History of Tom Cruise in Timeline
Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, better known as Tom Cruise, is a highly acclaimed American actor and producer. Widely recognized as a Hollywood icon, he has achieved remarkable success throughout his career, earning numerous awards and nominations, including three Golden Globe Awards and four Academy Award nominations. Cruise's films have generated over \$11.5 billion globally, establishing him as one of the highest-grossing actors in history. He consistently ranks among the world's top-paid actors, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1934: Birth of Tom Cruise's Father
Tom Cruise's father, Thomas Cruise Mapother III, was born in 1934.
1936: Birth of Tom Cruise's Mother
Tom Cruise's mother, Mary Lee (née Pfeiffer), was born in 1936.
July 20, 1944
This date does not correspond to an event in Tom Cruise's life. It is the date of the historical event depicted in the film "Valkyrie," in which Cruise starred as Claus von Stauffenberg.
July 3, 1962: Birth of Tom Cruise
On July 3, 1962, Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, widely known as Tom Cruise, was born in Syracuse, New York.
1971: Moving to Canada
Tom Cruise's family moved to Beacon Hill, Ottawa, Canada in late 1971 due to his father's job.
1978: Leaving for the United States
After his parents' separation, Tom Cruise moved back to the United States with his mother and sisters in 1978.
1980: Graduating High School
Tom Cruise graduated from Glen Ridge High School in Glen Ridge, New Jersey in 1980.
1981: Film Debut in "Endless Love"
Tom Cruise made his film debut with a small part in the 1981 film "Endless Love."
1983: Breakthrough with "Risky Business"
In 1983, Tom Cruise rose to prominence with his leading role in the comedy film "Risky Business," marking a significant turning point in his career.
1983: Starring in "The Outsiders" and "All the Right Moves"
In 1983, Tom Cruise was part of the ensemble cast of Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders" and appeared in "All the Right Moves."
1984: Death of Tom Cruise's Father
Tom Cruise's father passed away in 1984 due to cancer.
1985: Lead Role in "Legend"
Tom Cruise played the male lead in Ridley Scott's film "Legend," released in 1985.
1986: Solidifying Stardom with "Top Gun"
By the time "Top Gun" was released in 1986, Tom Cruise's status as a superstar was solidified.
1986: Cruise Converts to Scientology
Tom Cruise converted to Scientology in 1986, introduced to the religion by his then-wife, Mimi Rogers.
1986: Critical Acclaim and "Top Gun"
Tom Cruise garnered critical acclaim for his roles in "The Color of Money" and achieved superstardom with the action film "Top Gun" in 1986.
1986: Collaboration with Paul Newman in "The Color of Money"
Tom Cruise starred alongside Paul Newman in Martin Scorsese's "The Color of Money" in 1986.
May 9, 1987: Marriage to Mimi Rogers
Tom Cruise married actress Mimi Rogers on May 9, 1987. They had met through Scientology, with Rogers serving as one of the organization's auditors and Cruise becoming her client.
1988: From "Cocktail" to "Rain Man"
1988 saw Tom Cruise star in "Cocktail," a box-office success but a critical disappointment. However, he redeemed himself with "Rain Man," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1988: Critical and Commercial Success with "Rain Man"
Tom Cruise starred in "Rain Man" in 1988, a film that garnered both critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.
1989: Golden Globe Win for "Born on the Fourth of July"
Tom Cruise's performance as Ron Kovic in "Born on the Fourth of July" in 1989 earned him a Golden Globe Award and his first Academy Award nomination.
1989: Critically Acclaimed Performance in "Born on the Fourth of July"
Tom Cruise's portrayal of Ron Kovic in "Born on the Fourth of July" in 1989 earned widespread critical acclaim, a Golden Globe Award, and his first Academy Award nomination.
February 4, 1990: Divorce from Mimi Rogers
Tom Cruise and Mimi Rogers divorced on February 4, 1990. Rogers later clarified that comments she made in a 1993 interview about Cruise considering becoming a monk had been misinterpreted.
December 24, 1990: Marriage to Nicole Kidman
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman married on December 24, 1990.
