tom cruise 35

Screen Rant

Why maverick doesn't fly the f-35 in top gun 2.

Tom Cruise's Maverick is never seen flying the F-35 in Top Gun 2, despite the fighter jet currently being used by the U.S. Navy in real life.

When  Top Gun: Maverick flew into theaters Memorial Day weekend, audiences might have been confused as to why Tom Cruise's character of Maverick wasn't seen piloting the famous F-35 fighter jet in the film. The sequel to the 1986 original  Top Gun dominated the box office this past weekend, breaking records for Tom Cruise with the highest domestic opening ever for the actor. Featuring an all-star cast that helped to further the story of Maverick and Iceman, the film appealed to a new generation of audiences. The franchise features Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Cruise) as he navigated an elite fighter pilot school, in various roles, set up by the U.S. Navy.

As Maverick is introduced in Top Gun 2 , he becomes a teacher for the same school he was once a student of. Leading a new class of fighter pilots, Maverick takes on the ultimate task of butting heads with the son of his late friend Goose, played by Miles Teller. Through many sequences of the film, Maverick and team are seen piloting planes with phenomenal stunt moves, which has led many to claim that Maverick is better than the original  Top Gun . Despite the high flying maneuvers, however, the type of planes used to further the plot doesn't always match up with what the real Navy would use.

Related: Tom Cruise Reacts To Top Gun 2 Opening Weekend Box Office Record

The inspiring visuals in Joseph Kosinski's Top Gun 2 left viewers with an overall appreciation for the hard work the actors had to go through in order to make the stunts seem realistic. Since Cruise was a producer on the film, he insisted that the bulk of the cast had to attend months of flight training before production began (via  Vulture ) . While the overall hype for many of the flying sequences was real, the character of Maverick isn't seen piloting the F-35 because the fighter jet is a single-seater. This presented a series of logistical concerns for the production, so other jet fighter planes were used in  Maverick instead.

As with many stunts in films, the actors of  Top Gun: Maverick did not pilot the planes featured in the movie, especially the F-35 typically used by the Navy. This was due to the fact that production on the film would have probably been difficult since Tom Cruise also didn't fly the planes himself. With camera work and proper safety regulations surrounding the film's production, there wouldn't have been a way for Cruise to fly the F-35 jet, even if he knew how. Since two-seater planes had to be used to satisfy production requirements and logistics,  Top Gun: Maverick  featured several other planes during impressive stunts to further the storyline.

It isn't explained in  Top Gun: Maverick why Maverick wasn't flying a F-35 jet, even though the jet is mentioned several times. He is instead seen flying a fictional hypersonic jet nicknamed "Darkstar," pushing it to Mach 10 in a marvelous sequence that stunned audiences who saw it on opening weekend. While it would have been cool to see Maverick piloting the F-35, realistic expectations had to be set for the actors, meaning that stunt personnel were used.

Next: How Long Top Gun: Maverick's Final Mission Actually Took in the Movie

F-35 embarrassed by Tom Cruise's new 'Top Gun' movie going with its older competitor, the F-18

• The actor Tom Cruise tweeted a teaser for the long-awaited sequel to the movie "Top Gun" on Thursday — and in doing so, he wandered into one of the most heated debates in modern combat aviation and delivered a savage burn to the F-35.
• The F-35C, the US Navy's long overdue, massively expensive new carrier aircraft, is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the F-18 Super Hornet, the F-35's main competitor, can be seen.
• It's an embarrassment to the F-35 program that mounting setbacks have pushed it out of a potentially massive public-relations boost and that the boon instead went to its older competitor. 

The actor Tom Cruise on Thursday tweeted a teaser for the long-awaited sequel to the movie "Top Gun" — and in doing so, he wandered into one of the most heated debates in modern combat aviation and delivered a savage burn to the F-35.

The original "Top Gun" film was nothing short of a revelation for the US Navy. People around the US and the world saw fighter jets in a whole new light, and naval aviation recruitment shot up by 500%.

A new "Top Gun" movie, now 32 years after the first, could again spike interest in combat aviation at a time when the US military struggles to retain and attract top talent. But for the most expensive weapons system in history, it already looks like a bust.

Here's the poster for the new "Top Gun."

—Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) May 31, 2018

Notice anything? The F-35C, the US Navy's long overdue, massively expensive new carrier aircraft, is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the F-18 Super Hornet, the F-35's main competitor, can be seen.

The F-35 community was not thrilled.

"Everybody that's flown a fighter in the last 25 years, we all watched 'Top Gun,'" retired US Marine Corps Lt. Col. David Berke, who flew F-35s and actually attended the US Navy's Top Gun school, previously told Business Insider.

Related stories

"Damn shame," Berke said in response to the new movie's choice of fighter. "I guess it will be a movie about the past!"

While experts agree that the F-35's carrier-based variant, the F-35C, and its vertical-takeoff sister, the F-35B, represent the future of naval aviation, they're just not ready for the big time yet.

The F-35B had its first operational deployment in 2018 in the Pacific , but the F-35C remains a ways off from adoption onto the US Navy's fleet of aircraft supercarriers. Persistent problems with launching the sophisticated airplane off a moving ship have pushed back the schedule and resulted in huge cost overruns.

—JR Vianney (@jrvianney) January 27, 2017

Meanwhile, the F-18 Super Hornet continues to do the lion's share of combat-aviation work aboard aircraft carriers, and its maker, Boeing, has even offered an updated version of the plane that President Donald Trump entertained buying instead of the F-35.

In short, it's an embarrassment to the F-35 program that mounting setbacks have pushed it out of a potentially massive public-relations boost.

"It's a capable aircraft," retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula, the dean of the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies, told Business Insider of the Super Hornet. "It's just last century's design."

He added: "It is a missed opportunity."

Berke pointed out that the producers of the new "Top Gun" may have gone with the Super Hornet over the F-35 because the Super Hornet has two seats, which could facilitate filming and possibly on-screen dynamics.

The popular aviation blog The Aviationist also pointed out that Cruise is holding an outdated helmet and that the photo does not appear to take place at the US Navy's Top Gun school. But Hollywood sometimes makes mistakes.

"Hollywood doesn't build movies around what makes sense — they build movies around what makes money," Deptula said.

But despite what might have come as a slight sting to F-35 boosters hoping a new film could help usher in what they call a revolution in combat aviation, both Berke and Deptula said they were looking forward to the film.

Watch: How they filmed Tom Cruise jumping out of a plane in "Mission: Impossible—Fallout"

• Main content

Advertisement

35 Years On, Why I've Never Lost That Loving Feeling For 'Top Gun'

I’m only slightly ashamed to admit that the film I’d been most looking forward to seeing on a big screen post-vax was the extraordinarily belated sequel “ Top Gun: Maverick ,” which after three decades of anticipation and two years of release date delays had finally been scheduled to open this coming Fourth of July weekend. After all, what could be a more symbolically appropriate way to rally back from quarantine than an Independence Day IMAX screening of a gaudy, all-American extravaganza that takes place in an alternate universe where the Navy lets 58-year-old men fly fighter jets? Alas, citing concerns with international vaccine rollouts, Paramount moved the movie once again, this time to the week before Thanksgiving — as if anyone wants to watch people play beach volleyball in November.

In the meantime we’ll have to make do with the original, I guess. That’s right, “Top Gun” is roaring back to your local AMC theaters this weekend to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the film’s release, as well as something called “ Top Gun Day ,” which is one of those meaningless memetic holidays people invent as an excuse to talk about stuff they like on the internet. (Hilariously enough, “Top Gun Day” falls a few days before the film’s actual May 16 release date because the guys who came up with it made a typo on their merchandise designs.) Remastered in Dolby Vision and Atmos for this reissue, the 1986 movie was also recently made available in a new 4K UltraHD Blu-ray edition, which of course I ran out and bought right away because I find “Top Gun” to be politically repellant, logically incomprehensible and aesthetically irresistible. It’s a big, dumb movie that was probably bad for the world, and it’s also totally awesome.

Released six months after Rocky Balboa won the Cold War by defeating Ivan Drago in the ring, “Top Gun” offered an even more ecstatic escape into triumphalist, Reagan-era revisionism, removing all the blood, death and despair from combat — replaced by backlit beefcake shots and rah-rah aspirational recruiting mottos about being the best of the best. These clean-cut, freshly scrubbed flyboys weren’t haunted war criminals like John Rambo , they’re upbeat athletes aspiring to excellence. “Top Gun” might be framed around the military, but it’s a sports movie through and through. The screenwriters even invented a fake trophy competition and added a locker room to the Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School as a way of reassuring audiences that all this war stuff is just fun and games.

Producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer were hot off of “Flashdance” and “Beverly Hills Cop,” but their stroke of genius here was hiring brash British ad man Tony Scott to direct. A Royal College of Art graduate who’d crashed and burned in Hollywood a few years earlier with his inscrutably esoteric lesbian vampire movie “The Hunger,” Scott scored the “Top Gun” gig thanks to a car commercial he’d helmed in which a jet plane races a Saab. The kind of blustery, larger-than-life figure one rarely finds in the film industry anymore, Tony Scott was almost always attired in short shorts and a safari vest, puffing on a cigar beneath an omnipresent pink baseball cap. Few filmmakers from the era were so adept at exulting in their own ridiculousness, which made him the ideal director for “Top Gun.”

