Tom Cruise is currently basking in one of the most rewarding phases of his illustrious career.
The ongoing triumph of "Top Gun: Maverick" at the box office is undeniable, propelling it to become the tenth highest-grossing film in the history of the United States, edging closer to even surpassing cinematic classics like "Titanic." With a global tally that currently stands at a staggering $1,242.68 million, industry insiders, including sources cited by Variety, speculate that the actor could potentially pocket an additional $100 million in earnings. However, this astronomical success might merely be a prelude to what Tom Cruise is poised to achieve in 2023.
In contrast to the conventional approach of many contemporary stars, Tom Cruise's financial agreements differ significantly. Rather than amassing exorbitant upfront salaries that surpass the Hollywood average, Cruise consistently opts for a reduced initial payment, under one condition: a substantial percentage of the film's box office earnings.
While actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, or Dwayne Johnson are set to receive fixed fees of $30 million, $35 million, or $22 million for their respective roles in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," Antoine Fuqua's drama "Emancipation," and Warner Bros. and DC's "Black Adam," Cruise has chosen to reduce his base salary to a range of $12 to $14 million for his next two "Mission Impossible" films. However, this apparent salary reduction is offset by the sizeable bonus based on box office revenue, a feature missing from his colleagues' contracts.
Cruise's unique agreement stipulates that he receives a percentage of box office earnings immediately, even before the studio recoups its investment. Initially perceived as a risky move, particularly in the post-pandemic climate where solid box office figures are not guaranteed, Cruise's reputation and standing in the industry shift the dynamics.
The resounding success of "Top Gun: Maverick" is evidence of this approach, which has significantly augmented Cruise's financial standing, boosting his fortune by over $100 million. The sequel's unstoppable triumph not only highlights Cruise's stardom but also ignites anticipation to witness more of his extraordinary feats on the big screen. All signs point to a deluge of box office riches next year with "Mission Impossible: Mortal Sentence," the seventh installment of his enduring action saga.
"Mission Impossible" is a franchise that has consistently expanded its box office receipts and garnered critical acclaim with each successive installment. A prime example is "Mission Impossible: Fallout," the sixth entry released in 2018, which earned a global total of $791.6 million, marking an impressive surge of over $100 million compared to "Mission Impossible: Fallout: Secret Nation," released in 2016 with $682.7 million.
Cruise's reputation in the industry is unparalleled, as he defies the modern trend where franchises and brands often overshadow leading stars. His name and presence alone continue to wield significant influence. In contrast, others, such as Robert Downey Jr., who excelled in the "Marvel" universe, found their post-franchise careers met with box office disappointments in ventures like "The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle." Cruise, on the other hand, has navigated smaller franchises like "Jack Reacher" with a budget of $60 million, resulting in a remarkable $218 million and a sequel.
Furthermore, Cruise has become synonymous with daring action cinema, consistently pushing the boundaries with increasingly extreme sequences. His films offer audiences a thrilling cinematic experience, generating global anticipation for his next spectacular endeavor. In turn, his films consistently promise good box office returns.
Considering the ongoing success of "Top Gun: Maverick" and the likelihood of an equally triumphant performance with the next "Mission Impossible" installment, which will be released in two parts, Cruise's earnings are poised to double effortlessly. By the time the second and final installment arrives in 2024, solidifying the franchise's conclusion, Cruise's financial standing, already exceeding $100 million in 2022, is destined to expand further. Without a doubt, he will ascend as one of Hollywood's most financially accomplished and enduring stars, boasting an unmatched prestige and influence that will be challenging to surpass.