1990: Release of "Days of Thunder"
In 1990, Tom Cruise starred in the action film "Days of Thunder," where he shared the screen with his then-wife, Nicole Kidman.
1990: Named People's Sexiest Man Alive
In 1990, Tom Cruise was named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive."
1990: Cruise's Scientology Involvement Leaked
News of Tom Cruise's involvement with Scientology was leaked to the public by the tabloid magazine Star in 1990.
1990: Meeting Nicole Kidman
Tom Cruise met actress Nicole Kidman on the set of their film "Days of Thunder" in 1990.
1992: Cruise Publicly Acknowledges Scientology
In a 1992 interview with Barbara Walters, Tom Cruise publicly confirmed his adherence to the Scientology faith.
1992: Adoption of Isabella Jane Cruise
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman adopted their first child, a daughter named Isabella Jane, in 1992.
1992: Release of "Far and Away"
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, then husband and wife, co-starred in the romantic adventure film "Far and Away" in 1992.
1992: Commercial Success with "A Few Good Men"
Tom Cruise further solidified his Hollywood stardom in 1992 with his role in the commercially successful drama "A Few Good Men."
1993: Cruise/Wagner Productions Founded
Tom Cruise and his then-talent agent Paula Wagner co-founded Cruise/Wagner Productions in 1993.
1993: Starring in the Thriller "The Firm"
In 1993, Tom Cruise starred in the thriller "The Firm," another commercially successful film in his career.
1993
In a 1993 interview, Mimi Rogers addressed her divorce from Tom Cruise, although she later retracted some of her statements.
1994: Release of "Interview with a Vampire"
Tom Cruise starred in "Interview with a Vampire" in 1994, a gothic horror film based on Anne Rice's novel. Initially criticized for his casting, Cruise's performance impressed Rice, leading her to publicly apologize for her doubts.
1994: Venturing into Horror with "Interview with the Vampire"
Tom Cruise explored the horror genre in 1994 with his role in "Interview with the Vampire."
1995: Adoption of Connor Antony Cruise
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman adopted their second child, a son named Connor Antony, in 1995.
1996: Mission: Impossible Release
"Mission: Impossible," released in 1996, marked the first project produced by Cruise/Wagner Productions and Cruise's debut as a producer.
1996: Golden Globe for "Jerry Maguire"
Cruise's performance in the 1996 romantic comedy "Jerry Maguire" won him another Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination.
1996: Beginning of the "Mission: Impossible" Era
Tom Cruise began his reign as Ethan Hunt in the "Mission: Impossible" film series in 1996, solidifying his place as an action star.
1996: Release of "Mission: Impossible" and "Jerry Maguire"
Tom Cruise took on the iconic role of Ethan Hunt in the 1996 reboot of "Mission: Impossible," which he also produced. The film, directed by Brian De Palma, achieved box office success. That same year, Cruise starred in Cameron Crowe's "Jerry Maguire," a sports drama, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
1997: Honored as "Most Beautiful Person"
Tom Cruise received the accolade of "Most Beautiful Person" in 1997.
1998: Cruise Wins Lawsuit Against Daily Express
Tom Cruise successfully sued the British tabloid Daily Express in 1998 for libel after the publication alleged that his marriage to Nicole Kidman was a sham to conceal his homosexuality.
1999: Cruise Takes a Step Back from Scientology, Returns
After Scientology revealed some of its more controversial doctrines, Tom Cruise reportedly took a step back from the organization. However, he returned to the Church in 1999 after efforts by Scientology leader David Miscavige.
1999: Release of "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Magnolia"
In 1999, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman starred together in Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut." Cruise also took on a supporting role in Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia," showcasing his versatility as an actor.
1999: Acclaim for "Magnolia"
In 1999, Tom Cruise's portrayal of a motivational speaker in the drama "Magnolia" earned him critical acclaim, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award nomination.
2000: Release of "Mission: Impossible II"
Tom Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible II" in 2000, directed by Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo. The film became the highest-grossing film of the year, cementing the franchise's success.
February 5, 2001: Separation from Nicole Kidman
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman announced their separation on February 5, 2001, after over a decade of marriage.