Scott supposedly threw a book of Bruce Weber photographs onto Bruckheimer’s desk and announced that’s what the movie was going to look like. To call “Top Gun” over-stylized would be an egregious understatement, as every angle is finessed with smoke machines and soft gel lights to a degree of giddy absurdity. Witness instructor Kelly McGillis’ entrance into the cadets’ class, filmed low and from behind to show off her seamed stockings and stiletto pumps. The Navy made their actual academy classrooms available for filming, but of course, Scott found them dreadfully boring and instead staged the lessons in a sunlit hangar in front of an F-15 and a gargantuan American flag. (I love the lonely chalkboard shunted off to the side.) Also, her lipstick.

Every scene of “Top Gun” is shot and cut like a commercial — all shimmering sunsets and golden magic hours with cool motorcycles and vintage cars. People wear heavy leather bomber jackets in the San Diego summer simply because they look so great in them. Everyone in this movie is always glistening for some reason, and any given frame could be put on a poster. Characters speak almost exclusively in catch-phrases and slogans they repeat back to each other later for applause cues and the soundtrack is wall-to-wall chart toppers and classic oldies. (Note the mercenary brilliance of the monologue during which Maverick talks about his mother’s favorite song, never mentioning the title nor the artist to give the filmmakers maximum leeway when negotiating the movie's music rights.) “Top Gun” looks and sounds like the longest advertisement you’ve ever seen, but what exactly is it supposed to be selling?

The Navy famously set up recruiting tables in theater lobbies, no doubt enlisting an entire generation of cadets disappointed to discover that their classes were taught indoors and never by Kelly McGillis. It’s an aesthetically jingoistic film according to the flattering photography of flags and uniforms, with still unparalleled aerial footage of these majestic silver phallic symbols whizzing around at the speed of sound. Yet the screenplay is clear as mud when it comes to cryptically exonerating Maverick’s deceased dad for I think maybe bombing Cambodia, and nobody’s ever been really sure if it ends with our boys starting World War III. “Top Gun” clearly hasn’t the slightest interest in — nor any ideas about — the problematic geopolitics it keeps stumbling over, because the movie is really just selling swagger, sunglasses and speed. Well, all those things and also Tom Cruise, who in the span of these 109 minutes went from a promising young dork dancing in his underwear in “Risky Business” to an instant American icon.

I’ve always considered Cruise one of our most underrated actors, but between us, he’s not very good in “Top Gun.” He still hadn’t learned how to modulate his voice yet and falls back on that jerky smirk far too often, especially in the chemistry-free scenes he spends sexually harassing Kelly McGillis. Of course, none of this matters because Scott and cinematographer Jeffrey Kimball frame and light Tom Cruise as a modern-day deity, embodying all the cocky aspirations of America’s recently restored confidence whenever he's putting on a pair of aviators. His physicality is extraordinary, a diminutive god among taller, lesser men. Characters are constantly telling Maverick how amazing he is, and even when Maverick isn’t in a scene people only talk about Maverick. I saw “Top Gun” in the theater when I was 11 years old — one of the neighborhood kids and I were thwarted in our efforts to sneak into Sylvester Stallone’s grisly vigilante cop movie “Cobra” so we had to settle for this PG alternative — and even though the film hadn’t been our first choice for that particular afternoon, when it was over we both wanted to be Maverick.

“Top Gun” didn’t have a massive opening the way blockbusters do today, and it actually got clobbered that Memorial Day weekend by competitors “Cobra” and “Poltergeist II: The Other Side.” But the movie stuck around all summer, thanks to repeat viewings and rapturous word of mouth, not to mention a smash soundtrack album that kept cranking out hits. The film’s Oscar-winning love theme “ Take My Breath Away ” remains composer Giorgio Moroder's towering masterpiece, with Berlin vocalist Terri Nunn cooing over billowy synth bubbles that make the world feel like it’s moving in dreamy slow-motion every time you hear it. 1980s soundtrack staple Kenny Loggins was a last-minute replacement for the group Toto on the Moroder-penned kickoff track “ Danger Zone ,” and the singer later confessed that his bizarre enunciation of the title’s two words was a feeble attempt to mimic the inimitable accent of his musical hero, Tina Turner. (This is one of those things that once you notice, you will never be able to unhear it. You're welcome.) Even Harold Faltermeyer’s instrumental “ Top Gun Anthem ” got radio airplay, as this summer movie lingered in the box office top 10 until almost Thanksgiving, when it finally began to fade from theaters, presumably because nobody wants to watch people play beach volleyball in November.

Ah yes, about that volleyball scene. Every generation thinks they’re the first to discover the hilarious homoeroticism of “Top Gun,” a subject dissected at amusing length by Quentin Tarantino in the otherwise forgotten 1994 rom-com “Sleep With Me.” It’s no stretch to say that Cruise has considerably less chemistry with Kelly McGillis than he does with flyboy rival Val Kilmer, the two literally snapping at each other half-naked in their fictitious locker room. (When I spoke to Kilmer before the Boston Film Festival screening of "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" back in 2005, he laughed and acknowledged "it was recently pointed out to me that I'm really f---ing gay in that movie." Then he jokingly accused Tom Cruise of intentionally sabotaging all the volleyball shots in which Val looked hotter.) During an amusing archival interview during one of the new Blu-ray’s generous supplements, Scott admits he “had no vision” for the volleyball game, which was requested by the producers to once again emphasize that this was a sports movie and not a war film. So Scott shrugged and “slicked the boys up with baby oil "and "shot it like a softcore porno.”

None of this went unremarked upon at the time. Critic J. Hoberman’s Village Voice review was titled “Phallus in Wonderland,” and he drew angry letters from regular readers after writing, “the screen is so packed with streamlined planes and heat-seeking missiles, wagging forefingers and upright thumbs that, had Freud lived to see it, he might be excused for thinking ‘Top Gun’ an avant-garde representation of Saturday night at the Saint Marks Baths.” (Well, the movie was designed to look like a book of Bruce Weber photographs, after all.) At an early screening for midwestern exhibitors, it was sheepishly suggested that maybe they should beef up the hetero love story a little bit?

So two new scenes were hastily shot scant days before the release, while the film was already being mixed. In that bit with Maverick and McGillis in the elevator, the actress is wearing a baseball cap because it was now months later and her hair no longer matched the character’s. Meanwhile, Cruise’s coiffure is all slicked down and soaking wet because by then he was busy shooting Scorsese’s “The Color of Money,” for which he’d grown out a formidable pompadour. Scott was savvy enough to know we’d never stop to ask why Maverick might be stepping into a crowded elevator after just getting out of the shower, much as he knew we wouldn’t care about these characters’ mismatched haircuts and bad wigs during their later sex scene that, to preserve a PG rating, was restricted to the memorably acrobatic intertwining of backlit tongues. (“We only had time to set up one light,” cinematographer Jeffrey Kimball sighs defensively on the DVD.)

Ever-underrated, Tony Scott went on to helm meathead masterpieces like “The Last Boy Scout,” “True Romance,” “Crimson Tide” and his fantastic final film, “Unstoppable.” Scott was for so long a lowbrow pariah in critical circles, it’s been enormously gratifying in recent years to watch young writers latching onto his work, citing Scott’s formal innovations as the trailblazer in a school that’s come to be called “vulgar auteurism.” His big brother Ridley might have been more respectable and won Oscars for his visionary science-fiction pictures and humorless historical epics, but I always preferred Tony’s lowbrow laughs and his sense of what fun, silly things these big blockbusters could be. (To my knowledge, he's still the only director who has his entire filmography engraved upon his headstone .)

One of my dearest moviegoing memories was watching “Top Gun” at the Somerville Theatre’s 70mm festival back in 2017 , with a six-track magnetic soundtrack that shook the bloody walls and a loud, rowdy crowd that was the exact, perfect level of drunk for the occasion. Everybody was halfway between mocking the movie and adoring it — applauding every iconically absurd line. Seen up close and so massively large, there’s no mistaking “Top Gun” is the work of a disgruntled British art student having a bit of a laugh about all this admittedly awesome American nonsense. What makes the film so much fun is that you’re invited to share it with him.

• 10 Films To Stream At This Year's Virtual Independent Film Festival Boston
• After 14 Dark Months, The Coolidge Corner Theatre's Big Screen Lights Up For In-Person Movies
• In Dramatic Comedy 'Limbo,' Refugees Are Allowed To Be Idiosyncratic Individuals

Sean Burns Film Critic Sean Burns is a film critic for The ARTery.

More from WBUR

What Planes Will Tom Cruise Fly in 'Top Gun: Maverick'?

It looks like Maverick is flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet this time.

