Tom Cruise has set his sights on Prince Harry for Top Gun sequel says casting agent

US actor Tom Cruise is keen to get Prince Harry to star alongside him when he reprises his role as pilot Maverick in Top Gun, according to reports.

Cruise, 53, hopes to snap up the royal for the role because he offers “real experience and knowledge of flying in combat”.

An American casting agent told the Daily Star: “Tom has thrown the offer out to his team to hit up Buckingham Palace and get Prince Harry.

“He’s even suggested the prince’s salary could be donated directly to his chosen charity. Tom also hopes David Beckham can put a word in and pull some strings too.”

The agent continued: “He knows it is a long shot but if anyone can make it happen it is Tom.

“He doesn’t just want Harry as a gimmick casting but someone who offers real experience and knowledge of flying in combat.

“Harry has been on the frontline in Afghanistan, so he has the credentials to stand tall in the film.

“Not only is Harry qualified but his involvement would be a huge PR coup for the movie.”

Written by Justin Marks the new film will follow on from the original 1986 hit.

Producer David Ellison has dropped hints as to what film fans can expect, saying Cruise will fight against drone technology.

“It is very much a world we live in today where it's drone technology and fifth generation fighters,” he said.

“It's really exploring the end of an era of dogfighting and fighter pilots and what that culture is today.”