May 2001: Cruise Sues Gay Porn Actor Chad Slater
Tom Cruise filed a lawsuit against gay porn actor Chad Slater in May 2001, after Slater claimed to have had an affair with Cruise, a claim that Cruise vehemently denied.
2001: Cruise Stars with Penélope Cruz in "Vanilla Sky"
Tom Cruise and Penélope Cruz co-starred in the movie "Vanilla Sky", which was released in 2001.
2001: Release of "Vanilla Sky"
Tom Cruise starred in the romantic thriller "Vanilla Sky" in 2001, directed by Cameron Crowe.
2001: Divorce from Nicole Kidman
Tom Cruise filed for divorce from Nicole Kidman shortly after their separation, and their marriage was officially dissolved later that year. Cruise cited irreconcilable differences in the divorce filing.
2001: Exploring Science Fiction with "Vanilla Sky"
Cruise continued his foray into science fiction with "Vanilla Sky" in 2001.
2002: Release of "Minority Report"
Tom Cruise starred in Steven Spielberg's dystopian action film "Minority Report" in 2002, based on a story by Philip K. Dick.
2002: Action in "Minority Report"
Tom Cruise starred in the action-packed science fiction film "Minority Report" in 2002.
January 2003: Cruise Wins Lawsuit Against Chad Slater
In January 2003, a Los Angeles judge ruled in favor of Tom Cruise in his lawsuit against Chad Slater, after Slater admitted that his claims about an affair with Cruise were false.
2003: Brooke Shields Experiences Postpartum Depression
Actress Brooke Shields experienced postpartum depression following the birth of her first daughter in 2003.
2003: Period Action in "The Last Samurai"
In 2003, Tom Cruise took on a period action role in "The Last Samurai."
2003: Cruise Lobbies U.S. Officials on Scientology's Behalf
Tom Cruise advocated for Scientology within the United States government. In 2003, he urged Bush administration officials to support the recognition of Scientology in Germany.
2003: Release of "The Last Samurai"
Tom Cruise starred in the period action drama "The Last Samurai," directed by Edward Zwick, in 2003, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.
January 2004: Cruise Calls for Psychiatry Ban
Tom Cruise made controversial statements in January 2004, calling for the outlawing of psychiatry. His remarks ignited public debate and criticism, particularly from mental health professionals.
March 2004: Tom Cruise Parts Ways with Longtime Publicist Pat Kingsley
In March 2004, Tom Cruise and his publicist of fourteen years, Pat Kingsley, parted ways. Kingsley was highly regarded within the industry and had played a key role in shaping Cruise's public image.
2004: Cruise Receives Scientology's Freedom Medal of Valor
Tom Cruise was honored with Scientology's Freedom Medal of Valor by David Miscavige in 2004. The award recognized his efforts in promoting Scientology's "detoxification therapy" to rescue workers following the 9/11 attacks.
2004: Release of "Collateral"
Tom Cruise garnered critical acclaim for his performance as hitman Vincent in Michael Mann's neo-noir thriller "Collateral" in 2004.
2004: Cruise and Cruz's Relationship Ends
Tom Cruise and Penélope Cruz ended their three-year relationship in 2004.
2004: Thriller "Collateral"
Cruise starred in the thriller "Collateral" in 2004.
2004: Cruise Promotes Scientology Education Methods
Tom Cruise advocated for the inclusion of Scientology-based educational approaches in the United States education system. In 2004, he met with then-Secretary of Education Rod Paige to discuss the possibility of incorporating these methods into the No Child Left Behind Act.
April 2005: Cruise and Holmes Begin Dating, Make First Public Appearance
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes began dating and made their first public appearance as a couple in Rome in April 2005.
June 24, 2005: Cruise's Public Dispute with Brooke Shields
Tom Cruise's stance on mental health and psychiatry sparked controversy, particularly following his public criticism of actress Brooke Shields on June 24, 2005. Shields had spoken out about her use of medication to address postpartum depression, which Cruise, a staunch opponent of psychiatry, disagreed with, leading to a heated exchange on the Today show.
October 6, 2005: Cruise and Holmes Announce Pregnancy
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes announced they were expecting their first child on October 6, 2005.