The Top Gun sequel is finally happening.

Rumors had circulated that greatest flying movie ever made would be getting a sequel. Tom Cruise ratcheted up the excitement yesterday by posting the following image to his Instagram account, with the hashtag #Day1 to indicate the first day of filming the new movie, called Top Gun: Maverick .

So how might a Top Gun movie look this time around?

Well, 32 years have passed since Maverick and Iceman played volleyball and flew fighter jets. The original Top Gun featured Tom Cruise as Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, flying an F-14A Tomcat fighter with Ltjg. Nick “Goose” Bradshaw as his Radar Intercept Officer. The two took off from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and flew against a mysterious enemy, most likely Soviet pilots, flying the new MiG-28 fighter.

What we know so far is that Maverick is a flight instructor in the sequel, and that his new ride is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter, probably the two-seater “F” version to give him someone to talk to in the movie. Unlike the Tomcat, which at the time was a strictly air-to-air fighter, the Super Hornet has an air-to-ground role, opening up the possibility that the pilots of Top Gun 2 could take on enemies on the ground.

What about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the latest fighter jet to join the U.S. military? The Navy is purchasing 273 F-35C models, which feature larger wings, slightly longer range, and strengthened landing gear designed to take punishing takeoffs and landings. Eventually the Navy will field 20 squadrons of F-35C, with two out of four fighter squadrons on every carrier equipped with the stealthy F-35.

The F-35C is a fundamentally different plane than the the original F-14A, or even today’s Super Hornet. It relies on remaining hidden to kill and survive, and ideally shoots down enemy planes from beyond visual range, without the enemy knowing it is there. That's a smart way to fight a war, but it makes for a lousy Top Gun movie. The Super Hornet, on the other hand, could still get into aerial knife-fights with the enemy. (Also, the F-35C is a single seat plane, meaning no clever, cocky cockpit banter.)

The original T op Gun featured aerial encounters and dogfights against Soviet pilots over the Indian Ocean. If the Top Gun sequel is modeled after real-life events, we could see its flyboys mixing it up against Russian pilots over the Baltic Sea, with the new Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter as the bad guy jet. The Su-57’s stealth could introduce a lot of dramatic tension as American pilots struggle to stay one step ahead.

Another possibility is the sunny South China Sea, where Maverick could fly against Chinese carrier-borne J-15 fighters of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Alternately, they could fly in the East China Sea against Chinese Su-35 fighters or even the new Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter. This is somewhat unlikely from a marketing perspective, however, as China is a major movie market and making Beijing the antagonist is a surefire way to prevent Top Gun 2 from hitting Chinese theaters.

Kyle Mizokami is a writer on defense and security issues and has been at Popular Mechanics since 2015. If it involves explosions or projectiles, he's generally in favor of it. Kyle’s articles have appeared at The Daily Beast, U.S. Naval Institute News, The Diplomat, Foreign Policy, Combat Aircraft Monthly, VICE News , and others. He lives in San Francisco.

.css-cuqpxl:before{padding-right:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;} Military Aviation .css-xtujxj:before{padding-left:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;}

A Barrage of Missiles Met Resistance Over Israel

The F-22 Raptor Has Clawed Back From the Brink

Navy Helicopters Have Morphed Into Drone Killers

The ‘Super Duper Missile’ Has Faded to Black

The Most Expensive Plane Crash in History

Ukraine’s Spies are Flying Black Hawk Helicopters

Air Force Plans for Sixth Gen Fighters, Drones

Can America’s Aging F-16 Overpower Russia’s Su-35?

The F-35’s Development Road Is Mercifully Over

America's Next Stealth Bomber Will Rule the Skies

The Pentagon Has Broken Its Silence on UFOs

Advertisement

Why does Tom Cruise do his own stunts? ‘No one asked Gene Kelly, ‘Why do you dance?’’

Cruise spoke at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick.”

• Share full article

By Kyle Buchanan

• May 18, 2022

CANNES, France — It has been 30 years since Tom Cruise attended the Cannes Film Festival, and it’s evident the festival would like to make up for lost time.

Perhaps that’s why, in advance of a conversation with the actor billed as a “Rendezvous with Tom Cruise” — which was itself happening in advance of the evening premiere of Cruise’s sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” — the festival played a nearly 15-minute-long clip reel of Cruise’s filmography, hyperbolically scored to Richard Strauss’s “Also sprach Zarathustra.” As the actor and audience watched from their seats, the reel touched on Cruise the action star, Cruise the dramatic thespian and Cruise the romantic, though the latter section, which featured him pitching woo at a bevy of leading ladies, notably left out Cruise’s ex-wife and three-time co-star Nicole Kidman.

“It’s wild seeing this reel,” Cruise said after taking the stage. “It’s like your life in ten minutes — very trippy.”

Cruise was speaking in front of a mostly unmasked crowd in the Salle Claude Debussy, which included hundreds of journalists and a team from Cruise’s agent, CAA. “After everything we’ve been through, it’s such a privilege to see your faces,” he said. He noted that “Top Gun: Maverick” had been held for two years because of the pandemic, though he refused to show it on a streaming service in the meantime. “Not gonna happen!” Cruise said to applause.

The 59-year-old star is insistent that his movies receive a lengthy theatrical window, a mandate that has sometimes put him in conflict with studio heads, who are eager to fill their streaming services with star-driven content. And in an era where big names like Leonardo DiCaprio and Sandra Bullock have no problem appearing in films for Netflix, Cruise remains a rare holdout.

“There’s a very specific way to make a movie for cinema, and I make movies for the big screen,” said Cruise. “I know where they go after that and that’s fine.” He said he even called theater owners during the pandemic to reassure them: “Just know we are making ‘Mission: Impossible.’ ‘Top Gun’ is coming out.”

Cruise is a discursive speaker who will leap out of one anecdote before it’s done to land in another, then another. (Perhaps that would make for an esoteric set piece in one of his action films?) But it was striking how often he returned to his formative experience shooting the 1981 movie “Taps,” in which he acted opposite George C. Scott and found himself fascinated by the way the filmmaking worked. Cruise said that while shooting, he thought, “Please, if I could just do this for the rest of my life, I will never take it for granted.”

And in the absence of any challenging questions from his interlocutor, the French journalist Didier Allouch — who was mostly content to burble blandishments like “You're absolutely extraordinary” to his interview subject — Cruise had the freedom to basically spin his own narrative of being a determined student of cinema and his fellow man. (And “Taps,” of course.)

“I was the kind of kid who always wrote goals on the wall of what kind of movies I liked or what I wanted my life to be, and I worked toward those goals,” Cruise said.

Though the conversation increasingly leaned toward bland generalities — “I’m interested in people, cultures, and adventure,” Cruise said more than once — it did provide one major laugh line when Allouch asked why he was so determined to do his own stunts in the “Mission: Impossible” movies, which will soon be receiving seventh and eighth installments shot back-to-back.

“No one asked Gene Kelly ‘Why do you dance?’” replied the star.

Kyle Buchanan , a Los Angeles-based pop culture reporter, writes The Projectionist column. He was previously a senior editor at Vulture, New York Magazine's entertainment website, where he covered the movie industry. More about Kyle Buchanan

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help..

As “Sex and the City” became more widely available on Netflix, younger viewers have watched it with a critical eye . But its longtime millennial and Gen X fans can’t quit.

Hoa Xuande had only one Hollywood credit when he was chosen to lead “The Sympathizer,” the starry HBO adaptation of a prize-winning novel. He needed all the encouragement he could get .

Even before his new film “Civil War” was released, the writer-director Alex Garland faced controversy over his vision of a divided America  with Texas and California as allies.

Theda Hammel’s directorial debut, “Stress Positions,” a comedy about millennials weathering the early days of the pandemic , will ask audiences to return to a time that many people would rather forget.

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings   on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime  and Hulu  to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

Sign up for our Watching newsletter  to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows to stream and watch, delivered to your inbox.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Top Gun at 35: Editor who cut first trailer recalls Tom Cruise 'jumping up and down' with excitement

Benedict Coulter was the first editor to use rock and roll music to make "kick-ass" trailers.

Editor at Large for Entertainment Weekly, host of Outlander Live! on EW Radio, and Mark Harmon enthusiast. Yes, I know the guacamole is extra.

In the mid-'80s, there were only a handful of people who cut trailers for motion pictures. Benedict Coulter, then a wannabe musician who ended up at one of those Hollywood trailer companies, was one of them . He was the lucky guy who got to cut the first teasers for Top Gun.

In honor of the movie's 35th anniversary this month, we talked to Coulter — now with Statement Advertising — about his signature style, bonding with Tom Cruise , and how he became the go-to guy for kick-ass trailers. "Trailer editing is very musical," he tells EW. "I was always attracted to a song that had these iconic four or five first notes, because that's how you got people's attention in the theaters."

Coulter shares his memories of making trailer magic below.

