Tom Cruise has made one thing crystal clear when it comes to stunts, he’s practically invincible, and there’s nothing he can’t pull off. Yet, now that he’s seemingly conquered everything there is to be conquered in the stunt world, fans are itching for him to return to some of his villainous roles.
With a career spanning decades and a resume that includes nearly every stunt imaginable, Cruise’s return to portraying compelling antagonists seems like the most logical next step to his fans. It’s not just fans who are eager for this, even esteemed figures like Scott Derrickson, the director behind Doctor Strange, have recognized the brilliance of Cruise’s past performances in thrillers. Derrickson’s endorsement, labeling one of Cruise’s films as one of the top five thrillers ever made, only adds fuel to the anticipation surrounding Cruise’s potential return to villainous roles.
Doctor Strange Director Scott Derrickson is Obsessed with Tom Cruise’s Collateral
Scott Derrickson recently took a moment to appreciate a Tom Cruise movie called Collateral, labeling it as one of the best thrillers ever made and even placing it in his top 5. This praise has sparked discussions about just how great of an actor Tom Cruise really is.
While the Mission Impossible series has undoubtedly been a lucrative venture for the actor, it doesn’t showcase all the facets and nuances of Cruise’s craft. It’s films like Interview with the Vampire and Collateral that bring out a certain dark side, which fans are absolutely in awe of. In the X post, the filmmaker wrote,
After watching this again last night for I think the 7th time, I’m now ranking it as one of the top 5 thrillers ever made. It’s that good. pic.twitter.com/W3WnGlYOXU
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) May 10, 2024
This led to the realization to dawn on many that when the actor steps outside the action genre, the magic he’s truly capable of is outstanding. The gritty thriller by Michael Mann features Jamie Foxx as Max, a cab driver hijacked by Tom Cruise as Vincent, a chillingly maniacal contract killer who coerces Max into chauffeuring him from murder to murder over one harrowing night.
Tom Cruise plays his role absolutely magnificently. The spine-chilling quality this handsome hero holds truly is amazing. His departure from the typical hero role was, in fact, refreshing and kept audiences on the edge of their seats. However, despite the excitement he brought to this role, Cruise has largely returned to playing standard hero characters in his subsequent films, leaving fans longing for more of his dark side.
Why Fans Believe Tom Cruise Shines Brightest in Villainous Roles
Since then, people have been yearning for the actor to delve into the role of a villain. Although the actor has done a few here and there, fans now believe it’s high time the actor returned to something he does truly amazingly. Another role that deserves recognition is Interview with the Vampire.
Cruise plays Lestat, the chief antagonist and primary character of Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles series of books and stories. And he absolutely nails it, Lestat is simultaneously amused by his detachment from humanity and utterly obsessed with it. Another gem was Magnolia. Here is what some fans have to say,
Tom Cruise is best when he goes out of his Action comfort zone (ex Magnolia, Tropic Thunder, and this).
— dolemitedawiz (@NoFilterGames) May 10, 2024
One of Tom's best performances by a long shot. Would love to see him in a more villainous role more.
— BaMFZiLLa 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@Bamfzilla) May 10, 2024
It's really great. I love Tom as a villain. So menacing.
— Khalid Brooks (Miles Morales of Earth-1218) (@KhalidBrooks1) May 10, 2024
Wasn't super keen first time around but it just kept pulling me back in for another look—Cruise is scary AF in this. Great stuff! pic.twitter.com/0vzZtedoad
— Matt J Garner (@sci_fi_barfly) May 10, 2024
spoiler alert : i never thought a big star like tom cruise would be in a negative role let alone get killed in the end, was really not expecting it ! wish he made more movies like these man
— Virubash Neppolian (@virubash) May 11, 2024
Cruise is a phenomenal actor with limitless capabilities. Cruise’s portrayal in Edge of Tomorrow, much like in American Made, breathed new life into him after years of somewhat anonymous performances in lackluster blockbusters such as Oblivion and Knight and Day.
Fans truly hope the actor will soon make a comeback to villainy. Despite numerous speculations and rumors, no official updates confirming any of the news have been made. Fans will just have to wait patiently.
Collateral is available to stream on Paramount+
