Tom Cruise Takes a Stand for Theaters as Mission: Impossible 7 Premieres

Tom Cruise expressed his strong stance on the issue of "big theaters" for Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. The actor is reportedly frustrated that his latest installment in the Mission: Impossible series will only have a one-week run on IMAX screens in North America before Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer claims them for the following three weeks. This clash sets the stage for an intense summer box office competition when both movies hit theaters in July.

According to Variety, Cruise addressed his advocacy for larger theater releases during the premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One in Rome. The actor also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to entertain a global audience with his films. Read Cruise's statements below:

My lifelong dream since childhood has been to create movies and explore the world. However, I didn't just want to be a mere tourist; I desired to immerse myself in the industry and comprehend the unique cultures that exist within it. Thanks to my films, I have been able to achieve this aspiration, as the audience has graciously allowed me to entertain them. I am fully aware of the privilege this entails and have never taken it for granted. My ultimate passion is to entertain all of you, and I will consistently strive to preserve the grandeur of traditional theaters and provide that unforgettable cinematic experience for everyone.

The July Box Office Battle Explained

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond responded to the conflict between Mission: Impossible and Oppenheimer by expressing his desire to have Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One return to IMAX after Oppenheimer. However, it is evident that Cruise prefers the newest Mission: Impossible to have an extended run on IMAX screens in order to ensure its success at the box office. Considering the exceptional performance of Cruise's recent film, Top Gun: Maverick, there is little doubt that Mission: Impossible will also excel in terms of box office earnings.

The success of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is crucial as it carries a reported budget of $290 million. Despite having a smaller budget of $100 million, Oppenheimer has an advantage with its IMAX screenings across the US and Canada. Interestingly, Barbie, also with a budget of $100 million, is projected to outperform Oppenheimer on its opening weekend. As a result, Barbie becomes another significant competitor for Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One.

The battle for the summer box office in July will be captivating to observe with the release of these three major films. While it is expected that all three movies will turn a profit, the impact of Oppenheimer's IMAX screens on the performance of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One remains uncertain. Nevertheless, it is clear why the film's director desires screens that can truly showcase its grandeur and scale.

Source: Variety