In addition to his role in “Interview with a Vampire,” Tom Cruise also joined Universal’s ambitious project, “The Dark Universe,” which aimed to create a shared cinematic universe featuring iconic monsters like Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolf Man, Dracula, and The Invisible Man.
The franchise intended to follow in the footsteps of successful comic book adaptations by Marvel and DC. Cruise’s involvement began with his starring role in the 2017 film “The Mummy.” However, despite high expectations, the movie received mixed reviews and failed to kickstart the Dark Universe as planned. Cruise’s participation showcased his willingness to explore diverse genres and embrace unique cinematic ventures.
Made in the Shades
In the classic film "Risky Business," Tom Cruise's character was known for sporting a particular style of Ray-Ban sunglasses. The impact of his on-screen eyewear choice went beyond just being a fashion statement. The popularity of Cruise's character and his association with those iconic shades turned out to be a significant success for the Ray-Ban brand.
Upon the release of the movie in 1983, the specific design of Ray-Ban sunglasses that Cruise wore experienced a staggering 40% increase in sales. It's a testament to the influence and trend-setting power of Cruise's character and the lasting impact of his style choices on popular culture.
A Big Apology
Tom Cruise was chosen to play the iconic vampire Lestat in the film adaptation of "Interview with a Vampire," based on the novel by Anne Rice. However, this decision sparked controversy as Rice voiced her disapproval of Cruise's casting. She publicly criticized the actor's selection, expressing her doubts about his ability to embody the character.
Nevertheless, when the film was released, Rice was pleasantly surprised and acknowledged Cruise's exceptional performance. She was impressed by his portrayal, she went on to buy a two-page advertisement in the renowned publication "Daily Variety" to offer a sincere apology to Cruise for her previous comments.
He Has Moves
Prior to showing the world what he can do on the dance floor in the film "Rock of Ages," a young Tom Cruise had already developed a passion for dancing. Believing that being a skilled dancer would attract the attention of girls, Cruise took it upon himself to learn the art form. He honed his dance skills by meticulously memorizing routines from the popular show "Soul Train."
While the effectiveness of his dancing prowess on the opposite sex remains unknown, it undeniably became a valuable asset in his acting career. Cruise's ability to move with grace and rhythm added an extra dimension to his performances, enhancing his versatility as an actor.
Bona Fide Booty
In the film "Valkyrie," Tom Cruise had a notable scene that captured the attention of viewers. However, one curious Twitter user speculated that Cruise might have been wearing a prosthetic butt for that particular scene. The tweet quickly gained traction, going viral and leaving fans intrigued.
In response, Cruise dismissed the accusation, asserting that he indeed performed the scene without any assistance and humorously remarked, "I do my own mooning." Despite the actor's assurance, the authenticity of the butt in question continues to be a topic of debate among fans.