"I was at a company called Kaleidoscope Films, which was one of the original trailer companies at the time. There were probably about four or five companies in the whole country. Now there's about 75 to 100. That was my first job in Hollywood. I was born in Paris and I came to Hollywood to be a musician. I ended up playing with some pretty good bands, but I soon realized that I was not going to be making make a living as a musician in Hollywood. It was just too hard. So I got a job at this trailer company as a runner and worked my way up.

"I did the trailer for Beverly Hills Cop for Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson the year before so they asked for me to do Top Gun. That was my introduction to Tom Cruise, who I worked with on many, many more movies after that. We kind of developed a relationship together. That's what happens. A lot of these producers, directors, and actors, if you do what they like, they keep coming back to you. Trailer editing is very musical. It's very base written. When you watch people, you can see them moving to the rhythm that you've set. Don and Jerry just loved my cutting.

"I got the full movie [to watch before cutting the trailer]. The crazy thing at the time, they sent you a black and white copy of the print. You had 10 to 12 film reels for a movie, each at 10 minutes. I remember seeing it and going, 'Wow, this is really, really cool.' This guy, Tom Cruise was really cool in Risky Business but was not a huge, huge star yet. And it was my first introduction to director Tony Scott. We bonded immediately. He liked the fact that cut trailers with rock and roll. I had done that with Beverly Hills Cop by using music from the Pointer Sisters.

"Most of the trailer editors at the time did not use songs. They used traditional scores and conventional music. Being a musician and coming from a rock and roll background, I wanted to try it. Filmmakers really started to respond to it. That became my signature, cutting these fast-paced, kick ass, rock and roll trailers. Top Gun was one of them. I was always attracted to a song that had these iconic four or five first notes, because that's how you got people's attention in the theaters. You want to do something where maybe people are about to get up and get their popcorn, but then your trailer plays and that makes them turn around.

"Even though I cut many pieces to 'Danger Zone,' I chose 'Stranger Eyes' from the Cars to cut this first trailer. I loved that the pass by (where the man spills his coffee in the tower). I thought that was just so cool to establish attitude. And there was that incredible shot from behind the jet, when it leaves the aircraft carrier. Just a spectacular shot. Tony Scott was such an incredible visual director.

"I think the first time I showed the trailer, it was just Don and Jerry and Tony Scott. They came over to the editing room at Kaleidoscope and I presented it. It was all on film. I had an upright Moviola editing machine and I would present them the trailer on the Moviola. Tom Cruise came a few days later, 'cause they were just so excited by what they had seen. They were jumping up and down. I didn't know that I had that talent. I thought I was just a good musician. It's one of those things where you kind of end up in a job that you didn't know you would be really great at."

Related content:

• New Top Gun: Maverick trailer shows high-flying action
• Top Gun: Maverick releases 6 new photos as director breaks silence
• Top Gun: Maverick new footage shows Tom Cruise pushed to physical limit

Related Articles

'Slider, you stink': Why Tom Cruise's pungent 'Top Gun' smackdown still ranks as Maverick's best

Tom Cruise was dangerous in the skies as ace pilot Maverick in "Top Gun," and he was lethal with the smackdown in the original 1986 action classic.

Nowhere is Maverick's cut-down acumen more on target than in the missile fired at rival radar intercept officer Slider ( Rick Rossovich ): "Slider, you stink." – a verbal direct hit from which Rossovich, 64, is still reeling.

"Yeah, Tom really dropped that on me," Rossovich says. "I still get people throwing that line back at me in public. That was pretty great."

On paper, it doesn't make sense that this corny cut-down works. But Cruise literally leans into the line, as well as Rossovich, with that alpha dog sniff. He waits a beat and just unloads.

"It's always the delivery," says "Top Gun" producer Jerry Bruckheimer. "Really good actors can make any kind of line sound great."

'Top Gun's shirtless volleyball game: Rick Rossovich claims he beat Val Kilmer in battle of the bods

Secrets to that dogfight football game: 'Top Gun: Maverick's shirtless answer to 'Top Gun's volleyball game

Erik Davis, the managing editor of movie ticket site Fandago.com, says Cruise pushes the classic schoolyard taunt to a higher level.

"He adds that physicality; that's why it still resonates," Davis says. "Cruise pulled it off."

Rossovich has a funny tale about that scene,   which was added during filming in 1985 to enhance the "Top Gun" tension between Maverick and his rival pilot team Iceman (Val Kilmer) and Slider.

When it was time to shoot the new scene, Rossovich had taken time off from the San Diego set. Director Tony Scott tracked down the missing actor at a Los Angeles restaurant – not an easy task in 1985.

"I'm at this restaurant and they brought the phone to my table, which was something that never happened to me before or since," Rossovich says. "I don't know how he found me, but it was Tony Scott on the other end saying, 'You should get back down here, I have a scene for you tomorrow.'"

Rossovich hightailed it back to set to gladly take his Cruise smackdown: "I was happy for another scene."

Rossovich didn't even know he had a bead of sweat on his forehead while filming the beloved scene.

The best 'Top Gun: Maverick' throwbacks: Including that jet-fueled ending

"I was a little sweaty in the scene, so it's even more effective," Rossovich says, adding that the line's odor genesis was entirely fictional. He actually literally smelled powder fresh. "I have used this women’s deodorant my whole life. I was wearing Dove Powder Fresh. So I had no macho stink at all."

But he's happy to own his part in "Top Gun" smackdown infamy.

"If that scene doesn't work, then you see it over and over the rest of your life," Rossovich says. "I have a few of those in my career for sure that I wish I could do again."

"Top Gun" was revamped with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound for an immersive jet action (and verbal sparring) experience in time for the film's 2021 theatrical re-release to mark the 35th anniversary.

"We amped it up," Bruckheimer. says "Tony Scott had a great ear, so we had a great sound mix to embellish. There's even more clarity and excitement."

The producer suggests viewers who re-watch "Top Gun" pay attention to specific memorable lines that resonate with Cruise's return in "Top Gun: Maverick" (hint: "Talk to me Goose").

"Listen very carefully. There's going to be some line repeats in ('Maverick')," Bruckheimer says. "So if you're knowledgeable about the first one, you'll pick right up on these."

Mickey Rourke Slams Tom Cruise: He’s ‘Irrelevant’ and Has Played the ‘Same Part for 35 Effing Years’

By Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

• Kit Harington Pushes Back Against Hero Roles After Jon Snow: ‘They’re Hard to Make Interesting’ and I’d Rather Play ‘F—ed Up People’ 13 hours ago
• ‘Furiosa’ Has a 15-Minute Action Scene That ‘Took Us 78 Days to Shoot’ and Required Nearly 200 Stunt Workers on Set Daily: ‘It Was Very Important’ 15 hours ago
• ‘She-Hulk’ Star Tatiana Maslany Was ‘So Heated Up’ When She Called Disney CEO Bob Iger ‘Out of Touch’ During the Strike: ‘It’s Hard to Articulate Yourself’ on the Picket Line 17 hours ago

Tom Cruise is the movie star of the year thanks to the billion-dollar grossing success of “ Top Gun: Maverick ,” but at least one Oscar nominee is not impressed. Mickey Rourke recently appeared on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” and slammed Cruise as “irrelevant,” which is sure to strike many moviegoers as odd considering the “Top Gun” sequel is far and away the biggest movie of the year.

“That doesn’t mean shit to me,” Rourke said about the film’s success. “[Tom Cruise has] been doing the same part for 35 effing years. I got no respect for that. I don’t care about money or power. I care about…when I when I watch Al Pacino or Christopher Walken working, or De Niro’s early work and Richard Harris and Ray Winstone, that’s the kind of actor I want to be like. A lot of guys that tried to stretch as actors.”

According to Rourke, Cruise has not stretched his acting muscles for the last three decades. When asked if Tom Cruise is a good actor, Rourke fired backed, “I think he’s irrelevant.”

Popular on Variety

With $1.18 billion at the worldwide box office and nearly $600 million in the U.S., “Top Gun: Maverick” is the highest-grossing movie of 2022 and the biggest film of Cruise’s career. At this rate, only fall tentpoles “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” are the contenders to outgross “Top Gun: Maverick.”

While Paramount has not announced any sequel to “Top Gun: Maverick,” co-star Miles Teller recently made headlines by saying he’s already had conversations with Cruise about the next film. Even without a sequel, Cruise has more blockbusters on the horizon as the two-part “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning” arrives in 2023 and 2024. Those films guarantee Tom Cruise’s star power isn’t going out anytime soon.

Rourke, meanwhile, is starring in Roman Polanski’s new film “The Palace.”

"The guy's been doing the same effing part for 35 years… I got no respect for that." Mickey Rourke tells Piers Morgan he thinks Tom Cruise is "irrelevant" as an actor. @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #MickeyRourke | #PiersMorganUncensored pic.twitter.com/joB7OSrcMD — Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) July 11, 2022

More From Our Brands

Camila cabello joins lana del rey during weekend two of coachella, this insane hydrogen hypercar prototype is now headed to auction, sprinter gabby thomas says diamond league flosports deal is a drag, be tough on dirt but gentle on your body with the best soaps for sensitive skin, rupaul’s drag race finale recap: did the right queen win season 16, verify it's you, please log in.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Stock Market
• Biden Economy
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit Cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash-back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Personal Loans
• Student Loans
• Car Insurance
• Options 101
• Good Buy or Goodbye
• Options Pit
• Yahoo Finance Invest
• EV Deep Dive
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

Tom cruise: how much is the ‘top gun: maverick’ and ‘mission: impossible’ actor worth.

