Tom Cruise in Serious Talks for Les Grossman Spinoff Movie
Tom Cruise in Talks for Les Grossman Spinoff: Tropic Thunder Fan-Favorite Could Return
Tom Cruise might be reviving one of his most unforgettable—and hilariously over-the-top—characters: Les Grossman.
According to recent reports, Cruise is in "very serious conversations" with director Christopher McQuarrie about making a standalone spinoff centered on the foul-mouthed, wildly aggressive Hollywood executive from the 2008 cult comedy Tropic Thunder. Known for his iconic dance moves and explosive temper, Les Grossman became an instant fan favorite and a pop culture sensation after Cruise’s surprise transformation in the film.
Remembering when MTV got Tom Cruise as Les Grossman to host the Movie Awards and released an amazing promo with Robert Pattinson.
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) March 19, 2025
pic.twitter.com/ILz6OYRlZ3
Talks Gaining Momentum
While Cruise is currently immersed in the final stages of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, insiders reveal that brainstorming sessions with McQuarrie about Grossman’s return have become a fun and energizing break from the intense action film production.
McQuarrie, who has collaborated with Cruise on numerous blockbuster hits, said that their creative exchanges while Cruise was in Grossman mode have been a highlight of recent months. “Every time we riff on Les, it’s pure joy,” McQuarrie shared, adding that they’re working to ensure the spinoff captures the unique comedic chaos that made Grossman iconic.
Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie want to bring back Les Grossman from ‘TROPIC THUNDER’
— ScreenTime (@screentime) May 26, 2025
"We're having very serious conversations about it"
(via: Josh Horowitz) pic.twitter.com/KTKn2BXcRU
Creative Process Still Ongoing
The project is still in development, with both Cruise and McQuarrie focused on finding the right angle and tone. The goal? To bring Les Grossman back in a way that feels both fresh and true to what fans loved about the character in Tropic Thunder.
“This only works if we figure out exactly what Les Grossman’s story is—and how to make it as outrageous and funny as he was the first time around,” McQuarrie said.
Long-Awaited Return
Talk of a Les Grossman film isn’t new. Even Ben Stiller, who directed Tropic Thunder, has mentioned past conversations with Cruise about giving Grossman his own movie. However, this is the first time the project has felt like it might actually move forward.
With Cruise’s comedic timing and McQuarrie’s storytelling experience, the odds are higher than ever that this long-rumored spinoff could become a reality.
