Pakistan, June 6 -- Tom Cruise has shocked Hollywood with a massive salary demand for his next film. The 62-year-old star reportedly wants between $35 million and $40 million upfront to return as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun 3. This huge ask is causing delays in the movie's development.

Studio executives are currently working on the script, but they have not yet presented it to Cruise. An insider revealed that once the script is ready, it will be shared with Tom for his thoughts. The hope is that he will agree to star and schedule the filming soon.

Negotiations over Cruise's pay are expected to continue if he agrees to join the project. However, sources say his salary demand is so high it could risk the future of the franchise, a...