes, another one opens… That’s definitely the case with former Insecure actor Jay Ellis.

After news broke last month that Ellis wouldn’t be returning for season 3 of the HBO comedy, the #LawrenceHive was buzzing.

Now comes word he’s landed a role opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.

According to Deadline, Ellis will play a pilot in the upcoming sequel.

John Hamm, Ed Harris, Thomasin McKenzie, Charles Parnell, Bashir Salahuddin, Danny Ramirez and Monica Barbaro are also joining previously announced cast members Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, Glen Powell and Jennifer Connelly.

Read MoreDirector Danny Boyle Bails on James Bond 25 Over ‘Creative Differences’

The original film starred Cruise and Kilmer, Kelly McGillis and Tim Robbins. It was released in 1986, and made a staggering $357 million worldwide.

The new Joseph Kosinski-directed movie will center on Cruise’s character, who now teaches at the Top Gun school.

The film is slated to open on July 12, 2019.