Since his breakout role in 1983’s “Risky Business,” Tom Cruise has been a dominant force in Tinsel Town, appearing in more than 40 feature films throughout his illustrious career. Now, he is reappearing as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in “Top Gun: Maverick,” which was released on May 27 after a lengthy delay because of COVID-19. With the film’s success, Cruise has demonstrated once again why he is one of the wealthiest and most popular actors ever.

Check Out: 10 Surprisingly Affordable Places To Own Waterfront Property Social Security Schedule: When July 2022 Benefits Will Be Sent

Cruise has amassed hundreds of millions of dollars from his starring roles in dramas and action-packed thrillers. His films have brought in more than $11.1 billion worldwide.

As Cruise turns 60 on July 3, the “Top Gun: Maverick” actor has shown his star power hasn’t faded. The sequel film took in $126.7 million on its opening weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. In the first five weeks in theaters, it captured $530.1 million of the domestic box office and $486.1 million internationally, putting its total haul just above $1 billion so far. It is the top-earning film of Cruise’s career.

Take a look at his net worth to see how his silver screen success has translated into wealth.

Tom Cruise Net Worth

Tom Cruise’s estimated net worth is $600 million.

Cruise earned $75 million between May 2011 and May 2012, making him the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, according to Forbes. While he lost that title through the years — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has topped Forbes’ list the past two years with earnings of more than $87 million annually — Cruise still commands a hefty salary per film. Variety estimated Cruise earned a base salary of $12 million to $14 million for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick.”

“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” is scheduled for release on July 14, 2023, and will add more millions to Cruise’s bank account. For the first six installments, he earned $285 million, plus a share of the back-end box office profits, Celebrity Net Worth reported.

“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two,” which is expected to be the final entry in the franchise, is scheduled to be released the following year.

With his career still going strong, it’s likely that Cruise’s net worth of $600 million will continue to rise in the coming years. He consistently earns more than $50 million per year, Celebrity Net Worth reported.

POLL: Do You Have a Side Gig or Other Hustle?

Early Career and Acting Range

In 1981, Cruise made his big-screen debut in the film “Endless Love.” He landed his breakout role in 1983’s “Risky Business.” Among the film’s most memorable scenes is that of Cruise sliding across an entryway wearing only a dress shirt, socks and underwear, then dancing around a living room lip-syncing to “Old-Time Rock and Roll.” This role helped make him a household name.

These days, Cruise primarily stars in action films, but he demonstrated his acting range by dipping his toes in a variety of genres throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Many of these films — such as “Rain Man” (1988), “A Few Good Men” (1992), “Jerry Maguire” (1996) and “Magnolia” (1999) — are now must-see modern classics. He took a rare comedic turn as an almost unrecognizable character in 2008’s “Tropic Thunder.”

Here are some of Cruise’s most popular films from his earlier years in Hollywood and their worldwide lifetime gross earnings, according to Box Office Mojo:

“Top Gun”: $357.3 million

“Rain Man”: $354.8 million

“Jerry Maguire”: $273.6 million

“Cocktail”: $171.5 million

“Born on the Fourth of July”: $161 million

“Risky Business”: $63.5 million (domestic)

‘Mission: Impossible’ Movies and Other Action Roles

Tom Cruise’s most recognizable role is that of Ethan Hunt, the Impossible Mission Force undercover agent he has portrayed in six “Mission: Impossible” films. Not ready to relinquish the role yet, Cruise will play Hunt twice more. The franchise has garnered more than $3.5 billion since the first film’s 1996 debut:

“Mission: Impossible”: $457.7 million

“Mission: Impossible II”: $546.4 million

“Mission: Impossible III”: $398.5 million

“Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol”: $694.7 million

“Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation”: $682.7 million

“Mission: Impossible — Fallout”: $791.7 million

In 2012, Cruise took to the silver screen as another action hero character: Jack Reacher. The film “Jack Reacher” brought in $218.3 million worldwide. Four years later, the film’s sequel, “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back,” was released. It made $162.1 million worldwide — a profit of just more than $100 million.

In all, Tom Cruise movies have amassed a jaw-dropping total of more than $11 billion at box offices worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. In addition to the top-earning “Mission: Impossible” movies , other top earners include “War of the Worlds” ($603.9 million) and “The Last Samurai” ($454.6 million).

Moviegoers’ favorite Tom Cruise movies, however, have nothing to do with the “Mission: Impossible” franchise or his other major blockbuster hits. A 2015 Rolling Stone readers’ poll revealed his top three fan-favorite films were “Tropic Thunder,” “Magnolia” and “Top Gun.”

After more than three decades as one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, it’s no surprise that Tom Cruise has earned quite a few awards. He has been nominated for seven Golden Globe Awards and won three for his work in “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire” and “Magnolia.” In May 2021, Cruise returned the awards to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which gives out the Golden Globe, amid controversies over its lack of diversity and other issues.

Cruise has been nominated for three Academy Awards but has never taken home the coveted Oscar. Still, he has had plenty of other wins, including in 2005 when he was honored with The Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film at BAFTA Los Angeles’ Britannia Awards.

Personal Life

Cruise has been married and divorced three times — most recently from actress Katie Holmes, who filed for divorce in 2012, ending their term as a top Hollywood power couple. The two had a lavish Italian wedding in 2006 that reportedly cost around $3 million. Cruise is the father of three children: one daughter with Holmes and two children he adopted with former wife Nicole Kidman.

Cruise sold his 10,286-square-foot Beverly Hills, Calif., mansion for an estimated $40 million in 2016. In March 2021, he sold his 320-acre ranch in Telluride, Colorado, for $39.5 million, Town & Country reported.

In 2017, he spent 9.6 million on a on a 20,826-square-foot, two-level penthouse in 2017 in a condo tower in Clearwater, Florida, Realtor.com reported. The luxury unit has four bedrooms, a gym, a roof desk with an infinity pool, a home theater and more. He also bought three additional condos in the high-rise for nearly $1.5 million, which Realtor.com speculated could be for staff or family members.

It’s not just property Cruise has splurged on over the years. In true “Top Gun” style, he also purchased a Gulfstream IV aircraft, which cost an estimated $36 million. The aircraft can fly as many as 19 passengers, and he and his guests can enjoy the on-board movie-screening room and hot tub.

Tom Cruise’s film “Top Gun: Maverick” is now in theaters, and he will reprise his role as Ethan Hunt in two more “Mission Impossible” films in the next couple of years.

More From GOBankingRates

Social Security: Women Get $354 Per Month Less Than Men - Here's Why

Ending Soon! Nominate Your Favorite Small Business To Be Featured in GOBankingRates' 2022 Small Business Spotlight by July 25

Looking To Diversify in a Bear Market? Consider These Alternative Investments

The Top 10 Best Travel Hacks To Save the Most Money

Michelle Tompkins and Laura Woods contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Tom Cruise: How Much Is the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’ Actor Worth?

IMDbPro Starmeter 97 20

• Contact info
• 64 wins & 119 nominations total

Photos 1992

• Nathan Algren

• Jerry Maguire

• Post-production
• Cage (rumored)
• In Development
• Pre-production

• Capt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell

• Team Member

• Nick Morton

• Jack Reacher

• Stacee Jaxx

• Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg
• producer (produced by)

• producer (uncredited)

• executive producer

• In-development projects at IMDbPro

Personal details

• Tomu Kurûzu
• 5′ 7″ (1.70 m)
• July 3 , 1962
• Syracuse, New York, USA
• Spouses Katie Holmes November 18, 2006 - August 20, 2012 (divorced, 1 child)
• Children Isabella Jane Cruise
• Parents Thomas Mapother III
• Relatives William Mapother (Cousin)
• Other works Played Nathan Detroit in a high school production of "Guys and Dolls"
• 12 Print Biographies
• 9 Portrayals
• 32 Interviews
• 145 Articles
• 21 Pictorials
• 764 Magazine Cover Photos

Did you know

• Trivia His acting idol is Paul Newman . Much to the delight of Cruise, they became good friends during work on The Color of Money (1986) . Newman got him into racing, and Cruise ultimately raced on his team.
• Quotes The thing about filmmaking is I give it everything, that's why I work so hard. I always tell young actors to take charge. It's not that hard. Sign your own checks, be responsible.
• Trademarks Often plays romantic leading men with an edge
• Salaries Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two ( 2025 ) $13,000,000 + % of back end
• How old is Tom Cruise?
• When was Tom Cruise born?
• Where was Tom Cruise born?

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Add demo reel with IMDbPro

How much have you seen?

