In an era where the definition of a true “movie star” is often debated, Tom Cruise stands as a towering figure of enduring star power. His name has become synonymous with cinematic excellence and sheer excitement, ensuring that any project that features him is sure to grab attention. While Cruise has long been the face of the Mission: Impossible series, his upcoming endeavors reveal a compelling expansion of his already impressive filmography. Not only is he set to collaborate with the illustrious director Alejandro Iñárritu, but he is also gearing up for a supernatural thriller titled Deeper alongside Doug Liman. Moreover, fans can look forward to a thrilling R-rated project with Christopher McQuarrie, as well as an unprecedented film shot in space.
At 62, Cruise channels inspiration from cinematic icons like Harrison Ford, aspiring to maintain his active presence in film well into his 80s. Yet, in a compelling interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he elevated those ambitions further, boldly asserting his desire to remain in the game for his centennial celebration. Captured on the red carpet for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Cruise stated with infectious enthusiasm,
“I actually said I’m going to make movies into my 80s; actually, I’m going to make them into my 100s. I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, comedy films — I’m excited.”
As the new installment, The Final Reckoning, showcases the exhilarating journey of Ethan Hunt, Cruise reflected on the profound rewards he has derived from the Mission: Impossible franchise. He emphasized that the greatest lessons and growth come from collaborating with diverse talents and immersing himself in various cultures. In his own words, “There’s been so many levels of reward with the filmmakers that I’ve collaborated with, the crews, the people, the cultures that we’ve worked in. Everything that I’ve learned and continue to learn about storytelling, about life, about leadership, about character and every aspect of filmmaking. It’s been exceptional, it really is exceptional. I feel very fortunate to be able to make the films that I make and I love it, I just love making movies.”
The gripping stunt sequences that have become the hallmark of the franchise are a major draw for audiences, and when asked about his preparation rituals, Cruise shed light on his rigorous approach: “There’s a lot of pre-stunt rituals that keep me alive — it depends on what I’m doing and the amount of preparation I have to do. A lot of thought goes into it, and they are very complex and very interesting.”
