Tom Cruise signs big contract with Warner Bros.

The actor says he has “a lot of respect and admiration for this studio which defends films, moviegoers and the theatrical experience.”

Tom Cruise and the directors of Warner Bros, David Zaslav, Michael Lucca and Pam Abdy, published a joint press release this week to announce their exceptional collaboration which begins in the year 2024. They intend to join forces to develop joint projects together, whether either original films or part of franchises. Their strategy will only concern works broadcast in cinemas, and not streaming series or films. Tom Cruise and his production team will have their own office at Warner’s premises in Burbank, California.

“We are thrilled to be working with Tom, who is an absolute legend in the film industry, comment the studio’s creative directors. Our vision, since day one, has been to rebuild this iconic company, to restore its greatness. When we first talked about this with David Zaslav, he told us: ‘Our mission is to bring Warner back: we have the best resources, franchises, screenwriters and diverse talents in the business. We need to bring Tom Cruise back to Warner Bros. !’ Today, this wish becomes reality, we are getting closer to our ambition.”

Finally ready for Edge of Tomorrow 2 ?

The actor has indeed already worked several times for the studio in the past, notably on Risky Business (1983) by Paul Brickman, Magnolia (1999) by Paul Thomas Anderson or Eyes Wide Shut (released the same year) by Stanley Kubrick. Tom Cruise has had both successes and failures, for example playing the leading roles inEdge of Tomorrow (2014), The last Samurai (2003) or Rock Forever (2012).

Moreover, the project for a sequel to Doug Liman’s sci-fi blockbuster, in which he co-starred with Emily Blunt, regularly returns to the headlines, without ever being confirmed. Is this time the right one?

In his reaction published in the press release, Cruise in any case evokes his desire to continue to support cinema in theaters, as he did recently with Top Gun: Maverick Or Mission: Impossible 7. Remember that when the latter was released, during the summer, he defended his competitors just as much as his own film: Barbie, Oppenheimer, Indiana Jones 5…

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for this studio, he writes. For David, Pam, Mike and this entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery, which champions films, moviegoers and the theatrical experience. I can’t wait until we can make good films together!”

Comments that sweep away the studio’s recent strategy, not always beneficial for cinema: simultaneous release of films in theaters and streaming, cancellation of projects already filmed such as Batgirl or a new Scooby-Doo… By signing with Cruise, did the brains at the studios promise to give more priority to theaters?

Tom Cruise is Hollywood’s darling again thanks to Maverick

Towards a rapprochement with Paramount?

Also note that the contract signed between Tom Cruise and the studio does not stipulate exclusivity, which means that the actor will be able to shoot very well Mission: Impossible 8 with Paramount without compromising this deal. He could also be hired by Disney, Universal or others for projects outside of his productions concocted at Warner.

On the other hand, this agreement comes after a huge rumor announcing a future alliance between Paramount and Warner. By getting closer to this firm when he “saved cinema” thanks to Top Gun 2 at this other currently competing studio, could the star be confirming a deal between these two leading Hollywood companies very soon?

The press release focuses for the moment only on the partnership signed between Cruise and Warner, emphasizing the fact that it concerns theatrical cinema, but this contract is seen as a first step in the future deal between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, who could weigh heavily in the industry by joining forces. Particularly against Netflix and Disney+, gigantic competitors of Paramount + and Max in streaming.

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