Is Tom Cruise finally free? That’s a question that popped into my mind while watching him pull off one of the most daring stunts in “Mission: Impossible.” Honestly, even by the standards of long-running action franchises, this sequence felt unbelievably intense. At one point, Cruise’s character, Ethan, is hanging off a plane, and let me tell you, his hair—a wild mess—looks almost comical. I mean, could you imagine someone like Paul Newman doing something that ridiculous? It begs the question: does Tom Cruise really need to keep doing this stuff?
Cruise, who just hit 63, has been a staple in the “Mission: Impossible” series since the Clinton administration. But with the latest installment coming to UK cinemas this Wednesday, it feels like we’re witnessing the close of a significant chapter. Director Christopher McQuarrie is framing this as the conclusion of a saga that spans 18 hours, filled with plots that often delve back into earlier films, trying to find a balance between epic storytelling and previous narratives. McQuarrie has hinted at the franchise’s future, and while Cruise seems enthusiastic about exploring new directions, one has to wonder how it can continue as it has. It’s a lot of pressure on him, and frankly, maybe he should take a break from racing motorcycles off cliffs and focus on… well, different kinds of activities.
Speaking of his filmography, it’s quite the journey. In the early days, he had some amazing successes, from “Risky Business” to “Jerry Maguire.” The first “Mission: Impossible” came just before the tail end of that golden era. But when “Mission: Impossible 2” hit theaters in 2000, it was right around the time he seemed to take a turn towards more serious roles. It’s curious to think he didn’t snag an Oscar for his incredible performance in “Magnolia” or for portraying a villain in “Collateral.” Maybe after those snubs, he shifted focus completely toward action roles that defy gravity rather than chasing awards. But there’s probably a bit more to it. The fallout from that infamous Oprah Couch incident and his ties to Scientology may have influenced his role selections. It’s possible that he opted for more straightforward heroes rather than riskier, complicated characters that might confuse audiences. Or maybe the industry’s shift toward big-budget spectacles played a part too.
No doubt, the change is evident. In the 2010s and 2020s, he dived into action blockbusters—some of which are genuinely standout films like “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” “Edge of Tomorrow,” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” His dedication to physical stunts is nothing short of impressive. Yet, it raises the question: what happened to the dramatic roles that once highlighted his charm? If you look at some of the characters he plays, they sometimes feel indistinguishable from one another, even if his hairstyle varies.
That’s why I’m actually looking forward to his next film. Rumored to be titled “Judy” and directed by Alejandro Iñárritu, it’s set to feature Cruise in a notably different role, one where he’s on a mission that seems almost messianic. It’s intriguing—while Iñárritu’s recent work has had mixed reviews, there’s a nostalgia tied to the projects Cruise has taken under him. Are we about to witness a revival of Cruise’s capability to portray complex characters?
Perhaps—but then again, it seems unfair that the Oscars announced a best stunt category just as he closes out an impossible chapter in his career, despite his remarkable achievements in stunts as Ethan Hunt. Yet, looking ahead, it seems like there’s potential for Cruise to break new ground, especially with talks of collaborating with NASA to be the first actor to film in space. So, maybe the era of Tom Cruise as the ultimate action hero isn’t finished just yet.
