Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise Plan a "Les Grossman" Standalone Film
In-depth talks are said to have already been held
Tom Cruise could soon be making a comeback in one of his wildest roles: in a conversation on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, director Christopher McQuarrie revealed that he and Cruise have had in-depth discussions about a "Les Grossman" standalone film.
The choleric film producer with huge hands and a tendency towards angry outbursts made a splash in the 2008 satire "Tropic Thunder" – not least because Tom Cruise was barely recognizable in a radical change of roles at the time. His iconic dance moves in particular are also likely to have stuck in the minds of many film fans. What once began as a supporting role now seems to have become a passion project for the two Hollywood legends. As McQuarrie put it:
"The conversations we've had about Les Grossman are so fucking funny."
During the production of "Mission: Impossible 8", spontaneous improvisations between McQuarrie and Cruise are said to have taken place time and again.
"Just to be sitting at a breakfast table, not talking about the movie we're making for a minute, is such decompression. And just riffing with Tom playing Les Grossman at the table, it was one of the real joys of making this movie."
There is no structure or script yet – the project is still very much in the stage of creative play. This informal approach could be exactly what gives a "Les Grossman" movie the kind of madness and humor it needs. Cruise and McQuarrie have proven a bunch of times that they can deliver hits together. The most recent "Mission: Impossible" installment earned 63 million dollars over Memorial Day weekend, the best opening weekend of the entire film series. Over the four holidays, the box office takings even amounted to an estimated 77 million dollars.
Tom Cruise's Most Popular Roles – A Journey Through Four Decades of Film History
Tom Cruise is more than just an actor – he is a phenomenon. Since the 1980s, he has been part of Hollywood's absolute A-league, and not for nothing. Hardly any other star has managed to pull off so many blockbusters over so many decades, reinventing his career time and again and creating characters that have been engraved in the minds of audiences around the world. From action hero to daredevil to comedic cult figure – here are Tom Cruise's most popular roles that have established his reputation as an exceptional performer:
Pete "Maverick" Mitchell – Top Gun (1986 & 2022)
With "Top Gun", Tom Cruise became an international icon. As the daredevil Navy pilot Maverick, he not only helped the movie become a box office success, but also established his image as a charismatic thrill-seeker. The movie influenced an entire generation and turned aviator glasses, motorcycles and fighter jets into symbols of coolness. 36 years later, Cruise returned as an aged but still fearless Maverick in "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022), one of the most successful movies of the decade. With a mix of nostalgia, emotion and spectacular action, Cruise proved that Maverick can still fly in the 21st century – right at the top.
Ethan Hunt – Mission: Impossible Series (since 1996)
If there is one role that Tom Cruise's name is inextricably linked with around the world today, it is that of IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Since 1996, Cruise has regularly been delivering action at the highest level with the "Mission: Impossible" series – with real stunts, global settings and complex spy plots. No actor of his generation is as notorious for filming his most dangerous scenes himself – be it hanging from an airplane, climbing the Burj Khalifa or in breakneck motorcycle chases.
In the meantime, Ethan Hunt has become a modern action legend, and the series is one of Hollywood's longest-running franchises – not least thanks to Cruise's tireless dedication.
Jerry Maguire – Jerry Maguire (1996)
"Show me the money!" – hardly any line from the 1990s is as famous as this one from "Jerry Maguire". In the role of the idealistic sports agent, Cruise showed that he can do more than just action. His portrait of a man torn between career, morality and love earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The romantic comedy/drama combination with Renée Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr. became a classic – also because of Cruise's vulnerable, relatable performance.
Les Grossman – Tropic Thunder (2008)
One of the biggest surprises of Cruise's career was his performance as Les Grossman – the overweight, bald, swearing Hollywood producer in Ben Stiller's satire "Tropic Thunder". With his grotesque appearance, explosive outbursts and legendary dance interludes, Cruise displayed tremendous self-irony – and delighted fans and critics alike.
Vincent – Collateral (2004)
In "Collateral", Cruise embodied the clinical hitman Vincent – one of the few roles in which he can be seen as an antagonist. In gloomy gray, with a penetrating gaze and calculated brutality, he delivered a completely different image than usual – and was convincing across the board. Alongside Jamie Foxx, Cruise shone in Michael Mann's stylistically intense thriller as an unpredictable threat in a single, intense night. "Collateral" is one of his strongest acting performances.
Lestat – Interview with the Vampire (1994)
As the charmingly cruel vampire Lestat, Cruise amazed his fans once again. Anne Rice's literary character is considered complex and ambivalent – and Cruise gave it a fascinating balance of seduction and cruelty. Despite initial criticism of his casting, he ended up winning over even Rice herself, who later publicly expressed her respect for his portrayal. "Interview with the Vampire" was dark, erotic and extraordinary – and Lestat remains one of the most popular vampire characters in film history to this day.
Ron Kovic – Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
With the role of paraplegic Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, Cruise showed a whole new side in "Born on the Fourth of July". The film adaptation of Kovic's autobiography by Oliver Stone not only earned Cruise his first Golden Globe, but also his first Oscar nomination. The role demanded everything from him, both physically and emotionally – and marked a turning point in his career: from teen heartthrob to serious character actor.
Conclusion
Tom Cruise has embodied an impressive variety of roles over the decades – from romantic idealist to lethal professional hitman to daredevil super agent. What all these characters have in common is the absolute devotion with which Cruise plays them. He is not afraid to take risks – neither physically nor artistically – and remains one of the most fascinating personalities in the film world to this day. Be it on a motorcycle, in a law office, in vampire garb or dancing to hip-hop – Tom Cruise has thrown himself into each role with full dedication. And that's exactly what his fans love about him.
