Tom Cruise Mostly Avoided R-Rated Projects for 20 Years, but ‘The Gnarly Movie’ Is Changing That

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise, one of the biggest movie stars in the world, has always been strategic about his film choices. Throughout his nearly 40-year career, he has carefully navigated the world of Hollywood, maintaining his status as a leading man and appealing to a wide range of audiences. One way he has achieved this is by mostly avoiding R-rated movies, which are restricted to viewers under 17 without an accompanying parent or guardian.

In the past two decades, Tom Cruise has been involved in only six R-rated films, and he has taken on the top billing in four of them. This deliberate approach is not surprising, given that R-rated movies often have a smaller audience compared to their PG-13 counterparts, which can impact box office revenue. Instead, Cruise has built his brand around action-packed blockbusters that are accessible to a broader audience, allowing him to maintain his status as a global superstar.

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Among his R-rated roles, Cruise had a memorable cameo in “Tropic Thunder” and a supporting role in the political drama “Lions for Lambs.” However, his last lead role in an R-rated film was in the 2018 crime caper “American Made,” in which he portrayed the real-life pilot and drug smuggler Barry Seal. This movie was well-received by critics and showcased Cruise’s ability to handle mature and complex characters.

Now, there’s buzz about a potential return for Tom Cruise to the R-rated territory. Christopher McQuarrie, the director of several “Mission: Impossible” films and a trusted collaborator of Cruise, has hinted at a new project in the works. McQuarrie revealed that they have been developing a movie together, which has been dubbed “The Gnarly Movie” on the internet. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this kind of project from Cruise, and it seems that the time may be ripe for him to take on a grittier and more adult-oriented thriller.

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However, there’s one obstacle before embarking on this new R-rated venture. Cruise is currently committed to finishing “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two,” the highly anticipated sequel in the action-packed franchise. Once this project is wrapped up, Cruise and McQuarrie could move forward with “The Gnarly Movie.” Of course, being the visionary that he is, Cruise might still surprise audiences and opt for a different path, like exploring the vastness of outer space in another sci-fi adventure.

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In the end, whatever decision Tom Cruise makes, his track record shows that he knows how to choose roles that resonate with audiences and elevate his star power. Whether he delves into R-rated territory or continues to rule the box office with his action-packed blockbusters, there’s no doubt that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.