The point of an actor is to be nothing. Actors are supposed to be like sponges, taking on other characteristics so when they appear on film, you believe you’re watching a real person, as opposed to That Famous Person portraying a character. The best thespians are invisible.
Which is why Tom Cruise hasn’t done much recently because there isn’t a hope in hell you could watch him in a movie without the Scientology klaxon blaring in your ear every 2 seconds. Suspension of disbelief is pretty much impossible when you’re staring at a man who you feel might be trying to convert you with his lifeless void-eyes.
And so, clean out of roles and ideas, it seems that Tom Cruise is going to appear in a sequel of one of his old films, Top Gun.
With a mooted return of Bill & Ted, the return of Wall Street, it seems that there could be a spate of rehashes while simpletons chatter on about how great the ’80s were (only someone who didn’t live through the ’80s would even dare to suggest that).
And Paramount Pictures have apparently made offers to producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott for a sequel to their ’86 popcorn feature, Top Gun, with Christopher McQuarrie (Usual Suspects) lined up to freshen up the script.
And yes, Tom Cruise is expected to make an appearance as Maverick.
So what role would Maverick play in this new version of Top Gun? Well, you could imagine him being a high ranking officer these days who might get called upon to fly in the Middle East because he’s the only man who can get us out of this mess… etc.
He’d presumably back up some younger, fresher talent (probably that bloke from Avatar) who is something of a wildcard, thereby giving Cruise the chance to deliver the line of “I knew someone… a long time ago… just like you. Wild, keen… but undisciplined. That person… was me.” Before the two team up after hating each other and BLAM BLAM BLAM they save the world from something or other and give each other a high-five while walking into the sunset.
The last five minutes will be an allegory for how Scientology is really cool and able to change the world or something. You just watch.
We can’t bloody wait. No, honestly.
Bet says
You’ll have to let us know if your prediction is right, because I boycott any product with a connection to Scientology or Scientologists. I can’t stomach the thought of even one penny going to that destructive mind control cult that holds members hostage and ruins lives by the score
stan says
Remakes and sequels are so boring. Besides, Tom Cruise is older and crazier than he ever was during the making of the first Top Gun. Yawn.
Tom J says
I’m not sure that Hollywood can get away with a story of such obvious latent homoeroticism in this day and age. It may have worked in the 80s but the 80s were a simpler time. A time when one man could say to another “you can ride my tail any time” and it wouldn’t so much as raise an eyebrow. People are much less wholesome these days, that sort of dialog will leave the entire audience picturing Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer going at it like newlyweds on their honeymoon. Count me out.