You Won’t Believe What Tom Cruise Just Said About His Future Roles—Musicals Included!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Tom Cruise is never one to rest on his laurels, and at a recent event in London, the iconic actor revealed that he has no intention of slowing down any time soon. Despite a career spanning decades and an array of blockbuster roles, Cruise confessed that one genre he’s yet to conquer—and is eager to—are musicals.
At the British Film Institute (BFI) in London, during an event celebrating his illustrious career, Cruise admitted, “Definitely musicals.” When asked about what remains on his bucket list, the actor’s enthusiasm was palpable as he continued, “Drama, action, adventures. It’s endless. My goals are endless.”
The conversation, titled “Tom Cruise in Conversation,” came just ahead of Cruise receiving the prestigious BFI Fellowship, the organization’s highest honor. During the talk, the actor reflected on his career, sharing insights into some of his most notable roles, including his work in the Mission: Impossible franchise, where he helped redefine action cinema.
Cruise’s desire to pursue a musical comes as no surprise to those familiar with his past performances. His turn as the rockstar Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages (2012) was met with rave reviews, showcasing his natural singing talent. Yet, despite the success of the film, Cruise seems to have an unquenched thirst for more in the genre, hinting that this is just one of many exciting challenges left in his career.
“I loved the theme music,” Cruise quipped when recalling his work on Mission: Impossible. “It was about looking at Mission and going, ‘What can we do with action?’ How can I evolve action and storytelling and imbue that kind of storytelling with greater amounts of motion?” His commitment to evolution and growth in his craft mirrors his current interest in musicals, showing his unyielding desire to push boundaries.
During the conversation, Cruise also discussed his long-standing collaboration with writer and director Christopher McQuarrie, noting that their working relationship had led to multiple projects, including Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. McQuarrie, who joined the franchise in 2011, has been instrumental in the evolution of the series, with Cruise praising their shared creative process and the endless opportunities for storytelling.
Beyond his love for action films, Cruise reminisced about his early years in Hollywood, especially his breakthrough role in Rain Man (1988). He fondly recalled how his sister helped him land the role after a chance encounter with Dustin Hoffman, which led to a transformative experience for him in the film industry. Cruise’s ability to connect with actors and directors in such serendipitous ways is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.
Another standout moment during the conversation was when Cruise reflected on his role in Magnolia (1999), where he portrayed the charismatic but troubled motivational speaker Frank T.J. Mackey. Cruise revealed that he had taken the initiative to develop much of the character’s persona, including writing the opening monologue. His creative input and willingness to shape his characters are hallmark traits of his career, which continues to evolve with each project.
Looking to the future, it’s clear that Cruise’s goals remain as ambitious as ever. Whether it’s through action-packed blockbusters or a potential musical that might take audiences by surprise, the actor shows no signs of slowing down. His journey of reinvention, collaboration, and growth within Hollywood continues to inspire both fans and filmmakers alike.
As Cruise reflected on his decades-long career, it became apparent that his passion for storytelling is still as fiery as it was when he first entered the industry. With a musical on the horizon, we can only imagine what new heights he will reach next. With “endless goals,” the sky’s the limit for Tom Cruise.