Action movie icon Tom Cruise has signed a lucrative new deal with Warner Bros to develop and produce original and franchise movies that will feature him in the starring role.
Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy recently took over as co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros Motion Picture Group, and the arrival of Cruise and his production company is an early coup for the duo.
As the deal is not exclusive, nor is it a first-look agreement, Cruise, who has projects ongoing at Universal and Paramount, is permitted to make films with rival companies.
“We are thrilled to be working with Tom, an absolute legend in the film industry,” De Luca and Abdy said in a statement. “Our vision, from day one, has been to rebuild this iconic studio to the heights of its glory days.”
The duo continued, “In fact, when we first sat down with [Warner Bros. Discovery chief] David Zaslav to talk about joining the Warner Bros. Discovery team, he said to us, ‘We are on a mission to bring Warner Bros. back – we have the best resources, storytelling IP, and talent in the business – and we need to bring Tom Cruise back to Warner Bros!’”
The statement concluded, “Today, that becomes a reality and we are one step closer to achieving our ambition. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tom back to Warner Bros. and look forward to bringing more of his genius to life on screen in the years ahead.”
“I have great respect and admiration for David, Pam, Mike, and the entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery and their commitment to movies, movie fans, and the theatrical experience,” Cruise said. “I look forward to making great movies together!”
Meanwhile, it was recently confirmed the newest entry into the Mission: Impossible series, starring Cruise, has been delayed from 2024 to 2025 due to ongoing strike action.
The upcoming film currently remains untitled and will mark the eighth Mission: Impossible movie in the franchise. Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt for the final time, supported by a returning cast featuring Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and Vanessa Kirby.
