10 Acclaimed Directors Perfect for Collaborating with Tom Cruise in Non-Action Films

Tom Cruise is a renowned Hollywood movie star with a long career in the industry. He made a name for himself in the 1980s with hits like Top Gun, but he is now more famous for his roles in action franchises like Mission: Impossible. Despite misconceptions that he only plays one type of character, his earlier works such as Magnolia and Born on the Fourth of July showcased his versatility and talent in delivering emotional performances.

In the early days of his career, Tom Cruise collaborated with legendary directors like Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, and Paul Thomas Anderson, resulting in some of his best movies. However, in recent years, he has primarily taken on action-packed roles, prompting excitement when he expressed his desire to work with more visionary filmmakers. With a new deal with Warner Bros., Cruise is set to star in a film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and has the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of directors in the future.

Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino could be Tom Cruise's best chance for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt driving together in Once Upon a Time In Hollywood - Quentin Tarantino could be Tom Cruise's best chance for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Tom Cruise is a great match for Quentin Tarantino movies. Known as the "last movie star," Cruise's name alone can fill up theaters, aligning perfectly with Tarantino's view on the importance of a charismatic and talented movie star. Tarantino has a knack for bringing out the best in his actors, leading stars like Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz to win Academy Awards.

A supporting role in a Tarantino movie could potentially earn Cruise his first Oscar or at least critical acclaim for delivering a performance that is truly unique and memorable. The director only has one film left, titled The Movie Critic, so Cruise's opportunity to collaborate with Tarantino is limited. While the lead role in the film is meant for an actor in their 30s, Cruise could still shine in a supporting role, as these performances have often stood out in Tarantino's body of work. Cruise's former Interview with the Vampire co-star Brad Pitt is also slated to make an appearance in an undisclosed role.

David Fincher

A David Fincher-directed Tom Cruise-led crime thriller could be terrific for both of them.

Ben Affleck in Gone Girl on Hulu - A David Fincher-directed Tom Cruise-led crime thriller could be terrific for both of them.

Martin Scorsese

From Leonardo DiCaprio to Robert De Niro to Joe Pesci, Martin Scorsese has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. One role that DiCaprio hasn't tackled yet is that of a gritty mobster, a classic Scorsese character. It would be intriguing to see him in a Scorsese-directed film like Goodfellas or The Departed. Scorsese's recent projects have been hit-or-miss, and a collaboration with DiCaprio in a crime drama could be just what he needs for a successful comeback.

Scorsese and Cruise could team up for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Tom Cruise and Paul Newman in The Color of Money - Scorsese and Cruise could team up for the first time in nearly 40 years. - Martin Scorsese

Paul Thomas Anderson

Tom Cruise had the opportunity to work with Martin Scorsese early in his career on The Color of Money, a movie where he starred alongside Paul Newman. While The Color of Money was a departure from Scorsese's usual style, it was still a great film. It may be hard to picture Cruise in a mafia film, but he could shine in an exciting crime thriller like The Departed. Scorsese has a few projects lined up after Killers of the Flower Moon, and it would be a treat to see Tom Cruise share the screen with Scorsese regulars like Leonardo DiCaprio or Robert De Niro.

Magnolia is arguably Cruise's best performance, making PTA a solid choice to collaborate with again.

Tom Cruise in Magnolia - Magnolia is arguably Cruise's best performance, making PTA a solid choice to collaborate with again. - Paul Thomas Anderson

Paul Thomas Anderson has expressed his commitment to continuing to create movies, indicating that there will be many chances for reunions in the future.

Tom Cruise, who has previously collaborated with director Paul Thomas Anderson, delivered a powerful and emotionally complex performance in the film Magnolia. Despite being part of an ensemble cast, Cruise shines in his role as the charismatic yet morally questionable Frank T.J. Mackey. While Anderson is currently working on a new project with Leonardo DiCaprio, he has made it clear that he plans to be involved in filmmaking for a long time, offering the potential for future collaborations with Cruise.

Adam McKay

Tom Cruise could be hilarious in an Adam McKay ensemble.

Dr. Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Kate (Jennifer Lawrence) sit next to each other on a couch in Don't Look Up. - Tom Cruise could be hilarious in an Adam McKay ensemble.

Adam McKay's recent films have shifted from pure comedy to include more dramatic elements, a departure from his earlier works like Anchorman. It would be interesting to see Tom Cruise in one of his films. Cruise has shown he is not afraid to poke fun at himself in movies like Tropic Thunder, and his comedic timing is top-notch. With McKay's Don't Look Up being a hit on Netflix, a movie with a similar tone starring or featuring Tom Cruise could be a big success.

