Production roadblocks push the "Top Gun 2" release date further into the horizon; the film is confirmed in development, though, casting problems considered.

The sequel to "Top Gun" is confirmed in development, but producer Jerry Bruckheimer is plagued with production woes. Apart from losing his director early on, there's also the problem of Tom Cruise to consider.

The first film propelled Tom Cruise to poster boy status and to superstardom, the film an 80's icon and making the term "wingman" a staple in sports bars and in the dating scene. Recent reports claim Cruise's reluctance to reprise his role in the sequel, though, possibly downgrading the film's box-office credibility.

On top of Tom Cruise stepping out of the sequel, the studio is reportedly opting not to commit to production, although Bruckheimer has revealed an updated, modern plot. The "Top Gun 2" release date is yet to be confirmed.

Director Tony Scott was slated to direct the film, but his suicide put a halt to hopes of a sequel ever being produced. Paramount Pictures reworked the original film into digital 3D instead, (supposedly) released to theaters 2013.

Bruckheimer has expressed intention to push through with production. In a Huffington Post report, he revealed part of the plot as modern and relevant. The studio made a few attempts to outdo the excitement of the first film, giving credit to Scott for pitching the initial plot before his untimely death in 2012.

As a spoiler of sorts to the film's storyline, Bruckheimer leaked details of the plot, involving a veteran Tom Cruise up against technology of precision, burdened to prove pilots are far from obsolete even in the midst of highly-advanced drones (breathecast.com).

The "Top Gun 2" release date was first slated for 2013, but with the plot reworked, the production rebooted, and with a void in its lead role, prospects for a launch could be pushed next year.