Tom Cruise’s Next Mission: Becoming Superior Iron Man in the MCU?

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Summary

  • Cruise could potentially join the MCU as Superior Iron Man, a morally ambiguous and powerful version of Tony Stark.
  • Marvel is exploring multiversal crossovers, opening the door for Cruise to step into the role of Iron Man.
  • Cruise’s potential debut as Iron Man could bring an Endgame-level showdown, adding a new dynamic to the MCU.

With Tom Cruise’s nearly 30-year journey with the Mission: Impossible series possibly wrapping up this year, it might be an opportune moment for him to explore a fresh franchise – the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The MCU currently houses some of the top-tier action stars, and adding the biggest one could elevate it to unprecedented levels.

Tom Cruise has been connected with the superhero universe before. Way back in the ’90s, when Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was still an idea in Kevin Feige’s mind, there was an unsuccessful attempt to create an Iron Man movie starring and produced by Tom Cruise. The project never materialized, but neither Tom nor the studio would have any second thoughts given their divergent yet thriving careers since then. Now, it seems like the stars might align for a partnership that could potentially halt the world.

Is The Next Mission: Impossible Movie The Last One?

Potential Ending For Tom Cruise & Ethan Hunt

On May 23, 2025, the movie “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” will be released globally, marking what seems like the end of the renowned film series. However, in contrast to its title and marketing, star Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie have hinted that this might not actually be the last mission for Ethan Hunt, portrayed by Cruise. At the July 2023 premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” in Australia, Cruise revealed his eagerness to carry on working, drawing inspiration from Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, he stated:

I consider Harrison Ford a living legend, and I aspire to continue my career for the next two decades so I can match his accomplishments in terms of age and filmography, especially as the star of the Mission: Impossible series.

Previously, McQuarrie hinted that the “Dead Reckoning” Mission: Impossible films won’t be the last in the action series. It seems the creators are thinking about where the franchise goes next and what becomes of Ethan Hunt’s character. However, Tom Cruise’s future involvement isn’t set in stone yet, so the upcoming film may provide some clues. Meanwhile, as Cruise is 62 now, it might be an opportune moment for him to transition from Paramount to Marvel Studios if he wishes.

Tom Cruise Could Be The Next Iron Man

The MCU’s Multiverse Could Finally Make It Happen

As a passionate moviegoer, I’ve always been intrigued by the notion that Tom Cruise could have donned the Iron Man suit. It’s no secret that Marvel initially considered him for the role of Tony Stark way back in 2005, before Robert Downey Jr. stepped into the iconic character. Rumors swirled in 2022 about Cruise appearing as an Iron Man variant in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” but that never materialized. However, after years of speculation, it seems Marvel might finally make this dream a reality. If the stars align, Cruise’s debut as Iron Man could unfold in upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbusters like “Avengers: Doomsday,” “Secret Wars,” or even “Doctor Strange 3.

Currently, the MCU’s narrative is heavily focused on multiverse crossovers. This presents a fantastic chance to introduce a fresh Iron Man character as a variant, preserving the existing legacy and storyline of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. With Downey Jr. reprising his role as Doctor Doom, Marvel could be laying the groundwork for an encounter between him and a different Iron Man. Who else to heighten the cinematic tension than Tom Cruise? This could potentially escalate into a confrontation as significant as the one in Endgame.

Who Is Superior Iron Man In Marvel?

Perfect MCU Casting Awaits Cruise

It’s possible that Tom Cruise could portray an alternate version of Iron Man, known as Superior Iron Man. This character exhibits a greater degree of arrogance than typical Tony Stark and is morally questionable, possessing immense power. In the comics, Superior Iron Man represents Tony Stark succumbing to his ego and power. He dons a liquid-metal suit and charges individuals for access to his Extremis technology. His merciless demeanor stands in stark contrast to the heroic Tony Stark that MCU fans have come to appreciate.

It appears that the part fits Tom Cruise exceptionally well, given his versatility beyond being an action star alone. Throughout his career, Cruise has shown a subtle, ominous undertone, particularly in movies like “Collateral.” Since Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man enjoys god-like standing within the Marvel universe, any reprisal of this role would face significant scrutiny and criticism. However, with Tom Cruise’s reputation and influence, he could not only lessen the impact but also make the character of Superior Iron Man truly memorable.

Will Tom Cruise Join The MCU?

Reflecting on past opportunities, it’s likely Tom Cruise would have accepted this role he’s been linked to. Back in the ’90s, for instance, he showed interest in playing Iron Man for 20th Century Fox, similar to his roles in Mission: Impossible as both star and producer. However, his salary requirements might have been too steep for a superhero who wasn’t yet a cultural icon. Only Superman and Batman had achieved success at the time, but they were still grappling with their own challenges. Marvel’s bankruptcy in 1996 significantly impacted the project as well.

Reflecting on my past as a film enthusiast, when I was working on the development of Iron Man, I reached out to Tom Cruise, but unfortunately, our deal couldn’t materialize once more due to his financial demands at the time. Fast-forward to 2025, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become the most successful film franchise ever, raking in over $31 billion. Given this staggering success, it seems that any price Tom Cruise would ask for now could easily be accommodated.

Despite the thrill audiences get from watching Cruise perform death-defying stunts in Mission: Impossible, there’s no denying that age and physical strain are valid concerns. Joining the MCU as more than just a one-off Superior Iron Man but potentially as a long-term addition could prove to be a shrewd move for Cruise, bolstering his already illustrious career even further.

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2025-03-09 18:12