November 2005: Tom Cruise Replaces Sister as Publicist
In November 2005, Tom Cruise replaced his sister, Lee Anne DeVette, as his publicist. DeVette, a Scientologist, had taken over the role after Cruise's longtime publicist, Pat Kingsley, resigned in 2004. The decision to replace DeVette with Paul Bloch from Rogers and Cowan was seen by some as an attempt to manage publicity surrounding Cruise's Scientology beliefs and his relationship with Katie Holmes.
2005: Cruise as a Hollywood Powerhouse
By 2005, Tom Cruise had established himself as a major force in Hollywood, negotiating lucrative film deals and being recognized as one of the few producers capable of guaranteeing the success of billion-dollar film franchises.
2005: Cruise's Scientology Advocacy in Europe
Tom Cruise actively campaigned for the recognition of Scientology as a religion in Europe. However, his lobbying efforts, particularly in France, drew criticism and led to a ban on further dealings with him by some French officials.
2005: Release of "War of the Worlds"
Tom Cruise reunited with Steven Spielberg for "War of the Worlds" in 2005, a loose adaptation of H.G. Wells's novel.
2005: Epic Science Fiction with "War of the Worlds"
Tom Cruise starred in Steven Spielberg's epic science fiction film "War of the Worlds" in 2005.
April 2006: Suri Cruise is Born
Suri Cruise, the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, was born in April 2006.
July 5, 2006: Cruise Wins Control of TomCruise.com Domain
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) ruled in favor of Tom Cruise on July 5, 2006, granting him control over the domain name TomCruise.com, previously owned by cybersquatter Jeff Burgar.
August 2006: Tom Cruise Apologizes to Brooke Shields for Mental Health Comments
In August 2006, Tom Cruise issued an apology to actress Brooke Shields following his controversial remarks about mental illness and her use of medication for postpartum depression. Cruise, a prominent Scientologist, had publicly criticized psychiatry and the use of antidepressants. His comments drew sharp criticism from medical professionals and mental health advocates, who argued that his stance perpetuated harmful stigma. Shields, who had spoken openly about her experience with postpartum depression, denounced Cruise's remarks, calling them a disservice to mothers. Cruise eventually apologized to Shields in person, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue.
August 22, 2006: Paramount Pictures Partnership Ends
On August 22, 2006, Paramount Pictures announced the end of its 14-year partnership with Tom Cruise, citing concerns about the impact of his public image and personal beliefs on his economic value as an actor and producer. Cruise/Wagner Productions countered that the studio's decision was a way to save face after the production company secured alternative financing.
October 10, 2006: Japan Declares October 10 "Tom Cruise Day"
On October 10, 2006, Japan bestowed a unique honor upon Tom Cruise by declaring the day "Tom Cruise Day." The Japan Memorial Day Association recognized Cruise's close ties to the country and his appreciation for Japanese culture. The gesture reflected Cruise's international star power and his positive relationship with Japan.
November 2006: United Artists Takeover
In November 2006, Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner announced their takeover of the film studio United Artists. Cruise was slated to produce and star in films for the studio, with Wagner serving as chief executive.
2006: Release of "Mission: Impossible III"
Tom Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible III" in 2006. The film received a more positive reception compared to its predecessors and grossed nearly \$400 million.
2006: Tom Cruise Tops Forbes' Most Powerful Celebrities List
In 2006, Tom Cruise achieved a significant milestone by topping Forbes magazine's annual list of the world's most powerful celebrities. The list, which considered factors such as income, media visibility, and influence, solidified Cruise's status as a global superstar at the pinnacle of his career.
March 2007: Valkyrie Acquired by United Artists
United Artists acquired the rights to "Valkyrie" in March 2007.
March 21, 2007: Cruise Signs on for Valkyrie
Tom Cruise officially signed on to play Claus von Stauffenberg in "Valkyrie" on March 21, 2007. This marked the second production greenlit since he and Paula Wagner took over United Artists.
November 9, 2007: Lions for Lambs Release
"Lions for Lambs," the first film produced under Cruise and Wagner's leadership at United Artists, was released on November 9, 2007, to a lukewarm reception from both critics and audiences.
