Tom Cruise, now 62, has firmly put to rest any speculation about stepping away from Hollywood, declaring his intent to stay active with bold film roles and daring stunts for decades to come. The star’s recent comments signal that Tom Cruise future movie projects and retirement plans continue to revolve around an unwavering passion for acting.
During a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Cruise said,
“I actually said I’m going to make movies into my 80s. Actually, I’m going to make them into my 100s.”
—Tom Cruise, Actor. His words underscore a profound dedication to the craft, spanning every genre from pulse-pounding action to complex drama and light-hearted comedy. Rather than stepping back, Cruise appears eager to expand his cinematic horizons.
Upcoming Film Ventures and Collaborations
Tom Cruise is currently busy with an assortment of fresh projects that highlight his ongoing creative ambition. Among these is a new psychological thriller titled Judy, a collaboration with Alejandro González Iñárritu, known for his Academy Award achievements. The storyline follows a powerful man’s journey toward redemption after he sparks a worldwide disaster, offering bold thematic material. Iñárritu describes the production as
“a brutal, wild comedy of catastrophic proportions.”
—Alejandro González Iñárritu, Director. The film’s cast brings together acclaimed talents such as Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Emma D’Arcy, John Goodman, and Riz Ahmed. Production wrapped in April, and audiences can expect Judy to arrive in theaters on October 2, 2026.
Cruise also intends to return to the skies with Top Gun 3. Christopher McQuarrie—who co-wrote and produced Top Gun: Maverick—confirmed the new installment is in active development. On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, McQuarrie shared,
“It took me 35 years to figure out Top Gun: Maverick,”
—Christopher McQuarrie, Filmmaker, and emphasized that he and co-writer Ehren Kruger are building on the franchise’s legacy. He remarked,
“So all of these things we’re working on, we’re discussing Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick.”
—Christopher McQuarrie, Filmmaker. While producers have yet to reveal plot details, insiders anticipate the next chapter will channel the immense box office and cultural impact of Top Gun: Maverick, which reached nearly $1.5 billion globally and introduced new viewers to the high-flying saga.
Enduring Physicality and Unmatched Commitment
Cruise’s stamina and boldness continue to set him apart from his peers, proven most recently during the filming of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. This project marks the concluding act for Cruise as Ethan Hunt, the iconic espionage figure, but it is by no means Cruise’s Hollywood farewell. In fact, his energy and drive show no signs of diminishing.
For the climactic scenes in South Africa, Cruise took risk to a new level, performing a wing-walking stunt atop a biplane. The effort was so demanding that he required help from crew members to safely exit the wing after the scene. Stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood credited Cruise’s intense preparation and razor-sharp focus, noting that these traits allow him to excel at perilous physical feats despite his age.
Cruise’s relentless pursuit of authenticity has included holding his breath underwater while in weighted gear and completing complex motorcycle jumps off cliffs. According to Wade Eastwood, Cruise’s work ethic and discipline empower him to accomplish stunts that even many younger actors might find daunting.
A Relentless Spirit and a Vision for the Future
Now that his time as Ethan Hunt has come to a close, Cruise’s recent statements and project choices indicate the beginning of a new era. His priorities remain rooted in exploring new storytelling frontiers and continuously pushing both creative and physical boundaries. Audiences can expect more ambitious work in the years ahead, as Cruise challenges himself and the industry standards, showing no intention of departing from the big screen.