Recently viewed

TOM CRUISE is a global cultural icon who has made an immeasurable impact on cinema by creating some of the most memorable characters of all time. Having achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer and philanthropist in a career spanning over three decades, Cruise is a three-time Oscar® nominee and three-time Golden Globe Award® winner whose films have earned over $10 billion in worldwide box office—an incomparable accomplishment. Eighteen of Cruise’s films have grossed over $100 million domestically, and a record 23 have made more than $200 million globally. His latest film, Mission: Impossible – Fallout has made over $775 million worldwide becoming Cruise’s most successful film to date.

Cruise has starred in numerous legendary films such as Top Gun, Jerry Maguire, Risky Business, Minority Report, Interview with the Vampire, A Few Good Men, The Firm, Rain Man, Collateral, The Last Samurai, Edge of Tomorrow, The Color of Money and the Mission: Impossible series, among many others. Combined, the Mission: Impossible franchise has brought in over $3.5 billion since Cruise conceived the idea for a film adaptation of the classic television series and produced the first in 1996. He is currently in production on the long-awaited sequel to Top Gun.

A consummate filmmaker involved in all aspects of production, Cruise has proven his versatility with the films and roles he chooses. He has made 43 films, contributing in a producing role on many of them, and collaborated with a remarkable list of celebrated film directors including Francis Ford Coppola, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Martin Scorsese, Barry Levinson, Oliver Stone, Ron Howard, Rob Reiner, Sydney Pollack, Neil Jordan, Brian De Palma, Cameron Crowe, Stanley Kubrick, Paul Thomas Anderson, Ed Zwick, Steven Spielberg, Michael Mann, J.J. Abrams, Robert Redford, Brad Bird, Doug Liman and Christopher McQuarrie.

Cruise received Academy Award® nominations for Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire. He was a Best Supporting Actor nominee for Magnolia and won Golden Globes (Best Actor) for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, in addition to a Best Supporting Actor prize for Magnolia. He also received Golden Globe nominations for his roles in Risky Business, A Few Good Men and The Last Samurai. Cruise has earned acting nominations and awards from BAFTA, the Screen Actors Guild, the Chicago Film Critics Association and the National Board of Review.

Cruise’s previous few films include the critically acclaimed American Made, The Mummy, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Oblivion and the suspense thriller Jack Reacher, which earned $218 million worldwide. Prior to that, he made a memorable appearance in Ben Stiller’s comedy smash Tropic Thunder, as the foul-mouthed Hollywood movie mogul Les Grossman. This performance, based on a character Cruise created, earned him praise from critics and audiences as well as his seventh Golden Globe nomination.

Cruise has been honored with tributes ranging from Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Man of the Year Award to the John Huston Award from the Artists Rights Foundation and the American Cinematheque Award for Distinguished Achievement in Film. In addition to his artistic contributions, Cruise has used his professional success as a vehicle for positive change, becoming an international advocate, activist and philanthropist in the fields of health, education and human rights. He has been honored by the Mentor LA organization for his work on behalf of the children of Los Angeles and around the world. In 2011 Cruise received the Simon Wiesenthal Humanitarian Award and the following year he received the Entertainment Icon Award from the Friars Club for his outstanding accomplishments in the entertainment industry and in the humanities. He is the fourth person to receive this honor after Douglas Fairbanks, Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra. Empire magazine awarded Cruise its Legend of Our Lifetime Award in 2014. Most recently, Cruise was the first actor to receive The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s Pioneer of the Year Award in 2018.

• Top Gun: Maverick (2021)
• Mission: Impossible Fallout (2018)
• American Made (2017)
• The Mummy (2017)
• Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)
• Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015)
• Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
• Oblivion (2013)
• Jack Reacher (2012)
• Rock of Ages (2012)
• Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
• Knight and Day (2010)
• Valkyrie (2008)
• Tropic Thunder (2008)
• Lions for Lambs (2007)
• Mission: Impossible 3 (2006)
• War of the Worlds (2005)
• Collateral (2004)
• The Last Samurai (2003)
• Minority Report (2002)
• Vanilla Sky (2002)
• Mission: Impossible 2 (2001)
• Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
• Magnolia (1999)
• Jerry Maguire (1996)
• Mission: Impossible (1996)
• Interview with the Vampire (1994)
• The Firm (1993)
• A Few Good Men (1992)
• Far and Away (1992)
• Days of Thunder (1990)
• Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
• Rain Man (1988)
• Cocktail (1988)
• The Color of Money (1986)
• Top Gun (1986)
• Legend (1985)
• Risky Business (1983)
• All the Right Moves (1983)
• The Outsiders (1983)
• Losin’ It (1983)
• Taps (1981)
• Endless Love (1981)

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Credit card rates
• Balance transfer credit cards
• Business credit cards
• Cash back credit cards
• Rewards credit cards
• Travel credit cards
• Checking accounts
• Online checking accounts
• High-yield savings accounts
• Money market accounts
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Car insurance
• Home buying
• Options pit
• Investment ideas
• Research reports
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Tom Cruise's Daughter Suri Is Reportedly 'Free To Talk' About Scientology As She Turns 18

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes ' daughter, Suri Cruise , has lived a sheltered life away from her father's Scientology beliefs and public scrutiny. However, as she turns 18, she faces the decision to either embrace fame or remain private.

According to a Scientology journalist, Suri becoming an adult in New York will also allow her the freedom to speak about her father and the church of Scientology.

Katie Holmes Has 'Safeguarded' Suri Cruise From Public Scrutiny And Scientology

Suri has enjoyed a predominantly sheltered upbringing in Manhattan, shielded from the limelight by her devoted and fiercely protective mother, Holmes.

The teenager has been mostly kept away from her father, Cruise, and his religious organization, the Church of Scientology. According to a source who spoke to Page Six , the "Mission: Impossible" star hasn't seen his daughter since 2012.

"Katie has safeguarded Suri and she's a devoted mom," the source said. "This is a girl who is a private citizen. She hasn't lived her life in public."

With Suri's eighteenth birthday around the corner, questions arise on whether she plans to return to the spotlight or maintain her private life.

At the time of Holmes and Cruise's divorce, the actress was rumored to have signed various non-disclosure agreements, potentially restricting her from discussing her marriage to Cruise and her experiences within the Church of Scientology.

However, Suri, who will attain legal adulthood in New York State as she turns 18, has the freedom to speak openly about her father and his beliefs as she was too young to sign any NDAs during her parent's divorce.

Suri Cruise Is 'Free To Talk' About Scientology If She Wants

Speaking to the news outlet, Tony Ortega , a seasoned Scientology journalist, shared: "Suri would have been too young to sign any agreement, but she will now be free to talk if she wants to and it's going to be really interesting if she has something to say."

As Cruise is one of Scientology's prominent members, possibly second only to its leader, David Miscavige, Ortega raised questions about potential repercussions that Holmes and Suri could face.

"Regular members who quit are declared 'suppressive persons (SP),' and those who stay in Scientology are told to completely cut them off," he noted. "We don't know for sure if Katie was ever declared an SP."

Ortega added, "If you are a regular church member you could be told to disconnect from your wife and daughter, but because Tom is a celebrity — he's the top celebrity — he gets to ignore all this stuff. Your average member would be kicked out, but David Miscavige can't do that with Tom."

Former Scientologists Mike Rinder and Jeff Augustine echo Ortega's concerns about Scientology's influence on familial relationships and speculate on the treatment of Holmes and Suri within the church.

Augustine told the outlet, "The situation with Suri is a larger story about Scientology and the subject of how they make people no longer useful to them or threats to them non-persons. It's like they cease to exist and that's what happened to Suri."

Rinder particularly emphasized Suri's autonomy, asserting: "Suri is not a Scientologist and never will be…she deserves love and sympathy."

Tom Cruise Admits Katie Holmes Filed For Divorce To 'Protect Suri From Scientology'

According to Page Six , during a deposition in a legal battle against tabloid magazines in November 2013, Cruise disclosed that Holmes had filed for divorce "to protect Suri from Scientology."

However, despite their estrangement, Cruise, with an estimated fortune of $600 million, committed to providing financial support to Holmes and Suri as per their divorce settlement.

He reportedly agreed to an annual payment of $400,000 until Suri reaches 18, alongside covering various expenses, including "medical, dental, insurance, education, college and other extracurricular costs."

Holmes also secured sole custody of their daughter, while Cruise retained "meaningful" visitation rights. Yet, public sightings of Cruise with his daughter have dwindled over the years, with sources suggesting Cruise has a diminishing role in Suri's life despite legal arrangements.

Tom Cruise And Katie Holmes' Marriage Was Strained Because Of Scientology

Cruise first famously professed his love for Holmes in May 2005, leaping on Oprah Winfrey's couch and yelling, "I'm in love!"

The former lovebirds reportedly tied the knot in a lavish Scientologist ceremony in Italy in 2006.

However, as time passed, insiders revealed that the "Batman Begins" actress was feeling increasingly stifled by Cruise's ties to the church of Scientology, which caused a strain in their relationship.

