Why Tom Cruise has never done a superhero movie

Tom Cruise has been at the top of the Hollywood pyramid now for over 30 years, and he’s been able to stay there because of his choices as an actor.

So it’s a little surprising that Cruise hasn’t looked to delve into the superhero genre over the last 15 years as Marvel, DC, X-Men, and Spider-Man have made these films more and more popular, and thus successful.

During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night, Cruise was quizzed about why he’s yet to move into the comic-book world, and as per usual he was effortlessly charming as he gave his answer.

After being asked, “Have you ever thought about making a superhero movie? Have you ever had a serious conversation with Marvel or DC about being a superhero in one of these films?” Cruise responded with, “No.”

Of course the chatterbox didn’t end there, though, as he added, “Look I really enjoy those films a lot. I enjoy them. But I make the ‘Missions’ and ‘Reacher’. Just different kind of films.” Which suggests that he has no intention of making a superhero film.

Later on during the same interview Cruise gave a little more insight into what he looks for in a character and a film, which also alluded to why his cinematic preferences might not line up with the superhero genre.

“I grew up watching ‘Shane’, Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, and this kind of character that just goes for guys that really deserve it. The guy who really deserves it. Not everyone deserves it. But when they really deserve it they just get it,” explained Cruise, whose characters aren’t famous for their wit or complexity and instead just get their heads down and get the job required done. And it’s always usually enthralling to see.

You can see Tom Cruise getting up to his old tricks again in ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’, which is released in UK cinemas on Friday.

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[Images via Paramount Pictures]