Overview
- Tom Cruise might portray a morally complex version of Iron Man named Superior Iron Man within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
- The MCU’s ongoing exploration of multiversal themes could facilitate Cruise’s entry as Iron Man.
- This potential casting could lead to a climactic battle comparable to the epic moments in Endgame, reenergizing the MCU narrative.
As Tom Cruise approaches the end of his nearly 30-year tenure in the Mission: Impossible franchise, the prospect of transitioning into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is gaining traction. Cruise, known for his commanding presence and action-packed performances, could elevate the MCU even further by stepping into a pivotal role.
This isn’t the first time Cruise has been associated with the superhero genre. In the late 1990s, there was a failed attempt to bring Iron Man to life with Cruise in the lead role. Although that project never materialized, both he and the studio have carved out successful careers without regrets. Today, however, conditions seem favorable for a collaboration that could redefine cinematic boundaries.
Is The Upcoming Mission: Impossible Film the Finale?
What Lies Ahead for Tom Cruise & Ethan Hunt
Scheduled for global release on May 23, 2025, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is projected to bring Cruise’s iconic portrayal of Ethan Hunt to a close. However, both Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie have hinted that this may not be the definitive end. During the Australian premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One in July 2023, Cruise articulated his desire to continue working in action films, drawing inspiration from the legendary Harrison Ford. He stated:
Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to be still going; I’ve got 20 years to catch up with him. I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I’m his age.
McQuarrie has also indicated that the two-part Dead Reckoning series won’t necessarily signify the conclusion of the franchise. Thus, the future of Mission: Impossible and Ethan Hunt’s journey remain intriguing. While Cruise’s ongoing involvement isn’t guaranteed, this transitional phase could be the perfect opportunity for him to pivot from Paramount to Marvel.
Could Tom Cruise Become Iron Man?
The MCU’s Multiverse Presents New Possibilities
The speculation surrounding Cruise as Iron Man isn’t entirely new. Back in 2005, Marvel contemplated casting him in the role before Robert Downey Jr.ultimately took on the iconic character. More recently, in 2022, rumors circulated about a possible variant of Iron Man making an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, though that did not materialize. Now, with the multiverse narrative gaining traction in the MCU, the potential for Cruise’s debut becomes more realistic. His first appearance could coincide with major upcoming MCU releases such as Avengers: Doomsday, Secret Wars, or even Doctor Strange 3.
Tom Cruise Iron Man vs. RDJ Doctor Doom would be hype If you gon break the budget, might as well go all in ðŸ’&€ pic.twitter.com/ZQgTXItso5 — John (@SchwayJohn) July 31, 2024
Currently, multiversal crossovers form the backbone of the MCU’s storytelling. This creates a prime opportunity to introduce a variant of Iron Man without undermining the legacy of RDJ’s portrayal. Given that Downey Jr.is set to return as Doctor Doom, Marvel may be orchestrating a confrontation between the two characters, and who better to elevate the stakes than Tom Cruise? This could very well lead to a showdown reminiscent of Endgame.
Exploring the Character of Superior Iron Man
The Ideal MCU Role for Tom Cruise
Should Cruise join the MCU, he may step into the shoes of Superior Iron Man, a version of the hero characterized by extreme arrogance and a morally ambiguous stance. In the comics, this persona embodies a Tony Stark overwhelmed by his own ego, utilizing a liquid-metal suit while charging others for access to his Extremis technology. Unlike the beloved hero in the MCU, this portrayal represents a darker, more ruthless side of Stark.
This role appears tailor-made for Cruise, who has often portrayed characters with a hint of villainy, such as in Collateral. Given RDJ’s Iron Man status among fans, any new incarnation would undoubtedly face scrutiny. Nevertheless, with Tom Cruise’s star power, he could add a remarkable dimension to the Superior Iron Man character, potentially making him a memorable figure in the MCU.
Will Tom Cruise Become Part of the MCU?
Reflecting on his earlier interests, Tom Cruise could indeed consider taking on this role. In the 1990s, when 20th Century Fox attempted to launch an Iron Man project, Cruise expressed enthusiasm for both acting and producing, aiming to replicate his Mission: Impossible model. However, competing pay demands, coupled with a lack of recognition for superhero films at the time, complicated matters, particularly given Marvel’s financial troubles in 1996.
Years later, when the first Iron Man was under development with Jon Favreau at the helm, discussions with Cruise took place again, yet financial reasons stalled the agreement. Fast forward to 2025, and the MCU stands as the most lucrative film franchise globally, having grossed over $31 billion. Given this landscape, it is likely that Tom Cruise’s financial expectations would be met. Consequently, not only could he appear as a one-time Superior Iron Man, but joining the MCU on a more permanent basis might represent an astute career move for the acclaimed actor.
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