The Epic MCU Cameo that Marvel Missed Featuring Tom Cruise – You Won't Believe Who!

Summary

The disappointment stemmed from swirling speculations about Cruise portraying an alternate version of Iron Man in Doctor Strange 2, which unfortunately never materialized.

The Skrull reveals in Secret Invasion have been disappointing, lacking involvement from more Avengers and predictable twists. It would have been more impactful if Hollywood stars had made cameo appearances as Skrull versions of themselves.

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Secret Invasion episode 5. Secret Invasion missed a great opportunity for a Tom Cruise cameo in the MCU, unrelated to Iron Man in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Back in the early 2000s, there were reports of Tom Cruise being attached to play Iron Man, which, combined with the multiverse cameos in Doctor Strange 2, sparked theories and rumors about Cruise playing an alternate version of Iron Man. These rumors persisted until the release of the film, leading to some disappointment when it didn't happen.

Tom Cruise Should Have Appeared In Secret Invasion

Although fans were disappointed by the absence of a meta Tom Cruise cameo in Doctor Strange 2, the prospect of his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is undeniably exciting. Hollywood's renowned stars, whether making brief appearances like Matt Damon in Taika Waititi's Thor movies or assuming significant roles like Harrison Ford in Captain America: Brave New World, have recently aligned themselves with Marvel projects. This suggests that a Tom Cruise Marvel cameo is not beyond the realm of possibility. However, Marvel has already passed up a golden opportunity to incorporate Tom Cruise into the MCU.

In Secret Invasion, a Marvel Comics series, not only were various Avengers substituted by Skrulls, but also real-life public figures were targeted for replacement. It is not uncommon for superhero comic books to incorporate actual celebrities or politicians, especially in narratives that aim to have a broad impact on the entire Marvel Universe. Secret Invasion was no exception, as the Skrulls selected Tom Cruise, among other famous personalities, to be imitated by one of their own. Although this was purely a playful element of worldbuilding within the comic, it could serve as inspiration for featuring Tom Cruise in Secret Invasion, a Disney production.

It is more plausible to envision Tom Cruise making a brief appearance rather than having a substantial part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In terms of self-referential nods, it would have been quite entertaining to see Tom Cruise as Iron Man, especially considering the rise of multiverse films that reference unrealized movies and castings. However, it would have been even more impactful to have Tom Cruise portray himself or a Skrull impersonating him, as it would serve as both a meta-reference to the comic and contribute to the overarching story. This decision would not only bring the Secret Invasion storyline full circle with a moment from the comics but also significantly amplify the Skrull revelations in Secret Invasion.

Secret Invasion's Skrull Impostors Were Totally Underwhelming

One of the major drawbacks of Marvel's Secret Invasion show is its failure to capture the essence of a monumental event within the Marvel Universe. The absence of the Avengers from the storyline instantly diminishes the gravity of what should be a world-altering catastrophe. In the original Secret Invasion comic, the intrigue revolved around the possibility that anyone, including superheroes, could be an infiltrating Skrull. However, the Secret Invasion show only introduces War Machine as the sole Avenger involved thus far. Consequently, the revelation that Rhodey is a Skrull lacks the element of surprise that made the comic so captivating. This predictable twist extends to Everett Ross as well.

The Secret Invasion storyline has exposed a handful of disguised Skrulls among politicians, but their impact is limited since these characters are fictional and unfamiliar to the MCU. To enhance the show's main premise, it would have been effective to feature Hollywood stars, possibly those mentioned in the comics, making cameo appearances as their "Skrull counterparts." Watch new episodes of Secret Invasion on Disney+, available every Wednesday.