Nicholas Holt in the running for a key role in Top Gun 2

Nicholas Hoult is one of the front-runners for a key role in 'Top Gun 2'.

The 28-year-old British star faces competition from fellow actors Glen Powell and Miles Teller for a major part in the long-awaited sequel of the 1986 classic starring Tom Cruise as Maverick, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Producers are said to be looking for an actor to play the son of Maverick's wingman and close friend Goose, who met a fatal end in the original, which was directed by Tony Scott.

Along with Cruise, Val Kilmer is set to reprise his role as the iconic Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky, having teased back in 2015 that he had been offered a part in the sequel.