5 Blockbuster Projects: What Is Tom Cruise Doing Right Now In December 2025?

The question "What is Tom Cruise doing right now?" has never been more complicated or more exciting. As of December 2025, the Hollywood icon is not just resting on the laurels of his recent successes like *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning* and *Top Gun: Maverick*. Instead, he is orchestrating a massive career pivot, simultaneously developing multiple blockbuster sequels, a surprising new dramatic film with an Oscar-winning director, and even hinting at a long-awaited musical role.

The legendary actor, producer, and stuntman is currently juggling a slate of projects that will define the next decade of his career, with confirmed filming schedules stretching into 2026 and beyond. This deep dive reveals the five major films on his immediate horizon, the surprising truth about his stalled space movie, and the ultimate career goal driving his relentless ambition.

Thomas Cruise Mapother IV: A Biographical Snapshot

Known globally as Tom Cruise, the actor was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York. His career, spanning over four decades, has cemented his status as one of the highest-grossing box-office stars of all time, a testament to his dedication to practical stunts and cinematic spectacle.

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• Full Name: Thomas Cruise Mapother IV
• Date of Birth: July 3, 1962
• Place of Birth: Syracuse, New York, U.S.
• Career Start: Early 1980s, with breakout roles in *Risky Business* (1983) and *Top Gun* (1986).
• Major Franchises: *Mission: Impossible* (as Ethan Hunt), *Top Gun* (as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell), *Jack Reacher*.
• Accolades: Three Golden Globe Awards, three Academy Award nominations, and an honorary Academy Award for his work as a producer and actor.
• Current Status (Dec 2025): Actively developing and producing multiple high-profile film projects, with a focus on non-franchise dramatic work alongside major sequels.

The Five Major Projects Defining Tom Cruise’s Future (2026 and Beyond)

Tom Cruise is not slowing down; in fact, he has stated he plans to continue making movies well into his 80s. His current slate is a mix of reliable action franchises and a surprising push toward more dramatic, auteur-driven cinema, suggesting a calculated effort to earn a competitive Academy Award.

1. The Untitled Alejandro G. Iñárritu Film (2026)

In what is perhaps his most surprising move, Cruise is collaborating with Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for critically acclaimed films like *Birdman* and *The Revenant*. This project is a significant departure from the actor’s recent action-heavy focus and is widely seen as his bid for serious awards recognition.

• Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu (a major entity and pivot for Cruise).
• Status: The film is currently in development, with Cruise sharing the first official image from the mysterious project in late 2025.
• Genre: Described as a dramatic, non-franchise feature, moving away from his typical action hero roles.
• Rumor: Some online speculation has unofficially dubbed the film 'Judy,' though this remains unconfirmed.

2. Top Gun 3: The Sequel is Confirmed

Following the massive critical and commercial success of *Top Gun: Maverick*, a third installment in the high-flying franchise is officially in development. Cruise’s return as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is a foregone conclusion, ensuring the franchise’s future as a cornerstone of his career.

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• Status: Confirmed by Cruise himself, who indicated the sequel is happening.
• Expected Timeline: Likely a 2026-2027 release window, given the other projects on his schedule.
• Key Collaborator: Christopher McQuarrie, Cruise's frequent collaborator and director of the *Mission: Impossible* films, is expected to be heavily involved in the development and production.

3. Edge of Tomorrow 2 (Live Die Repeat and Repeat)

Fans of the 2014 sci-fi action film *Edge of Tomorrow* (also known as *Live Die Repeat*) have long awaited a sequel, and recent reports suggest it is finally moving forward. The film, which co-stars Emily Blunt, is a favorite among science fiction enthusiasts for its unique time-loop premise.

• Status: According to industry publications, filming is now slated to begin in late 2026.
• Premise: The sequel is expected to continue the story of Major William Cage and Sergeant Rita Vrataski battling the alien Mimics.
• LSI Keywords: Major William Cage, Sergeant Rita Vrataski, Mimics, sci-fi action, time-loop.

4. The New Christopher McQuarrie Action-Adventure Film

Before any of the 2026 sequels, Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie (McQ) are reportedly set to reunite for a new, original action-adventure film. This project is separate from the *Mission: Impossible* and *Top Gun* franchises and is described as a high-concept feature.

• Status: Sources suggest filming could begin as early as July 2025.
• Collaboration: The partnership between Cruise and McQ has been one of the most successful in modern Hollywood, known for pushing the boundaries of practical stunt work.

5. The Musical Role: A Surprising Revelation

During an interview in May 2025, Tom Cruise revealed a surprising and long-held ambition: to star in a musical. While he has sung in films before (most notably in *Rock of Ages*), a dedicated, serious musical role would be a dramatic shift for the action star.

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• Intention: Cruise expressed a genuine desire to pursue a musical project.
• LSI Keywords: Musical role, Broadway adaptation, *Rock of Ages*, singing, dramatic shift.

The Truth About the Tom Cruise Space Movie: Was It Scrapped?

One of the most talked-about projects in recent memory was Tom Cruise’s plan to film a movie in outer space, a groundbreaking collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and NASA. The project was intended to be the first narrative feature film shot in actual space, but recent updates suggest the mission has been grounded, at least for now.

The Political Roadblock and Stalled Production

The ambitious space film, which was first reported in 2020, has reportedly stalled due to political complications. According to recent reports, the project was allegedly scuttled because Cruise was unwilling to seek a favor from the Trump administration to facilitate the necessary logistics and permissions for the project. This political entanglement reportedly led to the project being put on hold, as the massive undertaking requires cooperation from powerful entities like NASA and the U.S. government.

• Partners: SpaceX (Elon Musk), NASA.
• Original Goal: To be the first actor to film a feature-length narrative movie in actual outer space.
• Current Status: Reportedly stalled or scrapped as of late 2025 due to logistical and political complexities.
• LSI Keywords: SpaceX, NASA, Elon Musk, outer space filming, political complications, Trump administration.

While the space film remains an unfulfilled dream, Tom Cruise's current focus on a diverse slate of high-profile sequels and serious dramatic work confirms that the 63-year-old star is in a period of intense creative and professional ambition. The answer to "What is Tom Cruise doing now?" is simple: he is working to secure his legacy as both a box-office giant and a serious Academy Award contender.