Jordan Peele

If Tom Cruise does a horror movie, he has to do it with the best.

Daniel Kaluuya as Chris cries during the sunken place scene from Get Out. - If Tom Cruise does a horror movie, he has to do it with the best. - Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele is known as one of Hollywood's most exciting horror directors, blending genre norms with humor and meaningful social messages. If Tom Cruise is looking to explore new genres, horror could be a perfect fit for him. Peele's unique style would be a great match for Cruise, unlike other contemporary horror filmmakers known for their gothic aesthetics. While Peele's films have featured strong lead performances, Cruise could also shine in a supporting or villainous role.

Christopher Nolan

Nolan and Cruise's filmmaking philosophies align too closely for them not to work together.

Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer looking at horizon mid shot - Nolan and Cruise's filmmaking philosophies align too closely for them not to work together. - Christopher Nolan

It's hard to ignore the potential when thinking about Christopher Nolan teaming up with Tom Cruise. Both share a passion for pushing the boundaries of modern filmmaking. While Cruise continues to draw crowds to the cinema as one of the last true movie stars, Nolan captivates audiences with his original, non-franchise films. Together, the possibilities are endless.

While Christopher Nolan and Tom Cruise are known for their action-packed movies filled with intense action sequences, practical effects, and daring stunts, they could explore other genres for their next collaboration. Nolan has expressed interest in continuing to work on large-scale projects like "Oppenheimer," but this doesn't necessarily mean they have to stick to the action genre. Cruise could potentially star in a Christopher Nolan-directed war epic, horror film, or even a heist movie, offering exciting new possibilities for their partnership.

Sofia Coppola

Coppola could bring a subtle, nuanced performance out of Cruise.

Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as Bob Harris and Charlotte in Lost in Translation. - Coppola could bring a subtle, nuanced performance out of Cruise. - Sofia Coppola

Think about Bill Murray in Lost in Translation or Stephen Dorff in Somewhere. Their subtle, emotionally driven performances could reveal a completely different side of Tom Cruise.

Yorgos Lanthimos

Yorgos Lanthimos may not be the most obvious choice for a collaboration with Tom Cruise, but that's what makes it so interesting. Throughout his career, the director has created some truly unique and memorable films. While his movies often focus on unconventional and dark themes, they also feature strong male characters that could provide a fresh challenge for Cruise. Lanthimos' distinct style and storytelling could bring out a new side of the actor, making this potential partnership a curious and captivating one.

Tom Cruise could be completely unhinged in a Yorgos Lanthimos film.

Emma Stone as Bella Baxter in Poor Things - Tom Cruise could be completely unhinged in a Yorgos Lanthimos film.

Wes Anderson

Another surprising option to consider is Wes Anderson. Tom Cruise is known for his unique personality and occasional quirky behaviors. Pairing Cruise's eccentricities with Anderson's distinct cinematic style could result in something truly extraordinary. While it may be unlikely to see Cruise in a completely unhinged performance, the thought of it is definitely entertaining.

Cruise joining a Wes Anderson ensemble could be brilliant.

A group shot of the cast of Wes Anderson's Asteroid City. - Cruise joining a Wes Anderson ensemble could be brilliant.

When thinking of the term "auteur," one of the first names that often comes to mind is Wes Anderson, the director of Asteroid City. Anderson is well-known for establishing a unique and recognizable visual style in his films. He is also famous for casting a large number of well-known actors in his projects, creating a sense of familiarity for audiences. In his upcoming 2023 film, Anderson will be working with Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson for the first time. It would be interesting to see Tom Cruise potentially being featured in his next project. Similar to Tarantino, Anderson has a talent for bringing out the best in actors, regardless of the size of their role.

Source: Variety

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a compelling exploration of potential collaborations between renowned actor Tom Cruise and visionary filmmakers. It highlights the unique opportunities and challenges that each partnership could bring, offering intriguing insights into the creative possibilities. The discussion of directors like Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Christopher Nolan, among others, showcases the diverse range of genres and styles that Cruise could potentially explore. The article effectively captures the excitement and anticipation surrounding these potential collaborations, leaving readers eager to witness the artistic outcomes.

One aspect that stands out is the emphasis on Cruise's versatility and adaptability as an actor. Despite being known for action-packed roles in recent years, the article reminds us of his earlier performances in films like "Magnolia" and "Born on the Fourth of July," demonstrating his range and ability to portray complex characters. This versatility bodes well for his potential collaborations, as it suggests that he can effortlessly adapt to the unique demands of each director's style. The article also highlights the prospect of Cruise collaborating with filmmakers who have a strong track record of eliciting memorable performances from their actors, raising expectations for his future work.