Tom Cruise Drops Bombshell: “I Don’t Want to Be the Last Movie Star”—Points to Michael B. Jordan as the Future of Hollywood
In a world where stardom is constantly evolving, the question of who qualifies as the “last movie star” lingers over Hollywood. At the recent New York City premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”, Tom Cruise—arguably one of the last great box office draws—was asked about the label that many have pinned on him. His response? Gracious, but firm.
“I don’t want to be,” Cruise told Entertainment Tonight. “There’s so many other talented actors out there and I want to see them crush it.” Cruise’s humility mirrors the way he’s approached much of his 40+ year career: with relentless passion for big-screen entertainment, but an openness to what’s next—and who’s next. In his view, the future of cinema is already here. And one name he’s particularly excited about is Michael B. Jordan.
Tom Cruise on Michael B. Jordan
Jordan has been turning heads since his breakout performances in Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther. His latest film, Sinners, a gritty, R-rated vampire thriller directed by Ryan Coogler, has taken in an impressive $240 million at the domestic box office—and counting.
“I’m a huge fan of his. That film Sinners is amazing,” he said, adding with a grin, “We’re going to make a movie together.” The admiration runs deep. In a follow-up interview with PEOPLE, Cruise elaborated on why Jordan stands out.
“He’s dedicated to his brand. I really respect him. Respect Coogler, I love that film. I love the films that they make. It’s brilliant, you know, big cinema.” But it’s not just admiration—it’s a shared ethos.
“I admire what they do and I love to see people do well in life. That is a thing that I work very hard to do — all I can to help people and see them do well. Filmmakers, actors — people know my door’s always open, so I’m very excited about what they’re creating and it’s always inspiring. It goes back and forth.” Cruise even posted a photo of himself attending a screening of Sinners in April. Jordan later returned the support, showing up at the London premiere of the latest “Mission: Impossible” film.
Cruise’s outlook is refreshingly collaborative. He’s more interested in lifting others up than clinging to a legacy.
“People know my door’s always open,” he emphasized. “I love to see people do well in life… it’s always inspiring.” His words underscore a shift in the entertainment industry—where mentorship is becoming as essential as star power. For Cruise, legacy isn’t about holding onto the spotlight. It’s about passing it on.
The Summer of Blockbusters
Cruise is also excited about the broader movie landscape, not just his own franchise. “It’s going to be a great summer of movies,” he told ET. “We got the “John Wick” series with Keanu [Reeves] and Ana [de Armas]. You got Brad [Pitt] with “F1”. I’m looking forward to going and everybody having a good summer.”
Despite the dominance of streaming, Cruise remains a vocal champion of the theatrical experience—and he’s not alone. The idea of the “movie star” has changed. Social media, franchise fatigue, and the rise of streaming have all reshaped how we define celebrity. But Cruise still stands out—both for his presence and his behind-the-scenes contributions.
Sean Penn recently chimed in on the debate, offering a mix of commentary and praise. “The movie star manufacturer ran out around Jennifer Lawrence time or something. She’s probably the last movie star,” Penn said. But when it came to Cruise, his tone shifted to admiration.
“This is a very good actor who is also an incredibly extraordinary craftsman. Those movies don’t get made on that level without somebody extraordinary behind them… He does his own stunts. He’s probably the best stuntman in movie world. He’s the most experienced guy.”
That’s the paradox of Tom Cruise: he’s both a throwback to classic Hollywood spectacle and a visionary pushing it forward.
As impressive as Cruise’s legacy is, he’s clear that the future belongs to many—not one. Stars like Michael B. Jordan, directors like Coogler, and a wave of new, diverse storytellers are changing what stardom looks like—and what it stands for. In this new era, the magic of cinema isn’t just found in one person’s legacy, but in the energy and creativity of a collective. Cruise sees it—and welcomes it.
More On:Movies