Tom Cruise is set to showcase an entirely new side in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s highly anticipated upcoming film, which is expected to highlight Cruise’s previously unseen comedic talent. The film, still untitled and currently in production, will shift Cruise away from his signature stunts, with the director promising audiences a wild comedic experience that portrays Tom Cruise’s unprecedented comedic range in an Alejandro Iñárritu movie.
This standout project, announced in February 2024, brings together a remarkable ensemble cast, including Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Sophie Wilde, Riz Ahmed, Emma D’Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg, and John Goodman. The collaboration marks an innovative direction for both Iñárritu, the four-time Oscar-winning director behind “Birdman” and “The Revenant”, and Cruise, long recognized for his daring action roles and dramatic performances.
Iñárritu Describes a Bold Creative Departure
During a recent interview with Deadline, Alejandro G. Iñárritu shed light on the creative process behind his movie with Tom Cruise, emphasizing how the film pushes into comedic territory unlike anything Cruise has done before. According to Iñárritu, Cruise is stepping completely outside the familiar realm of stunts, focusing instead on a character-driven story carried by his lead performance. The film is being described as a “wild comedy of catastrophic proportions,” and Iñárritu expressed his admiration for the new dimensions Cruise is bringing to the role.
“The only thing I will tell you, and don’t tell anybody, is that it’s nothing of that. I’m so excited. It was an incredible experience with Tom, Sandra Huller, Jesse Plemmons, with Riz Ahmed, but it’s a character driven film mounted on the shoulders of Tom which I knew he was exactly the right person.”
—Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Director
Iñárritu highlights the remarkable comedic presence Cruise reveals on set, which visibly impressed the director as the project unfolded. The film is described as “brutal,” “scary and funny,” and an exploration of the wildness of human nature, maintaining high energy both in content and in Cruise’s performance.
“The thing that I can tell you. This is a wild comedy of catastrophic proportions. It’s insane. He makes me laugh every day. The range that I discovered working with Tom is unprecedented for me as a director. I was so fucking impressed and happy.”
—Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Director
This approach is a major shift for Cruise, as Iñárritu underscores the actor’s intense passion for the project and willingness to stretch his craft into bold new territory.
“He gives himself. He has an incredible sense of passion. It’s a brutal comedy. It’s a wild comedy of human nature. It’s scary and funny. It’s beautiful. I will start editing next week.”
—Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Director
For both director and star, this project involved notable risks and creative leaps, with Iñárritu challenging himself to make a film that is unlike anything he or Cruise have attempted in their careers.
“It was a very challenging film, you will see. It’s many borders of many things. Every film challenges me. I don’t like doing things that I’ve done already. This is something that we’ve never done and it’s exciting as well.”
—Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Director
Tom Cruise Embarks on a New Artistic Evolution
This comedy under Iñárritu’s guidance is not only a departure from Cruise’s typical roles but also marks a significant turning point in his career. The film is part of Cruise’s recent strategic partnership with Warner Bros., announced in January 2024, which signals his planned return to working with visionary filmmakers. Moving away from the stunts and action sequences that have dominated his work in the “Mission: Impossible” series, Cruise now shifts back to character-driven performance—a territory that first earned him critical acclaim in dramas such as “Rain Man,”
“Born on the Fourth of July,”
and “Jerry Maguire.”
Cruise’s career showcases a journey from action hero to versatile leading man, having made an indelible mark with box office hits and award-nominated performances. While he is most widely known for action blockbusters, his forays into darker comedic roles, such as his transformation into Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder,” highlighted a sharp, surprising comedic talent that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Many anticipate that the new project could echo the boldness of his turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia,” the film that earned him his most recent Oscar nomination, while breaking fresh new ground.
A Major Collaboration Promising High Expectations
The pairing of Cruise and Iñárritu generates significant excitement within the film industry. With Alejandro G. Iñárritu choosing an international cast that includes the likes of Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg, and John Goodman, the production sets the stage for an ambitious, genre-blending experience. This film also marks Iñárritu’s return to English-language cinema, his last being the critically lauded “The Revenant,” which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, garnered three Oscars, and surpassed $500 million in global box office sales.
The strength of Iñárritu’s creative vision, combined with Tom Cruise’s willingness to experiment, signals a project with both commercial and artistic promise. The director’s previous work with auteur directors suggests that Cruise has sought out a challenging, innovative role, potentially positioning the movie for critical acclaim and awards consideration. With famed collaborations in their histories, both Cruise and Iñárritu bring a wealth of experience and prestige, raising anticipation ahead of its eagerly awaited debut.
Cruise and Iñárritu’s energetic collaboration is officially set for release on October 2, 2026, with industry observers and fans alike eager to witness this new chapter for Tom Cruise, and to see the result of Iñárritu’s distinctive directorial approach on a movie that may redefine expectations for both the star and the filmmaker.
