The Maverick has landed!

Tom Cruisejust took the stage in Hall H atSan Diego Comic-Conin a surprise unannounced appearance.

For 34 years, you guys have been very patient with me, a relatively low-key Cruise declared.

Tom Cruise

Chelsea Lauren/Variety/Shutterstock

And I felt that it was my responsibility to finally really deliver for you.

The actor also promised the crowd that everything you see in this film is for real.

So the flying, working with the Navy … everything is real.

Top Gun Maverick

Paramount Pictures

He also added, the film is about competition, family, sacrifice.

The appearance represents a homecoming of sorts for the actor who shot the original film in San Diego.

The end is inevitable Maverick, your kind is headed for extinction, Harris character says.

Maybe so sir, but not today, Maverick shoots back.

The sequel picks up decades after the 1986 blockbuster.

Hammrecently toldColliderthe film is being shot in the highest possible resolution.

Theyre using some technology on this that is never before seen, Hamm said.

Were shooting the movie in, I think, 6K.

So its incredibly hi-def.

The aerial footage is mind-blowing.

And its mostly practical.

Theres not a lot of CG.

The production, which is set for release next year, also revealed a poster:

Related content: