Top Gun 2, the sequel to the classic 1980s Tom Cruise film, is going into high gear after years of “in development” limbo. Negotiations are underway with screenwriter Justin Marks, who is best known for writing the new live action version of The Jungle Book.

The Top Gun sequel is being produced by Paramount and Skydance. It’s probably no coincidence that the project is finally taking off, given the recent arrival of iconic producer Jerry Bruckheimer at Paramount. Bruckheimer previously worked with Marks on the feature film War Dogs.

One of the things that slowed down production of Top Gun 2 was the shocking death of Tony Scott, who directed the original 1986 movie and was set to helm the sequel. Scott committed suicide in 2012. There’s no word yet on who will replace him as director. We do know that Tom Cruise will reprise his memorable role as ace pilot Maverick.

An early draft of the script was written by Peter Craig, who recently completed The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2. Other contributors include the writing duo Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz (X-Men: First Class).

With the sequel coming nearly 30 years after the first movie, about young pilots at the Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, some critics wonder if the subject matter is still relevant in light of technological advances. In an interview with HuffPost Live earlier this year, Bruckheimer talked about the storyline, saying: “The concept is, basically, are the pilots obsolete because of drones? Cruise is going to show them that they’re not obsolete. They’re here to stay.”