Although Ridley Scott could have directed Top Guns sequel, the legendary director was right to turn down Top Gun: Maverick. By Top Gun: Mavericks ending, it was tough for viewers to remember just how long the gap between the original movie and its sequel was. The follow-up recaptured the tone of the original cult classic so successfully that it was like Maverick had never left, and viewers left the theater ready for Top Gun 3s story. However, the production of the sequel was a long, difficult process behind the scenes, and Tony Scott’s untimely death was one reason for this.

https://screenrant.com/top-gun-maverick-ridley-scott-turned-down-good-director/