Two fighter pilot helmet popcorn buckets are heading to select theaters for the 40th anniversary re-release of Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, with Epic Theatres in Florida among the first chains confirmed to carry them. Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick will return to theaters on May 13, 2026, and hopefully, the Helmet Popcorn Buckets will last that whole time for collectors to get the collection. This isn’t just a Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, it is a chance for those who missed out to get a piece of history for the shelf display!
- Red helmet — “GOOSE” is clearly written on the back/top, with “VF-1” squadron markings. Expected Price: $34.95 and hold 85oz
- Navy blue helmet — “MAVERICK” (partially visible as “RICK”) with matching character-accurate detailing. Expected Price: $34.95 and hold 85oz
The two buckets are modeled after the iconic flight helmets worn in the films. The first is a red helmet styled after Goose’s design, marked with “VF-1” detailing and a flip-up visor that opens to reveal the popcorn compartment. The second is a dark navy blue Maverick helmet with the same flip-up visor design and character-accurate markings. Both are sculpted collectible containers built to match the look of the gear worn on screen.
Epic Theatres in Florida is confirmed to carry the helmets when the re-release opens on May 13. Additional chains are expected to announce availability in the coming days. Fantasy Land News will update this article as more theaters are confirmed. Check our Movie Theater Popcorn Bucket guide for the full chain-by-chain breakdown as it develops.
The Re-Release
Paramount Pictures is bringing both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick back to theaters on May 13, 2026, for one week only as part of the original film’s 40th anniversary. The event runs May 13 through 19 and marks the first time the 1986 original is being presented in IMAX, 4DX, and ScreenX. Both films are available as a back-to-back double feature. Tickets are on sale now.
The re-release also coincides with Paramount’s announcement of Top Gun 3, currently in development, making this a good moment to catch both films on the big screen before the franchise moves forward again.
What This Means for Collectors
Anniversary re-release buckets are a different category from standard new-release merch. They tend to move fast, they are not tied to a long theatrical run, and they do not always appear in online stores the way new-release items do. If you want one, the safest bet is to head to the theater in opening week rather than waiting to see if a restock appears later.
The Goose helmet, in particular, is the rarer design in terms of collector demand. Goose-specific merchandise has always been underrepresented in official releases, and a dedicated helmet bucket for the character is something fans have not seen before.
We will have pricing and full chain availability as more announcements drop. Stay with Fantasy Land News for updates, and join our community at fantasylandnews.com/the-realm.
Goose and Maverick Helmet Popcorn Buckets Are Arriving at Theaters for Top Gun’s 40th Anniversary