Six years after they tied the knot, Holmes initiated divorce proceedings, aided by her father, Martin Holmes, a powerful divorce attorney.

Employing covert tactics, including the use of burner phones, Holmes allegedly "blindsided" Cruise with the divorce filing while he filmed "Oblivion" in Iceland in June 2012.

Tom Cruise Says He 'Always Wanted To Be A Father' And 'Be There' For His Children

Growing up as the only daughter of a devoted single parent presents a stark contrast from the beginnings of Suri's life.

Born on  April 18, 2006, the teenager was initially thrust into the limelight as America's most famous baby and was even captured by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.

In the same year of Suri's birth, Cruise confessed to Vanity Fair  that he "always wanted to be a father."

He added, "I always said to myself that my children would be able to depend on me and I would always be there for them and love them — that I'd never make a promise to my kids that I couldn't keep."

"I'm not one of those people who believe you can spoil a child with too much love. You can never give a child too much love. There's just no way," he added.

Recommended Stories

Microsoft's ai tool can turn photos into realistic videos of people talking and singing.

Microsoft Research Asia has unveiled a new experimental AI tool called VASA-1 that can take a still image of a person — or the drawing of one — and an existing audio file to create a lifelike talking face out of them in real time.

Celtics-Heat preview: Does Miami have a chance against Boston without Jimmy Butler?

We break down the first-round series between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat and make our prediction.

Dak Prescott says he's not 'necessarily' gunning to be highest-paid QB in NFL

Joe Burrow leads all NFL quarterbacks at $55 million per year.

NBA play-in: Heat ride blazing start to 112–91 win over Bulls, advance to playoff rematch with Celtics

For the second consecutive season, the Miami Heat won the No. 8 seed in the NBA playoffs with a victory in the play-in tournament. The Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls, 112-91.

Jets QB Zach Wilson is skipping offseason workouts while hoping to be traded

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has skipped the team's offseason workouts as he hopes to be traded to another club. But there has been little interest from other teams thus far.

Commanders hosted 4 top QB prospects at once, and Jayden Daniels' agent wasn't happy

The Commanders had an unusual visit with multiple QB prospects.

Arnold Palmer's green jacket reportedly among items stolen from Augusta National Golf Club

One of the green jackets Arnold Palmer was awarded for winning the Masters was among the items stolen from Augusta National Golf Club over a 13-year span, according to a report.

Pirates phenom Paul Skenes still has 'steps he needs to take' after comically dominant start to season

Skenes has struck out 27 in 12 2/3 scoreless innings pitched at Triple-A so far this season.

Trump's hush money trial jury is set. Here's why we won't learn much about them.

The jury that will decide whether Donald Trump is guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records is made up of seven men and five women who live in Manhattan.

Coban Porter sentenced to 6 years in prison for deadly DUI crash same week his brother Jontay banned from NBA

One Porter brother is banned for life from the NBA. Another is headed to prison.

Tom Cruise Is Remaking A Wild Clint Eastwood Action Thriller | GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT

A few months ago the trades announced that Tom Cruise signed a strategic partnership with Warner Bros. to develop and produce original and franchise theatricals for Cruise to star in. At the time, what exactly he was planning to develop remained unknown.

Now GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT can exclusively report that one of those movies will be a remake of the 1977 Clint Eastwood action thriller The Gauntlet . Tom Cruise will take over the role originally played by Eastwood in the movie, that of alcoholic Detective Ben Shockley.

The original version of The Gauntlet was also directed by Clint Eastwood, but our source tells us Christopher McQuarrie will direct the Tom Cruise version. Tom Cruise will, of course, produce as part of his new deal with Warners.

McQuarrie has become Tom Cruise's go-to director over the years. He directed Tom Cruise on movies like Jack Reacher , The Mummy , and three Mission: Impossible (soon four) movies. Now Christopher McQuarrie is working with Cruise on The Gauntlet .

This information comes from the same proven source that has broken several other, now confirmed , WB-related stories for us. GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT ‘s editorial policy prohibits me from printing stories submitted by sources without a proven track record.

The Gauntlet is not one of Eastwood's better-known projects. It received mixed to favorable reviews on its release. The story involves a detective ordered to escort a prostitute to a trial, where she's expected to testify against the mob.

As you'd expect, things don't go well, and Detective Shockley ends up under attack and on the run. The movie's filled with some pretty big action set pieces, including high-speed pursuits with helicopters and motorcycles. There's even a road warrior-style chase in a hastily armored bus. It's easy to imagine Tom Cruise turning that into one of his stunt-laden action flicks, only with perhaps a grittier twist than what we've come to expect from him in the Mission: Impossible films.

GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT

• Netflix Horror Fantasy Series Must Get Season 2, Near Perfect Season 1 Needs To Be Seen
• Netflix Assassin Psychological Thriller Series Starts With Perfect First Season
• Hugh Jackman's Best Sci-Fi Movie Finally Getting Sequel?

• Icon Link Plus Icon

optional screen reader

Insiders claim tom cruise’s ‘list of conditions for his romantic partners’ has caused quite a few issues.

by Delilah Gray

Delilah Gray

Trending News Editor

• Share on Flipboard Plus Icon
• Share on Pinterest Plus Icon
• Share on Facebook Plus Icon
• Share on Twitter Plus Icon

“Tom has a list of conditions for his romantic partners. One of them is they can’t have chatty friends or relatives who might go to the media,” he said, with many remembering how Khayrova’s ex-husband allegedly wasn’t afraid to air out their dirty laundry to the media.

So, summed up, he wants someone who doesn’t care about media attention, will join Scientology, be adamant about marriage, and be preferably under Cruise’s height, which is 5’7.”

The insider added that “at this point, he could be undateable” because of this tall order list.

Leave a Comment

More stories from entertainment.

Insider Claims Amal Clooney ‘Isn’t Impressed’ by Brad Pitt’s Girlfriend Ines de Ramon

Taylor Swift Just Credited This Unexpected Oscar Winner for Her Contributions in The Tortured Poets Department

This Latest Post Proves Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Will Always Have This ‘Brother’ to Lean On

Travis Kelce’s Reported Reaction to Taylor Swift’s New Album – & the Jabs to Her Exes – Is Making Us Swoon

Kim Kardashian’s Last Response to Taylor Swift May Indicate Her Stance on the Reignited Feud

SheKnows is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 SheMedia, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

11 Facts About National Biomechanics Day April 3rd

14 Facts About National Student Athlete Day April 6th

38 facts about tom cruise.

Written by Dyanne Bertsch

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Tom Cruise is one of the most recognizable and influential actors in Hollywood. With a career spanning over three decades, Cruise has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through his charismatic performances, daring stunts, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his breakout role in “Risky Business” to his iconic portrayal of Ethan Hunt in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, Cruise has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Aside from his successful acting career, Cruise is also known for his off-screen persona. From his highly publicized relationships to his involvement in the controversial Church of Scientology , Cruise’s personal life has often made headlines. However, there are many fascinating facts about Cruise that are less known to the general public. In this article, we will delve into 38 intriguing facts about Tom Cruise, shedding light on the man behind the superstar and uncovering some lesser-known aspects of his life and career.

Key Takeaways:

• Tom Cruise is a dedicated actor known for performing his own stunts and starring in blockbuster movies, earning him a strong fan following and numerous accolades.
• Tom Cruise is a multi-talented celebrity with a passion for flying, philanthropy, and environmental advocacy, showcasing his diverse interests and impactful contributions.

Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962.

Tom Cruise, whose full name is Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, was born in Syracuse, New York.

Tom Cruise made his film debut in 1981 in the movie “Endless Love.”

He had a small role in the film, but it marked the beginning of his successful acting career.

Tom Cruise’s breakthrough role came in the 1983 film “Risky Business.”

His portrayal of Joel Goodson, a high school student involved in a risky business venture, earned him widespread recognition.

Tom Cruise is known for performing his own stunts in movies.

His dedication and fearlessness have allowed him to execute incredible action sequences in films like the “Mission: Impossible” series.

Tom Cruise is a dedicated Scientologist.

He has been a prominent member of the Church of Scientology for many years.

Tom Cruise has been married three times.

He was previously married to Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes .

Tom Cruise has three children.

He has a daughter named Suri from his marriage to Katie Holmes, and two adopted children, Isabella and Connor Cruise .

Tom Cruise has received three Academy Award nominations.

Although he has yet to win an Oscar, his talent and versatility as an actor have been recognized by the Academy.

Tom Cruise has a pilot’s license.

He is a skilled pilot and owns several aircraft.

Tom Cruise is known for his intense workout routines.

He is dedicated to maintaining a fit physique and often performs his own stunts, which require a high level of physical fitness.

Tom Cruise is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.

His box office success and worldwide fame have allowed him to command hefty salaries for his film roles.

Tom Cruise has starred in several iconic films.

Some of his most notable movies include “Top Gun,” “Jerry Maguire,” “ Rain Man ,” and “A Few Good Men.

Tom Cruise has worked with renowned directors.

