Tom Cruise is of the leading actors in Hollywood with decades of experience under his belt. While the actor is known for his action roles, his acting in the 1996 film, Jerry Maguire earned him an Academy Award nomination. Jerry Maguire is a classic romantic comedy-drama that follows the life of a high-powered sports agent who experiences a crisis of conscience and decides to start his own management agency with the help of his sole client, a talented but volatile football player played by Cuba Gooding Jr.
The film is famous for its iconic catchphrase, “Show me the money!” which became a cultural phenomenon. The movie explores themes such as morality, loyalty, and the meaning of success. It showcases the struggles of a man trying to find his true purpose in life while dealing with the cut-throat world of professional sports. However, Tom Cruise wasn’t the producer’s first choice for the role.
Who Was Considered For The Role Before Tom Cruise
Before Tom Cruise was cast for the coveted role, writer-director Cameron Crowe revealed that Tom Hanks was in the running for the role. However, things didn’t work out because Hanks didn’t match the character’s age.
“I took so long doing the script that Hanks was no longer a 35-year-old man. By the time he got [the script], he was almost 40 and had two Academy Awards and wanted to direct,” Crowe told Empire magazine in 1997.
While it’s difficult to envision any actor other than the beloved American icon Tom Cruise bringing the lead character of Jerry Maguire to life on the big screen. However, renowned actor Woody Harrelson was also a close contender for the role. In a cover story for September 2019, Harrelson made a critical misjudgment about the 1996 film. However, as it turned out, the movie garnered positive reviews from critics. It generated a whopping $273.5 million in global box office revenue, proving Harrelson’s initial assessment to be entirely off the mark.
Tom Cruise’s Performance Earned Him An Oscar Nomination
Tom Cruise’s performance in Jerry Maguire is widely regarded as one of his most iconic roles. The film has stood the test of time as a feel-good movie that leaves viewers with a sense of optimism and a renewed appreciation for the importance of personal and professional relationships.
Aside from the central plotline, the film also delves into Jerry’s personal life and his budding romance with a single mother, played by Renée Zellweger. Their relationship is portrayed with a refreshing level of realism, and their ups and downs provide a relatable backdrop to the more fantastical elements of the story.
Tom Cruise has been nominated for four Academy Awards throughout his illustrious career. Despite being one of Hollywood’s most bankable and celebrated actors, he has yet to win an Oscar. Cruise’s first nomination came in 1990 for his role in Born on the Fourth of July, where he portrayed Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic. The film, directed by Oliver Stone, was a critical and commercial success and earned Cruise his first Best Actor nomination.
Jerry Maguire is available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: US Magazine
