Career Timeline of Tom Cruise: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Tom Cruise built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Tom Cruise, a prominent American actor and producer, stands as a Hollywood icon. He has earned numerous accolades, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, and has been nominated for four Academy Awards. His films have generated over $13.3 billion globally, making him one of the highest-grossing actors. Cruise is consistently among the highest-paid actors globally and is considered one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.
1993: Formation of Cruise/Wagner Productions
In 1993, Tom Cruise partnered with Paula Wagner to create Cruise/Wagner Productions.
1996: First Project as a Producer
In 1996, Cruise/Wagner Productions co-produced "Mission: Impossible", marking Tom Cruise's first project as a producer.
March 2004: Pat Kingsley Resigns as Publicist
In March 2004, Pat Kingsley resigned as Tom Cruise's publicist of 14 years.
November 2005: DeVette Replaced as Publicist
In November 2005, Lee Anne DeVette, Tom Cruise's sister and publicist, was replaced with Paul Bloch from Rogers and Cowan.
August 22, 2006: Paramount Pictures Ends Relationship with Cruise
On August 22, 2006, Paramount Pictures announced the end of its 14-year relationship with Tom Cruise due to economic damage from his public behavior.
November 2006: Takeover of United Artists
In November 2006, Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner announced their takeover of the film studio United Artists (UA), with Cruise as producer and star, and Wagner as CEO.
2006: Return as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible III
In 2006, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible III", the third installment of the film series. The movie was received positively by critics and earned approximately $400 million at the box office.
March 2007: Acquisition of Valkyrie by United Artists
In March 2007, the film "Valkyrie" was acquired by United Artists (UA).
March 21, 2007: Signing to Play Claus von Stauffenberg
On March 21, 2007, Tom Cruise signed to play Claus von Stauffenberg in the film "Valkyrie".
2007: Supporting Role in Lions for Lambs
In 2007, Tom Cruise played a rare supporting role in "Lions for Lambs", which did not perform well commercially.
August 2008: Wagner Steps Down from UA
In August 2008, Paula Wagner stepped down from her position as CEO at United Artists (UA), retaining her stake in the company.
December 25, 2008: Release of Valkyrie
On December 25, 2008, the historical thriller "Valkyrie", starring Tom Cruise, was released and achieved box office success.
February 9, 2010: Confirmation of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Role
On February 9, 2010, Tom Cruise confirmed his role in "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol", the fourth installment in the series.
March 2010: Filming of Knight and Day
In March 2010, Tom Cruise finished filming the action-comedy "Knight and Day", reuniting with Cameron Diaz.
June 23, 2010: Release of Knight and Day
On June 23, 2010, the action-comedy "Knight and Day", starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, was released.
May 6, 2011: Humanitarian Award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center
On May 6, 2011, Tom Cruise received a humanitarian award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance for his philanthropic work.
December 2011: Release of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
In December 2011, "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" was released to critical acclaim and box office success, becoming Tom Cruise's biggest commercial success to that date, unadjusted for inflation.
June 2012: Release of Rock of Ages
In June 2012, the movie "Rock of Ages", in which Tom Cruise played the character Stacee Jaxx, was released. Despite positive reviews for Cruise's performance, the film was a box-office disappointment.
December 21, 2012: Release of Jack Reacher
On December 21, 2012, the film "Jack Reacher", adapted from Lee Child's novel "One Shot", was released, receiving positive reviews and achieving box office success.
2013: Starring in Oblivion
In 2013, Tom Cruise starred in the science fiction film "Oblivion", based on Joseph Kosinski's graphic novel. The film received mixed reviews and grossed $286 million worldwide.
2014: Starring in Edge of Tomorrow
In 2014, Tom Cruise starred in the science fiction-action film "Edge of Tomorrow", which garnered positive reviews and grossed over $370 million.
2015: Return as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
In 2015, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation", the fifth film in the series. The film garnered high critical acclaim and was a commercial success.
2017: Starring in The Mummy reboot
In 2017, Tom Cruise starred in the reboot of the 1932 film "The Mummy". The new film, also titled "The Mummy", received negative reviews but still grossed over $400 million.
2018: Reprising Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – Fallout
In 2018, Tom Cruise once again played Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible – Fallout", the sixth film in the franchise, which was well-received by critics and earned over $791 million.
May 2020: Plans for a Movie Shot in Outer Space
In May 2020, it was announced that Tom Cruise would star in and produce a movie filmed in outer space, directed by Doug Liman and involving a trip to the International Space Station.
2022: Reprising Role in Top Gun: Maverick
In 2022, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in "Top Gun: Maverick", which he also produced. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where Cruise earned an Honorary Palme d'Or and went on to break box office records, becoming his highest-grossing film and earning him $100 million.
July 12, 2023: Release of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
On July 12, 2023, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One". The film received critical acclaim, but faced box office challenges due to the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon.
January 2024: Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery
In January 2024, it was announced that Tom Cruise's production company was forming a strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery to develop and produce original and franchise films.
2024: Appearance at Paris Olympics closing ceremony
In 2024, Tom Cruise appeared in the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony by jumping from the roof of the Stade de France stadium in Paris to promote Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
May 2025: Release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
In May 2025, Tom Cruise reprised the role of Ethan Hunt in the second part, "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning". Cruise also declared it would be the last film in which he would portray Ethan Hunt.
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