Hollywood’s indomitable action icon, Tom Cruise, is gearing up to catapult audiences into another whirlwind of adrenaline, emotion, and jaw-dropping spectacle with a slate of films that promise to redefine cinematic thrills in 2025 and beyond. Known for defying gravity—both literally and figuratively—Cruise’s newly revealed filming schedule has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, igniting fervent anticipation among fans eager for his next high-octane adventure. From war-torn epics to a genre-bending comedy, the 62-year-old superstar is poised to deliver a rollercoaster ride of emotions, proving once again why he remains one of Tinseltown’s most bankable and beloved stars.

Fresh off the release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 23, 2025, which marked Cruise’s farewell to the iconic Ethan Hunt, the actor shows no signs of slowing down. This eighth installment of the Mission: Impossiblefranchise, directed by his longtime collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, dazzled audiences with death-defying stunts, including a record-breaking sequence involving burning parachutes. The film, which grossed $127 million on its opening weekend, served as a testament to Cruise’s unrelenting commitment to practical stunts and cinematic excellence. Yet, as one chapter closes, a thrilling new one begins, with Cruise’s upcoming projects promising to push boundaries in ways fans have never seen before.

First on the horizon is Broadsword, a World War II epic set to start filming in July 2025. Reuniting with McQuarrie, Cruise will portray a battle-hardened Marine sergeant who crash-lands in France, becoming the sole survivor of a perilous mission. Teaming up with a resilient young girl, his character navigates treacherous terrain to complete a critical operation amidst the chaos of war.

The film, reportedly featuring Henry Cavill and Marion Cotillard, is set to blend heart-pounding action with raw emotional depth, showcasing Cruise’s ability to balance intensity with vulnerability. Filming will span the United Kingdom and France, promising sweeping visuals that capture the harrowing stakes of wartime heroism. Could this be the role that finally earns Cruise the elusive Oscar?

But that’s not all. Cruise is also diving into uncharted territory with Judy, a “brutal, wild comedy of catastrophic proportions” directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, slated for release on October 2, 2026. Filming wrapped in London in May 2025, and Iñárritu has teased a project that’s “scary, funny, and beautiful,” unlike anything Cruise has tackled in recent years. Playing the world’s most powerful man who unleashes a disaster and embarks on a frantic mission to prove himself humanity’s savior, Cruise is joined by a stellar cast including Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, and John Goodman. This shift to comedy marks a bold departure from his action-hero persona, harkening back to his dramatic roots in films like Jerry Maguire and Magnolia. Will this be the role that redefines Cruise’s legacy?

Adding to the excitement, Cruise is set to star in The Gauntlet, another McQuarrie collaboration, remaking the 1977 Clint Eastwood thriller. As Detective Shockley, Cruise will face corrupt cops and high-stakes chases to transport a witness to court, with Scarlett Johansson adding star power. Meanwhile, Top Gun 3 looms large, with Cruise reprising his role as Maverick alongside Miles Teller and Glen Powell, though the script is still being perfected to match the monumental success of Top Gun: Maverick. Rumors also swirl about a space-based action-adventure with NASA and SpaceX, where Cruise could become the first civilian to perform a spacewalk for a film—a feat that would cement his reputation as Hollywood’s ultimate daredevil.

Cruise’s relentless passion for filmmaking, coupled with his advocacy for the theatrical experience, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His recent comments at the Mission: Impossible premiere, where he vowed to make movies into his 100s, underscore his unwavering dedication. As he embarks on this diverse array of projects—from historical epics to cosmic adventures—Cruise is not just riding a wave of success; he’s creating it. Fans are left wondering: what heart-stopping surprises will this cinematic titan unleash next? One thing is certain—the silver screen has never felt more alive.