Ahead of playing the iconic character of Goku in the 2009 live-action adaptation of the beloved manga series, Dragonball Evolution‘s Justin Chatwin shared the screen with Hollywood heartthrob Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 movie. Playing the role of Robbie Ferrier, son to Cruise’s Ray Ferrier, Chatwin got the closeup opportunity to work with the legend in War of the Worlds.
Thereafter, having a phenomenal time and brilliant experience working with Tom Cruise, Justin Chatwin showered the icon with praise. Holding him in his highest regard, Chatwin even offered a strange verdict about the actor during his interview, following his appearance in Dragonball Evolution.
Justin Chatwin Shared the Screen With Tom Cruise in 2005
Considering Tom Cruise’s grandeur in Hollywood, rarely do a few rising stars get the opportunity to work with the legend. But Justin Chatwin simply had the luck to appear alongside Cruise and mark the film as his career breakthrough. Appearing together in Steven Spielberg‘s 2005 sci-fi horror film War of the Worlds, Cruise and Chatwin donned the roles of father and son.
Tom Cruise appeared as Ray Ferrier, a mere commoner in a world engulfed in flames, whose only concern is the safety of his children (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin). In the movie, Cruise brilliantly exposed Ray’s frailties, which was well matched by Fanning’s performance as a panicky child, and Chatwin’s role as Ray’s teenage son Robbie.
The trio’s performances in War of the Worlds were so genuine in evoking trauma, that it became almost uncomfortable to watch. But the film being brilliantly constructed to be a scaring machine, served its purpose and became a breakthrough role for both Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin. As for Tom Cruise, it was another addition to his vast filmography of iconic works.
Dragonball Evolution Actor’s Remarks on Tom Cruise
After working with Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 movie, new doors of opportunities began opening for Justin Chatwin and even Dakota Fanning. While the actress went on to appear in the highly anticipated vampire franchise Twilight as Jane, Chatwin took on the role of Goku in the 2009 live-action adaptation, Dragonball Evolution.
Directed by James Wong, as the film aimed to bring epic battles and intense training arcs to life on the big screen, Justin Chatwin brilliantly captured the essence of his character. Although his portrayal of Goku was met with mixed reviews, people overall praised his enthusiasm and dedication to the role. Meanwhile, sitting for an interview with Cinema.com, Chatwin recalled his works alongside Tom Cruise that launched his career.
Although Justin Chatwin’s supporting role in War of the Worlds was overshadowed by Tom Cruise and the film’s alien characters, he still expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside the Hollywood legend. Revealing that he was awestruck by the similarities between Cruise’s on-set energy and his iconic Dragonball character Goku, Chatwin drew a bizarre comparison between them.
“Tom Cruise is very similar to Goku. He’s very positive and very energetic. He’s very into physical fitness – and sometimes you think it’s too good to be true that he’s so positive, but he is. It rubs off on people. I’ve never seen Tom Cruise grumpy. I’ve never even seen him frown.”
We know Justin Chatwin’s comparison between Tom Cruise and Goku might seem quite bizarre, but it highlights Cruise’s dedication and commitment especially since Goku is the epitome of unwavering determination and relentless energy.
Dragonball Evolution is available on Disney+.
War of the Worlds is available on Prime Video.
