Tom Cruise
Recent Projects
Despite his professional setbacks, Cruise appeared in the Steven Spielberg directed remake of the science fiction classic, War of the Worlds (2005), later that year. The film grossed more than $230 million at the box office.His next effort, Mission Impossible 3 (2006), also scored well with audiences. However, Cruise was faced with a professional setback in August when Paramount Pictures ended its 14 year relationship with the actor. The companys chairman cited Cruises erratic behavior and controversial views as the reason for the split. Yet industry experts say Paramount more likely ended the partnership over Cruises high earnings from the Mission Impossible franchise.Cruise quickly rebounded and by November 2, 2006, Cruise announced his new partnership with film executive Paula Wagner and the United Artists film studio. Cruise agreed to star in and produce films released by United Artists while Wagner served as CEO. Their first production as a team was the political drama Lions for Lambs (2007). Unfortunately, the movie proved to be a commercial disappointment despite its strong cast, which included Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.Taking a break from weighty material, Cruise delighted audiences with his small role in the hit comedy Tropic Thunder (2008), starring Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Stiller. He obscured his trademark good looks to play a balding, obese movie studio executive.In December of 2008, Cruise released his second project through United Artists. The film, entitled Valkyrie, was a World War II drama about a plot to assassinate German leader Adolf Hitler. Cruise starred as a German army officer who became involved in the conspiracy.
Cruise returned to one of his most popular franchises in 2011 with Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol. The film eventually earned more than $200 million. Breaking into new territory, he soon starred in the 2012 musical Rock of Ages. Cruise received some positive reviews for his rock star performance, but the movie failed to attract much of an audience.Bringing a fictional character to life, Cruise stars in the 2012 crime drama Jack Reacher, based on a book by Lee Child. He is also set to appear in the 2013 science fiction adventure Oblivion with Morgan Freeman and has been working on another sci fi tale All You Need is Kill with Emily Blunt.