Tom Cruise Unveils First Look at Original Action Film Set for 2026

Tom Cruise has shared the first image from his upcoming action film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, marking his return to original roles after several sequels. The film, which remains untitled, is set for release on October 2, 2026, and features an ensemble cast including John Goodman and Riz Ahmed. This project comes after Cruise’s notable performances as Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series and Pete Mitchell in the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick.

The last time Cruise portrayed a character in an original film was in 2017 when he starred as Barry Seal in American Made. Since then, he has reprised his iconic roles, solidifying his status in the action genre. In his latest post on X, Cruise expressed his excitement about the film, reminiscing about his long-standing friendship with Iñárritu, whom he honored at the Governors Awards with an honorary Oscar this past weekend.

A Glimpse into the Plot

Details about the film’s storyline are sparse, but reports suggest it will focus on a powerful leader who inadvertently causes a disaster and must embark on a mission to rectify the consequences of his actions, ultimately positioning himself as humanity’s savior. This narrative sets the stage for a potential exploration of themes surrounding power and responsibility, echoing contemporary global issues.

In his X post, Cruise wrote: “Today, I share the first photo taken last year during a rehearsal on the set of my new film with Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Alejandro, 25 years ago I watched your first film, the classic Amores Perros. This weekend, 25 years later, I was deeply moved to have been presented the Honorary Oscar by you, my dear friend. I cannot wait to share our new film with you all next year!”

Future Projects and Collaborations

In addition to his collaboration with Iñárritu, Cruise will star alongside Ana de Armas in Deeper, an underwater action thriller directed by Doug Liman. This marks another reunion for the two, who previously worked together on American Made and the acclaimed sci-fi film Edge of Tomorrow. There are even plans for Cruise and Liman to shoot a film in space, although the feasibility of this project remains uncertain.

As fans eagerly await the release of Cruise’s latest projects, they can revisit some of his past science fiction hits. Edge of Tomorrow is often cited as one of his best, alongside other notable films such as Minority Report, directed by Steven Spielberg. Both films reflect Cruise’s versatility and ability to engage audiences across various genres.

With a career spanning decades, Tom Cruise continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. As he takes on new and original characters, anticipation builds for what promises to be another thrilling addition to his filmography.