Movies

Tom Cruise Wants Everyone To Go To The Movies This Summer — Despite That Oppenheimer Rivalry

Tom Cruise Oppenheimer screening Tom Cruise Twitter
By Ryan Scott/

One could argue that no single person has done more for preserving the theatrical experience in the aftermath of the 2020 lockdowns than Tom Cruise. The man made sure that "Top Gun: Maverick" did not go to streaming, with the film sitting on a shelf for two years before it went on to shatter box office records in 2022, ultimately bringing in just shy of $1.5 billion worldwide. Now, Cruise is looking to once again bring moviegoers out en masse for "Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning — Part One" in July. Though, more than anything, the actor just wants people to head to the movies, even if it's not for one of his movies. More than that, even if it's for a movie that has caused him some personal anguish.

Recently, Cruise took to Twitter to promote a few big blockbusters that will also be in theaters in July, including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," "Barbie," and "Oppenheimer." Alongside "Mission: Impossible" director Christopher McQuarrie, Cruise made a plea for people to see these films in theaters, despite the fact that they will be in direct competition with his latest go-around as Ethan Hunt:

"This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters. Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or more pink) than one with 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie.'"

Much has been made of the upcoming box office showdown between director Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," with both big-budget films hitting theaters on the same day. Cruise is doing his part to try and get people out, even though Nolan's film is directly compromising the IMAX run for "Dead Reckoning."

Tom Cruise is fighting for movie theaters above all else

Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning White Widow Paramount Pictures

As we recently reported, "Oppenheimer" will be kicking "MI7" out of IMAX theaters after just one week. This is because Universal Pictures ironed out a deal to have Christopher Nolan's latest play on IMAX screens for three full weeks. Tom Cruise apparently wasn't happy about this and even made some calls to try and see if something could be done to keep his film in those premium format theaters longer. Since those tickets cost more, it can help a great deal in goosing a movie's box office grosses. Naturally, both Nolan and Cruise want those IMAX screens both for presentation and financial purposes.

Unfortunately for Cruise, nothing could be done. Nolan will get his three-week run. Be that as it may, the actor decided to go to bat not just for "Oppenheimer," but "Indy 5" and "Barbie" as well. He clearly just wants theaters to thrive and for the theatrical experience to endure, more than he wants his movie alone to succeed. That is, in my humble opinion, admirable. Solidarity is better for the health of the industry.

"MI7" may get those IMAX screens back a little later in its run anyway. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond had this to say when those aforementioned reports surfaced:

"I feel sad in a way we can't accommodate all of them. I know 'Mission: Impossible' is going to be a really big movie. Nolan has a special place in IMAX's heart because he uses our cameras and promotes us. It's not a matter of us saying which we can make more money on. I would hope after 'Oppenheimer's' run, we can bring back 'Mission.'"

"Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning — Part One" is set to hit theaters on July 12, 2023, with "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" following on July 21.

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