'The Town' scribe tapped for 'Top Gun 2'

Paramount has tapped Peter Craig ("The Town") to write "Top Gun 2," which will be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Films and David Ellison's Skydance Prods. "X-Men: First Class" scribes Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz were hired to write the aerial sequel back in October, but the duo never put pen to paper, indicating that Craig will be starting from scratch. Plot details are nil, though Tony Scott and Tom Cruise are expected to be involved in the sequel, which Paramount is serious about moving forward with. Since writing WB's "The Town," which grossed $154 million worldwide, Craig has adapted the French Canadian hit "Fathers and Guns" for Columbia Pictures. Scribe also rewrote Ted Tally's adaptation of Doug Stanton's novel "Horse Soldiers," which Bruckheimer is producing. Craig is repped by CAA and Management 360. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com