2007: Kidman Clarifies Miscarriage Reports
In a 2007 interview, Nicole Kidman addressed inaccurate reports surrounding a miscarriage during her marriage to Tom Cruise, clarifying that while she did experience an ectopic pregnancy early in their relationship, she had a miscarriage at the end of their marriage.
2007: Release of "Lions for Lambs"
In a departure from his action roles, Tom Cruise took on a supporting role in the political drama "Lions for Lambs" in 2007.
January 15, 2008: Leaked Scientology Video of Tom Cruise Surfaces on YouTube
On January 15, 2008, a video featuring Tom Cruise discussing his beliefs as a Scientologist was leaked online. The video, originally produced by the Church of Scientology for internal use, was posted on YouTube by Project Chanology, a group loosely associated with the online activist collective Anonymous. The Church of Scientology claimed copyright infringement and pressured YouTube to remove the video, alleging that it had been pirated and edited out of context. The incident sparked further debate about Scientology and Cruise's involvement with the organization.
August 2008: Paula Wagner Steps Down from United Artists
Paula Wagner resigned from her position at United Artists in August 2008, dissolving her long-standing professional partnership with Tom Cruise. While she retained her stake in the studio, Cruise went on to manage his future film productions primarily under TC Productions.
December 25, 2008: Release of "Valkyrie"
Tom Cruise starred in the historical thriller "Valkyrie," released on December 25, 2008.
2008: Cruise Restricts Interview Questions About Scientology
Since 2008, Tom Cruise has implemented restrictions on interviewers, barring them from asking questions about his beliefs in Scientology.
2009: Michael Davis Sapir's Wiretapping Lawsuit Against Cruise Dismissed
A Los Angeles court dismissed a lawsuit filed by magazine editor Michael Davis Sapir, who alleged that his phone had been tapped at the behest of Tom Cruise in 2009.
February 9, 2010: Confirmation of "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol"
On February 9, 2010, Tom Cruise confirmed his involvement in "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol."
March 2010: Filming of "Knight and Day" Completed
Tom Cruise completed filming the action-comedy "Knight and Day" in March 2010.
June 23, 2010: Release of "Knight and Day"
"Knight and Day," starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, was released on June 23, 2010.
2010: Tom Cruise Inducted into Living Legends of Aviation
In 2010, Tom Cruise's passion for aviation earned him a place among the Living Legends of Aviation. The organization, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field, honored Cruise with the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award. The accolade highlighted Cruise's commitment to aviation and his ownership of various aircraft, including a P-51 Mustang.
2010: Action Comedy "Knight and Day"
Cruise starred alongside Cameron Diaz in the action comedy "Knight and Day" in 2010.
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, recognizing his philanthropic work.
December 2011: Release of "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol"
"Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" hit theaters in December 2011, garnering critical praise and commercial success, marking it as Tom Cruise's biggest commercial success at the time.
June 2012: Release of "Rock of Ages"
Tom Cruise starred as Stacee Jaxx in the film adaptation of the musical "Rock of Ages," released in June 2012. Although the film was a box office disappointment, Cruise's performance was praised.
June 29, 2012: Holmes Files for Divorce from Cruise
Katie Holmes filed for divorce from Tom Cruise on June 29, 2012, which ended their high-profile marriage.
October 2012: Vanity Fair Publishes Article Alleging Scientology's Involvement in Cruise's Relationships
In October 2012, Vanity Fair published an article that made claims about the Church of Scientology's involvement in Tom Cruise's love life after his breakup with Penélope Cruz in 2004.
October 2012: Cruise Sues Magazines for Defamation
Tom Cruise initiated legal action against In Touch and Life & Style magazines in October 2012 for defamation following their claims that he had "abandoned" his six-year-old daughter, Suri.
December 21, 2012: Release of "Jack Reacher"
Tom Cruise starred in "Jack Reacher," adapted from Lee Child's novel "One Shot," released on December 21, 2012. The film achieved both critical and commercial success.
2012: Introducing "Jack Reacher"
Tom Cruise took on the role of "Jack Reacher" in the film adaptation of the same name in 2012.
2013: Science Fiction Thriller "Oblivion"
In 2013, Tom Cruise starred in the science fiction thriller "Oblivion."
