Tom Cruise’s Shocking Bucket List Reveal: Musicals Are Next—But That’s Not All!

Tom Cruise, the iconic actor known for his diverse career, has revealed a surprising new aspiration: a role in a musical. The announcement came during a conversation at the British Film Institute (BFI) in London, where Cruise was honored with the prestigious BFI Fellowship. Reflecting on his career, the 63-year-old actor shared that musicals are firmly on his bucket list, a goal that excites him as he looks forward to future opportunities.

Cruise, whose past musical experience includes his notable role as the rock star Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages, explained that the experience left him wanting more. “Definitely musicals,” he remarked when asked about his future ambitions. “Drama, action, adventures. It’s endless. My goals are endless.” This declaration hints at a career that is far from slowing down, even as he continues to dominate action films like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun.

The event, titled “Tom Cruise in Conversation,” was held ahead of Cruise receiving the BFI Fellowship—an honor that recognizes his outstanding contributions to the film industry. During the discussion, Cruise reflected on pivotal moments in his career, including his involvement in the Mission: Impossible franchise. He recalled that the original 1996 film was the first project he ever produced, driven not only by the action but also by the “music.” “I loved the theme music,” he quipped, explaining his decision to adapt the Cold War TV series into an action-packed thriller. His passion for pushing the boundaries of action storytelling has been a defining trait throughout his career.

The actor also reminisced about his fruitful collaboration with writer and director Christopher McQuarrie, a relationship that began on Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011). Cruise recalled a crucial moment on set when, despite having already filmed several action sequences in Dubai, he realized the story still lacked cohesion. This prompted him to bring McQuarrie into the project, which led to significant rewrites and a partnership that has now spanned more than a decade. Cruise confirmed that the duo has more stories in the works, including upcoming installments of Mission: Impossible and Top Gun: Maverick.

Cruise’s reflection on his career also touched upon the making of Top Gun, where he revisited his relationships with co-stars like Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards. He fondly recalled how he and his fellow actors were “begging” Kilmer to join the project, making the film an exceptional experience that still resonates with him today. As for the Top Gun sequel, Cruise revealed that ideas for a follow-up were discussed as far back as the 1980s, long before the film finally came to fruition in 2022.

Throughout the conversation, Cruise also reflected on how Hollywood has changed since his early days in the industry. He spoke candidly about how his sister helped him land the role in Rain Man, after a serendipitous meeting with Dustin Hoffman in a restaurant. “She goes, ‘You go over there and say hello to him,’” Cruise recalled. This chance encounter eventually led to Cruise’s Oscar-nominated performance, cementing his place in Hollywood history.

One of the most memorable stories from the event involved Cruise’s work in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia (1999), where he portrayed the charismatic yet deeply flawed motivational speaker Frank T.J. Mackey. Cruise revealed that much of the character’s iconic opening monologue wasn’t initially in the script. Instead, Cruise took it upon himself to create and refine the scene, showing Anderson his version of Mackey’s story in his personal screening room. “I created that whole character,” he said, underscoring his dedication to bringing authenticity and depth to every role he takes on.

After the conversation, in a spontaneous moment that mirrored his adventurous on-screen personas, Cruise climbed onto the roof of the nearby BFI IMAX movie theater, delighting fans and onlookers with his fearless and unpredictable energy.

With his eyes set on new and exciting challenges, including the prospect of starring in a musical, it’s clear that Tom Cruise’s passion for filmmaking is as boundless as his career goals. Whether he’s defying gravity in a Mission: Impossible stunt or channeling his inner rock star, Cruise continues to push the limits of what’s possible, both on-screen and off.