He has collaborated with directors like Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, and Christopher McQuarrie .

Tom Cruise has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He received this prestigious honor in 1986 for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Tom Cruise has a production company called Cruise/Wagner Productions.

He co-founded the company with his former producing partner, Paula Wagner.

Tom Cruise is known for his philanthropic efforts.

He has donated to numerous charitable organizations and has been involved in humanitarian work.

Tom Cruise has had a successful career as a producer.

He has produced several films, including “Mission: Impossible” movies and “Edge of Tomorrow.”

Tom Cruise is a dedicated father.

Despite his busy schedule, he makes time for his children and is actively involved in their lives.

Tom Cruise has a passion for flying.

In addition to being a pilot, he enjoys flying helicopters and has even trained with the United States Navy for his role in “ Top Gun: Maverick .

Tom Cruise has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career.

He has received accolades from various organizations and film festivals for his outstanding performances.

Tom Cruise is known for his infectious smile.

His charming smile has captivated audiences worldwide and is often mentioned as one of his trademark features.

Tom Cruise is a dedicated advocate for the environment.

He has actively supported and promoted initiatives to protect the planet.

Tom Cruise has a black belt in Kenpo karate.

He trained in martial arts for many years and incorporates his skills into his action-packed movie roles.

Tom Cruise has a close friendship with fellow actor and director, Steven Spielberg.

The two have collaborated on multiple projects and share a mutual respect for each other’s work.

Tom Cruise has a strong work ethic.

He is known for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering outstanding performances.

Tom Cruise is involved in various charitable causes.

He has supported organizations such as the Red Cross, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and the Church of Scientology’s charitable initiatives.

Tom Cruise has been honored with a Golden Globe Award.

He won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role in the film “Jerry Maguire.”

Tom Cruise has a strong fan following.

His charismatic personality and impressive body of work have gained him millions of devoted fans around the world.

Tom Cruise is known for his dedication to his roles.

He goes to great lengths to immerse himself in the characters he portrays, often undergoing intense training and research.

Tom Cruise has been recognized with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

This prestigious award is granted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.

Tom Cruise has starred in numerous blockbuster movies.

His films have grossed billions of dollars at the box office, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Tom Cruise is known for his humanitarian efforts.

He has been involved in various charity projects, including helping to fund schools, hospitals, and relief efforts in areas affected by natural disasters.

Tom Cruise is a skilled motorcyclist.

He has been seen riding motorcycles in several of his movies and is known for his love of adrenaline-fueled activities.

Tom Cruise has received the Harvard Lampoon’s Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award.

This award is presented annually to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Tom Cruise is known for his meticulous attention to detail.

He is involved in every aspect of his film projects, from script development to editing.

Tom Cruise has a successful career as a film producer.

He has produced films such as “Valkyrie,” “Jack Reacher,” and “The Mummy.”

Tom Cruise has starred in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.

He is famous for his role as Ethan Hunt, a skilled and daring IMF agent.

Tom Cruise continues to be a box office draw.

His popularity and talent ensure that his movies consistently perform well at the box office.

Tom Cruise is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most influential celebrities in Hollywood. With a career spanning decades, he has cemented his status as a versatile actor, producer, and director. From his iconic role in “Top Gun” to his mesmerizing performances in “Mission: Impossible” series, Cruise has consistently delivered captivating performances that have thrilled audiences worldwide.

Behind the scenes, Cruise is known for his dedication, work ethic, and commitment to his craft. He performs many of his own stunts, which has only added to his reputation as an action star and further endeared him to his fans.

As Tom Cruise continues to mesmerize audiences with his talent and charm, there’s no doubt that he will remain an enduring and beloved figure in the world of entertainment for years to come.

Q: How old is Tom Cruise?

A: As of 2021, Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962, which makes him 59 years old.

Q: What is Tom Cruise’s net worth?

A: Tom Cruise has an estimated net worth of around $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors in Hollywood.

Q: How many times has Tom Cruise been married?

A: Tom Cruise has been married three times. He was previously married to Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes.

Q: What are some of Tom Cruise’s most famous movies?

A: Some of Tom Cruise’s most famous movies include “Top Gun,” “Mission: Impossible” series, “Jerry Maguire,” “Rain Man,” and “A Few Good Men,” among others.

Q: Does Tom Cruise perform his own stunts?

A: Yes, Tom Cruise is known for performing many of his own stunts in his movies, which adds an extra level of authenticity and excitement to his action-packed roles.

Q: Has Tom Cruise won any awards?

A: Yes, Tom Cruise has won several awards throughout his career, including three Golden Globe Awards and three Academy Award nominations.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact:

Tom Cruise Was Once Considered For Iron Man, But There Was Another Superhero Movie He Also 'Flirted' With

Two very different flavors of Cruise could have been present in the world of comic movies.

You don’t get to be an acting talent like Tom Cruise without racking up an obscene amount of “what if” stories. While we know the man as the lead of the Mission: Impossible movies , and a stunt performing daredevil extraordinaire, there were a couple times in his career that comic book movies came a calling. 

And while we already know about Cruise’s potential role in the then developing Iron Man franchise, it turns out that Zack Snyder’s Watchmen was apparently another project that could have seen the star of some of the best action movies in the world playing an anti-hero. 

The Watchmen Characters Tom Cruise Was Considered For

As if Zack Snyder’s bombshell about Leonardo DiCaprio being considered for the role of Lex Luthor wasn’t enough of a shock, the director’s Happy Sad Confused interview also yielded this juicy gem. And apparently, while the Rebel Moon director wanted Tom Cruise to play one role, the man behind Ethan Hunt was gunning for the polar opposite. Take a look for yourself: 

Tom Cruise wanted to be in WATCHMEN. But only as…wait for it…Rorschach. Another bombshell @ZackSnyder dropped in our chat. The full chat: https://t.co/qDTvcxgxfu pic.twitter.com/uLeM7UMESw April 18, 2024

I’m going to set aside the fact that, like Josh Horowitz, I consider the casting of Watchmen to be perfect. I can’t see either Jackie Earle Haley or Matthew Goode not playing Rorschach or Ozymandias at this point, but for the sake of academic curiosity, I’m going to pretend I can. With that caveat in place, I’d honestly have a hard time picking which role Tom Cruise would be better suited for. 

Cruise’s Rorschach feels like it’d be a modified version of his Vincent character from Collateral , whereas Ozymandias would be a variation on his aloof killer archetype as Lestat from Interview with the Vampire . That second scenario would have been a particularly good showcase for Tom, as that character basically launches into a Watchmen ending explained monologue in the third act.

Both characters hold echoes of some of Tom Cruise's best movies. So to all of a sudden hear that Zack Snyder had met with the man to try and cast him in this epic comic adaptation has replaced Iron Man as the greater “what if” for Cruise’s potential career in comic movies. Which, after all this time, is no easy feat.

That Time Tom Cruise ‘Flirted’ With Playing Iron Man

If anyone ever wanted to know how forward thinking Tom Cruise is when it comes to movies, consider this: the man was flirting with comic book movies before the boom had truly taken off. While the ultimate reason for Cruise’s Iron Man refusal was classic Hollywood dealing, the man was circling these sorts of opportunities before they were cool. 

CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER

Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News

History shook out the way it did, and Robert Downey Jr .’s iconic casting won out. That hasn’t stopped people from pondering over how a Cruise-led Iron Man could have looked. Especially since, on the Tom Cruise Continuum of Characters, Tony Stark feels like a more cavalier and grown up version of Risky Business’ Joel Goodsen.

Twice before we almost saw Tom Cruise landing a comic book movie icon on his resume; and who knows? We might just see him land that sort of role in the future, provided he wants to go down that road. The Multiverse of both DC and Marvel are vast, and there's surely someone Cruise would be down to play in the name of four paneled fun. 

As it stands, the Watchmen we have at home is a sterling example of comic book adaptations done right. So should you want to revisit that movie, with or without visions of Tom Cruise participating, you can do just that. At the time of this publication, a Max subscription is all that’s required to catch up once again with those costumed heroes. 

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.

Zack Snyder Met With Leonardo DiCaprio To Play Lex Luthor, And I’m Blown Away By The Note Leo Gave That Eventually Influenced Justice League

Jenna Ortega Becomes Batgirl In Fan Trailer, And Now I Really Need Her In The New DCU

There's A Happy Ending To That Story About Hannah Waddingham Calling Out Paparazzi For 'Show Me Leg' Comment

Most Popular

• 2 I'm A Little Late To The Cheat Meal Party, But The Rock's Post Wrestlemania Meal Was Chef's Kiss
• 3 First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's Trap Seems To Give Away Major Twist For Josh Hartnett's Character, And I Need To Know More
• 4 Alexandra Daddario On Finally Embracing Her Own Style With Sheer Looks And More: 'It Took Me A Long Time To Get Comfortable'
• 5 Zack Snyder Met With Leonardo DiCaprio To Play Lex Luthor, And I’m Blown Away By The Note Leo Gave That Eventually Influenced Justice League