(Image Source: Paramount Pictures)
When discussing the roles fans most want Tom Cruise to reprise, beyond Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible" and Maverick in "Top Gun," the foul-mouthed, hot-tempered studio executive Les Grossman from "Tropic Thunder" consistently tops the list. This character marked one of Cruise's most transformative, hilarious, and self-deprecating performances. Despite his limited screen time, Grossman's popularity soared, leading to years of fan demand for a dedicated spin-off.
Three years ago, reports indeed surfaced that Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, director of "Mission: Impossible" installments 5, 6, 7, and 8, were developing a spin-off for the character. Recently, while promoting "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One," McQuarrie confirmed on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that he and Cruise are deeply invested in bringing the spin-off to fruition.
(Image Source: Paramount Pictures)
McQuarrie enthusiastically shared that the ideas he and Cruise have for a solo Les Grossman film are "so f***ing funny," and they are genuinely serious about making it, carefully discussing the best approach rather than just casually brainstorming. One challenge they face is transitioning Grossman from a supporting character to a lead. Supporting characters often have the freedom to say or do things a protagonist cannot, as lead roles carry different burdens and sometimes have restricted creative scope. McQuarrie and Cruise are currently exploring that boundary.
McQuarrie also noted that he and Cruise sometimes don't even focus on the plot structure. He explained that they "don't even think about structure. We just test scenes, and Tom will just sit at the table, relax, and not talk about how we're going to shoot it, and just purely improvise Les Grossman. That's one of the great joys of developing this movie." McQuarrie did not specify who would direct the film or if he would helm it himself, but he confirmed his involvement as at least a writer or producer.