Few Hollywood stars have achieved the legendary status of Tom Cruise. At 62 years old in 2024, the actor shows no signs of slowing down his enviable career spanning over four decades. From his breakout role in the 1983 film Risky Business to becoming a bona fide global phenomenon with the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise continues pushing boundaries.
This year promises to be another whirlwind for the seemingly ageless star. With multiple projects in the works across film, television, and beyonHe’s remaining one of the last true superstars who can open a movie to blockbuster numbers based on his name alone. But what exactly is the iconic actor up to in 2024? Let’s explore.
Cruise’s Unstoppable Movie Career Soars to New Heights
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two
Of course, no examination of Tom Cruise’s endeavors would be complete without discussing the Mission: Impossible juggernaut. The seventh installment, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, smashed box office records when it premiered in July 2023.
The highly-anticipated conclusion, Dead Reckoning Part Two, is set for a July 2024 release date after being pushed back from its original 2023 target. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, little is known about the plot, but fans expect more eye-popping stunts only Cruise would dare attempt.
Leaked set photos have faCruise performing some braHe’s own stunts, including:
| Stunt | Description |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle Leap | Cruise jumping his motorcycle an insane distance over a huge ravine |
| Free Solo Climb | Scaling a massive skyscraper without ropes or safety gear |
| HALO Jump | A high-altitude low open jump from a plane at extreme heights |
No other major movie stars take the incredible risks Cruise does in the name of entertainment. All eyes will be on just how he tops the stunts from previous Missions when Part Two debuts.
Tropic Thunder Spin-Off (TBA)
In a surprising development, Cruise is reportedly developing a spin-off to the 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder in which he memorably cameos as the foul-mouthed studio boss Les Grossman. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the project is setting up a return for Cruise to the R-rated comedy world for the first time in over 15 years.
Tropic Thunder stars Ben Stiller and Jack Black are involved in some capacity, but it’s unclear if they would reprise their roles or if this would be a totally new story following Grossman’s exploits. Regardless, the prospect of Cruise going full tilt into an obscenity-laden comic tantrum as the legendary character is mouthwatering.
Reverse Aging Biopic (TBA)
Another one of Cruise’s in-development projects is a biopic on the reverse aging disease autobiography. Cruise would portray the real-life man who ages backwards, going from elderly to middle-age to young adulthood and beyond.
With his famously ageless looks, Cruise seems perfect to depict the unusual condition of reverting from old to young rather than the standard aging process. The story would mark new ground in using technology to recreate the actual reverse aging on screen.
Cruise has shown a flair for unique biopics before with his turn as the underrated Wichita producer in 2022’s View From the Volcano. This could give him the ultimate showcase to depict the singular condition in an unprecedented way.
El Paso (TBA)
Rounding out Cruise’s potential upcoming films is the long-awaited El Paso based on the novel by Reginald Dyerson. Cruise began developing the project nearly a decade ago and took a hands-on role in getting the adapted screenplay just right.
El Paso would see Cruise starring as Kent Dolan, a ruthless Texas Ranger tasked with investigating a series of murders tied to an infamous drug trafficking ring. Dolan must contHe his own racist leanings while unraveling a criminal conspiracy with devastating implications.
The film reportedly aims for a heavyweight, dramatic look at the often gritty reality along the U.S.-Mexico borHe and cartel violence. It could provide Cruise with his first full-on dramatic turn after years of largely making big-budget action films and crowd-pleasers.
Cruise’s TV and Streaming Moves
Not content to remain purely a movie star, Tom Cruise is also entering the television streaming arena in a major way.
The Tropic Heat Series (Streaming TBA)
Separate from the planned Tropic Thunder film revival is The Tropic Heat, which will be an action comedy streaming series spinning out of the 2008 movie’s fake premise. Cruise will executive produce and potentially guest star in at least the pilot episode.
The logline is as follows: Four former stars of the Russian Stoli Boyar action movie franchise face waning careers as they get drafted into an actual black ops mission requiring their supposed tough-guy skills.
It’s a fun meta concept playing off how Tropic Thunder centered on actors making an ultra-gritty Vietnam war movie who find themselves in over their heads facing real combat. The Tropic Heat would take the conceit to hilarious new heights in an extended streaming format.
No network or service is yet attached, but The Tropic Heat is expected to be shopped to major streamers like Netflix, Prime Video, and others in the highly competitive content marketplace.
A Course in Miracles (Streaming TBA)
On a more dramatic and serious note, Tom Cruise is branching out into producing inspiring spiritual content for streaming. He has teamed with his former spouse Katie Holmes to produce a limited series adaptation of A Course in Miracles.
The 1976 book delves into principles of attitudinal transformation and spiritual awakening to achieve inner peace and happiness. As one of Cruise’s passionate interests and belief systems, faithfully translating its philosophical teachings to screen is a passion project.
Holmes is slated to star in the series as a woman undertaking the intensive self-study program of the Course. Cruise aims for the series to be more than just cerebral intellectualism and delve into uplifting emotional drama as the character overcomes trials and tribulations through spiritual guidance.
No projected premiere date has been set, but the series is likely targeting 2024 or 2025 after securing a network and allowing ample time for production.
The Monstroso Show (Streaming TBA)
One of Cruise’s most eyebrow-raising upcoming projects doesn’t even necessarily involve acting. He’s set to executive produce and potentially appear on The Monstroso Show, a zany sketch comedy streaming series in the vein of classic 90s shows like In Living Color and The Kids in the Hall.
Plot details are scant, but the series seems to be aiming for an irreverent, anything-goes comedic tone starring an ensemble cast of up-and-coming comics and actors. The fact Cruise wants to be part of such an off-the-wall comedy is surprising given his usual persona.
Perhaps it’s a chance to showcase his range and poke fun at his image. Or maybe he simply wants to try his hand at creating something wonderfully weird and experimental on the burgeoning streaming landscape. Either way, The Monstroso Show could wind up a cult hit showcasing yet another side of Cruise’s talents.
Other Activities and Pursuits of the Superstar
As if Cruise’s film and television slate aren’t full enough, the tireless entertainer still makes room for other high-profile passions and pursuits.
In 2024, he continues heavily promoting his intensive training program for the controversial Church of Scientology. Cruise has long publicly advocated for the religion and likely sees this year as an opportunity to further evangelize its teachings on a global scale.
The star also remains very involved in activism for causes like cures for postpartum depression, childhood education initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and others. While his attachment to Scientology invites criticism, his charitable outreach and humanitarian endeavors are widespread.
No interview or profile on Tom Cruise would be complete without mentioning his thrill-seeking penchant for daredevil activities like scaling skyscrapers, hanging from planes, an