Top Gun: Maverick isn't even out yet, but it's already set a new cinematic record.
The film's studio, Paramount, is opening the film in 4,732 theatres across the United States this weekend, setting the bar for the most venues a film has screened in on its first weekend.
As noted by box office analyst Shawn Robbins, the previous holder of this record was The Lion King remake, which opened in 4,725 theatres. In its third weekend, it was being shown in 4,802, so there's still one more record for Maverick to steal.
Related: Why Top Gun: Maverick was missing Kelly McGillis and Meg Ryan
Beyond that, The Hollywood Reporter is speculating that the film will also be Tom Cruise's biggest ever opening weekend, as it's on track for a four-day opening starting at an estimated $92 million and possibly going up to $125 million.
Even if it hits the lower end of that estimate, or even falls short of it, it'd still be a big jump over Cruise's previous best openings: War of the World's $64.9 million three-day gross, and Mission: Impossible - Fallout's $61.2 million.
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Analysts are pointing towards an impressive opening for Maverick not only because it's a sequel to one of the most famous '80s films of all time, but Cruise has been on a huge promotional campaign for the movie. Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with plenty of critics calling it better than the original.
Related: Why Top Gun: Maverick copies the first movie's opening sequence
Digital Spy's own review reads: "Top Gun: Maverick is the rare sequel that will appeal to the fans of the original and to those who think back upon the 1986 classic with a vague shrug.
"It has just enough hat-tipping sentimentality (from the '80s needle-drops to the sepia wash) for that serotonin kick, but not so much that you feel pulled down by the weight of nostalgia."
Top Gun: Maverick is out now in the UK and will be released on Friday (May 27) in the US.
![Top Gun – 4K Ultra HD [Blu-ray] [2020] [Region Free]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1623254447-51aVUJxpYxL._SL500_.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "Top Gun – 4K Ultra HD [Blu-ray] [2020] [Region Free]")
Columbia/Legacy Top Gun - Motion Picture Soundtrack (Special Expanded Edition)
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.
