That Variety reports Tom Cruise is currently in talks to star in the next Mission: Impossible movie is a surprise for several reasons. Not least among these is that Paramount cut its relationship with Cruise two years ago, blaming him for smaller box office returns for Mission: Impossible III. Then there is the fact that these days Cruise's biggest fan is himself. But if they can overlook his issues, then perhaps so can we. At least, that's what the studio is hoping.
"I consider Tom Cruise a great actor and a good friend," said Viacom boss Sumner Redstone, the very person who broke up Cruise's long relationship with the studio. "And if Paramount decides—and they will make the decision—to move ahead with him, I will not object." Redstone was even seen dining with Cruise back in March, implying that the company's ban on his work is ending.
Not that Cruise is 100% confirmed for the part. Not at all, actually. It is his franchise, though, and a Mission: Impossible film without him may be an even worse idea than one with him as the star. Since Cruise's post-Mission: Impossible III work has been been only a role in Lions for Lambs, it could also just be that Cruise has finally lowered his price.
Related links:
Review: Lions for Lambs
IMDb: Mission: Impossible III
IMDb: Tom Cruise
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You know that episode of Peanuts where Charlie Brown is being followed around by a raincloud? That must be kinda like how Tom Cruise feels right now. His religion is a laughingstock, he's been snubbed by studio after studio, and his personal life is reduced to tabloid fodder. His latest shot at a heavy character role is hamstrung by production difficulties, minor scandal, and a press determined to knock him down off of Oprah's couch. So, color us a little surprised that MGM decided to cry "damn the torpedoes" and give Cruise's war flick Valkyrie a Dec. 26 release date.