2013: Lawrence Wright Publishes "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief"
Lawrence Wright's book "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief", released in 2013, brought renewed scrutiny to Tom Cruise's prominent role within Scientology. The book, based on extensive research and interviews with former members, offered a critical examination of the organization's practices and beliefs.
2013: Release of "Oblivion"
Tom Cruise starred in the science fiction film "Oblivion" in 2013, based on Joseph Kosinski's graphic novel.
2014: Release of "Edge of Tomorrow"
Tom Cruise starred in the science fiction action film "Edge of Tomorrow" in 2014, which received positive reviews and achieved commercial success.
2014: Futuristic Action in "Edge of Tomorrow"
Cruise starred in the futuristic action film "Edge of Tomorrow" in 2014.
2015: Alex Gibney's Documentary "Going Clear" Examines Scientology and Tom Cruise's Role
In 2015, Alex Gibney directed a documentary adaptation of Lawrence Wright's book "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief," which delved into the controversial aspects of Scientology and Tom Cruise's involvement. The film, featuring interviews with former high-ranking Scientologists, alleged that the organization exerted significant control over Cruise's life, including his relationships and career decisions. These allegations, strongly denied by the Church of Scientology, sparked further controversy and public discussion about Cruise and his faith.
2015: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation Release
In 2015, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation," the fifth film in the series, which he also produced. The film was directed by Christopher McQuarrie and featured returning cast members Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner.
2016: Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio Recognized for Box Office Power
In 2016, the founder of CinemaScore, a company that measures audience reception to films, highlighted Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio as two of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. Despite occasional critical flops, Cruise and DiCaprio's consistent ability to draw audiences solidified their reputation as box office heavyweights.
2016: Returning as "Jack Reacher"
Tom Cruise reprised his role as "Jack Reacher" in "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" in 2016.
2017: Rebooting "The Mummy"
Cruise led the reboot of "The Mummy" franchise in 2017.
2017: The Mummy Reboot Release
Tom Cruise starred in a reboot of the horror film "The Mummy" in 2017.
2017: Death of Tom Cruise's Mother
Tom Cruise's mother passed away in 2017.
2018: Mission: Impossible - Fallout Release
Tom Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible - Fallout," the sixth installment in the franchise, in 2018. The film was a critical and commercial triumph, becoming his highest-grossing film at that time.
May 2020: Space Film Announcement
In May 2020, it was announced that Tom Cruise would star in and produce a film shot in outer space, directed by Doug Liman.
June 2020: Leaked Tom Cruise Scientology Video Remains on YouTube After Copyright Review
In June 2020, a leaked video of Tom Cruise discussing Scientology, which had been the subject of controversy and legal action when it first surfaced online in 2008, remained publicly accessible on YouTube. After a thorough review, YouTube determined that the video's posting fell under fair use, a legal doctrine that permits the limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. The platform's decision, influenced by the video's popularity and updated copyright policies, highlighted the complexities of digital content ownership and fair use in the internet age.
May 2021: Golden Globe Awards Return
Tom Cruise returned his three Golden Globe Awards in May 2021 in protest of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's lack of diversity and ethical concerns.
2022: Triumphant Return in "Top Gun: Maverick"
Tom Cruise made a triumphant return to his iconic role in "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022, which became his highest-grossing film and earned him a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards as a producer.
2022: Top Gun: Maverick Release
Tom Cruise reprised his role as Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022, a film he also produced. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where Cruise received an Honorary Palme d'Or. "Top Gun: Maverick" earned widespread critical acclaim and broke box office records, becoming Cruise's highest-grossing film to date.
July 12, 2023: Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One Release
"Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One," in which Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt, was released in theaters on July 12, 2023. Despite receiving positive reviews, the film's box office performance was hampered by the simultaneous release of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer," a phenomenon dubbed "Barbenheimer."
January 2024: Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery
Tom Cruise's production company announced a new strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery in January 2024, focusing on developing and producing both original films and franchise installments.
February 2024: Alejandro G. Iñárritu Film Announcement
In February 2024, it was announced that Tom Cruise would star in a new film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, marking his first project with Warner Bros. Pictures in a decade.