Even at sixty-three, Tom Cruise boasts a vigor and a flair for craft that are the envy of his younger colleagues. Long considered one of Hollywood's leading lights, and widely regarded as one of the most daring stuntmen around—thanks largely to some breathtaking stunts he's performed in various installments of the "Mission: Impossible" series—the American star is preparing to return to the big screen, alternating, as usual, between blockbuster productions and auteur projects, aiming for a future of visibility that further confirms his multifaceted talent for cinema.
Starting with the spy franchise itself, the latest rumors suggest Cruise is in talks with Chloé Zhao to direct the next "Mission: Impossible." The Chinese director, back in the spotlight after the international success of "Hamnet: In the Name of the Son," is expected to replace Christopher McQuarrie as director of the saga, launching a new chapter after the conclusion of Ethan Hunt's story arc in "The Final Reckoning."
The news comes directly from insider DeuxMoi, and it's also likely that the tenth installment's development will take its cue from the open ending seen in the previous film. According to Comicbookmovie.com, however, this would be an unlikely scenario, given the clear artistic distance between Zhao and Cruise. However, considering the fact that the director previously helmed the Marvel comic book film "The Eternals," a return to mainstream productions wouldn't theoretically be ruled out. Undoubtedly—also given her previous Oscar win and ability to direct with modest budgets—her potential involvement would bring considerable prestige to the franchise.
While we wait for further developments, can we expect Cruise's return, even if it's just a brief cameo? Asked about the matter even before the release of "The Final Reckoning," the actor stated: "You have to see the movie. It's a difficult subject to talk about right now, because it's really something you have to experience. But it's an epic, emotional journey through the entire franchise... It's Homeric."
Elsewhere, Cruise is set to make his directorial debut with "Digger," Alejandro González Iñárritu's long-awaited directorial return, which, in the wake of a post-apocalyptic black comedy, will feature the actor in the lead role. Confirmed for release by Warner Bros. in October of this year, the film will follow a Texan oil tycoon intent on saving the world after making a potentially catastrophic mistake. Test screenings earlier this month have garnered initial reactions, thanks to testimonials reported by World of Reel. Receiving generally positive reviews, "Digger" has been called a "comedy of catastrophic proportions"; one person called it a "fantastic" film; yet another deemed it "overwhelming and chaotic," with Cruise delivering a "wild" performance bordering on caricature.
But even those who weren't entirely satisfied admitted, "It's impossible not to be fascinated by it: it's a complete disaster, in the best sense of the word." Further praise was lavished on Iñárritu's "creative and imaginative camerawork," Cruise's physical transformation—complete with a fake nose, a prominent stomach, thinning hair, and a pronounced Southern accent—and, last but not least, John Goodman's excellent performance as the President of the United States, which might even earn him an Oscar nomination.
As if that weren't enough, other rumors suggest Cruise is involved in “Miami Vice,” the cinematic reboot of the 1980s television series that will be directed – not surprisingly – by Joseph Kosinski, his longtime friend and collaborator, also recently recognized for his excellent work on “Top Gun: Maverick.”
According to scooper DanielRPK, Cruise is expected to appear as the villain alongside Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan, who have been cast as the leads. Filming is currently slated for early summer. The film's plot is also expected to draw inspiration from the pilot episode of the original show, produced by Michael Mann, to recreate the same unmistakable atmosphere that defined and continues to define a significant part of television history.
