Tom Cruise was let down when his team-up with Russell Crowe fell apart due to a $417 million movie failure

Tom Cruise, widely regarded as one of the biggest movie stars in the world, is known for his charismatic presence on the silver screen. His films have graced theaters for decades, ranging from action-packed thrillers like the “Mission: Impossible” series to classic dramas like “Jerry Maguire.” Cruise has solidified his status as a Hollywood icon, with a career spanning over 40 years. One of his most notable contributions was in the world of action films, and his enduring appeal continues to draw audiences.

Notably, Cruise is credited with saving the film industry from a box office slump. In 2021, the highly anticipated “Top Gun: Maverick,” a sequel to the 1986 classic “Top Gun,” soared to success, grossing over $1.4 billion globally. This triumphant return of the iconic character Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a naval aviator, reaffirmed Cruise’s star power and reignited interest in his films.

Cruise’s forthcoming projects, particularly the release of “Mission: Impossible 7,” further cement his star status. The “Mission: Impossible” series has been a monumental success and has earned a dedicated fan base. With Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt, the franchise is set to deliver another adrenaline-pumping installment. Fans are eagerly awaiting the film, which promises breathtaking stunts and intense action sequences.

However, not every project featuring the legendary actor has achieved the same level of success. “The Mummy,” a 2017 film in which Cruise played the lead role, stands out as a significant example. While it was intended to serve as the launchpad for Universal Pictures’ Dark Universe, a shared cinematic universe featuring classic monsters, the film faltered at the box office. Despite its ambitious premise and star-studded cast, including Sofia Boutella, the film underperformed and failed to meet expectations. As a result, the Dark Universe’s future was cast into doubt, and plans for a collaborative project featuring Cruise and Russell Crowe were derailed.

Russell Crowe, a celebrated actor in his own right, reminisced about his first meeting with Tom Cruise. The two actors first crossed paths in 1992 at a barbecue hosted by Naomi Watts, with Nicole Kidman introducing them. Crowe shared his surprise that Cruise, the reigning global movie star at the time, was the one enthusiastically asking him questions about his films. This initial encounter marked the beginning of a lasting friendship.

Crowe believed that “The Mummy” presented an ideal opportunity for him and Cruise to collaborate on a film. For both actors, it felt like the right project to showcase their combined talents and star power. Cruise, in particular, expressed his excitement at the prospect of working alongside Crowe, a renowned actor. He eagerly anticipated what Crowe would bring to his character in the film.

However, the disappointment of “The Mummy” had far-reaching consequences. The film’s lackluster box office performance, grossing only $417 million worldwide, led to the shelving of the Dark Universe project. While the movie boasted high production and marketing budgets, it struggled to turn a profit for the studio. This turn of events was especially disappointing for fans who had hoped to see Cruise and Crowe unite for future installments within the cinematic universe.

Brendan Fraser, who starred in the original “The Mummy” franchise, provided his perspective on why Cruise’s version of the film failed to resonate with audiences. Fraser, who, alongside Rachel Weisz, had captivated viewers in the earlier Mummy films, emphasized that fun was a key ingredient that set their films apart. Fraser’s films successfully blended thrilling adventure and excitement, striking a balance between horror and entertainment.

In contrast, Fraser believed that Cruise’s version took a more serious and straightforward approach to horror, which did not align with the adventurous and enjoyable spirit of the original films. The success of the original “Mummy” franchise, which grossed over $1.2 billion globally across its first three films, underscored the significance of this fun and thrilling quality.

While the prospect of seeing Brendan Fraser return for another Mummy movie remains uncertain, he expressed his openness to the idea. If a compelling and engaging plot emerged, Fraser indicated his willingness to reprise his role, delighting fans who have cherished his performances in the franchise.

For those interested in revisiting the Mummy films, the 2017 version is available on Netflix, while the 1999 original can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. These options provide a chance to compare the two interpretations of the classic tale and appreciate the unique qualities each brought to the screen.

In summary, while Tom Cruise’s illustrious career boasts numerous high-profile successes, it also includes instances where ambitious projects like “The Mummy” faced challenges and failed to capture the same magic as their predecessors. Despite this setback, Cruise continues to be a dominant force in the film industry, with exciting projects on the horizon and an enduring legacy that extends far beyond any individual film.

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