Launchpad: Top Gun and the All-American Hero

Released in 1986, Top Gun catapulted then 24-year old Tom Cruise into superstardom. In the film, he portrayed Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a cocky but talented Navy pilot with a rebellious streak. Maverick’s charm and daredevil flying antics made him an instant fan favorite. For audiences, Cruise perfectly embodied the character – he looked the part of the handsome, youthful pilot and brought Maverick’s bravado to life in a way that resonated profoundly. Beyond his natural charisma and screen presence, Cruise also immersed himself in training to appear authentic in the cockpit scenes. His commitment to the role translated into electric on-screen chemistry.

Top Gun was a massive commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1986 and solidifying Cruise as a bonafide movie star. He became synonymous with Maverick – brash, daring characters who lived life on the edge. The film launched the Mustang Sally craze and helped revive interest in naval aviation. But more than anything, it defined Cruise’s early career as the all-American heartthrob who audiences loved to root for as he took daring risks on screen. In the span of just one film, he skyrocketed to global fame and established himself as the perfect vehicle for high-octane action blockbusters.

Evolution: Mission: Impossible and the Action Star with Depth

Ten years after Top Gun, Cruise took on the role of Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible, based on the 1960s TV show. As the leader of an elite covert IMF team, Hunt embodied cunning intelligence and physical prowess. But the film, and those that followed in the franchise, allowed Cruise to flex his acting chops beyond the surface level bravado of Maverick. Ethan Hunt struggled with betrayal, trust issues stemming from past failures, and balancing his personal life with his duties – layers the straightforward Top Gun character lacked.

Cruise also took a hands-on role as a producer for Mission: Impossible, advocating for practical stunts and influences over the films’ cinematic style. This gave him significant creative control and a chance to showcase his commitment beyond just starring in another blockbuster. Across five films and counting, Ethan Hunt has evolved into a complex character navigating moral dilemmas amid dazzling set pieces. The Mission: Impossible franchise allowed Cruise’s talents to shine through in new ways and marked an important step in his career maturation. He proved he was no longer content to merely be an “action star” but rather a serious actor invested in longform storytelling.

Trajectory: Maintaining Stardom Through Reinvention

Both Top Gun and Mission: Impossible have demonstrated Cruise’s ability to keep audiences engaged with familiar characters for decades. Where some franchises fizzle after a few entries, he has sustained interest in both properties for well over 25 years. This is a testament to his commitment to continually reinventing himself and finding new depths to explore with Ethan Hunt and Maverick.

Now in his late 50s, Cruise continues to perform even the most dangerous stunts himself, like hanging off the side of a plane as it takes off. This dedication to practical effects over CGI has become his signature and adds gravity to his roles. It also challenges expectations of an aging action star simply going through the motions. Each new Mission film seems to up the ante on what is possible in terms of practical stuntwork.

While known primarily for action, Cruise has also shown his versatility with acclaimed dramatic performances. Films like Jerry Maguire, Rain Man, and Magnolia showcase his range beyond just handsome heroes. Even in more comedic fare like Tropic Thunder, he commits fully to transforming physically and bringing nuanced characters to life. This diversity has prevented him from being pigeonholed and allowed for a lengthy, varied career trajectory.

Looking Ahead: A Continued Mission

With Top Gun: Maverick releasing in 2022 and at least one more Mission: Impossible film reportedly in development, Cruise shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to redefine what is possible for an aging action star through his commitment to practical effects. Both franchises have proven platforms to explore new depths with familiar characters decades after their inception. This dedication to his craft and willingness to take creative risks is what has sustained Cruise’s stardom for over 35 years.

As long as he stays invested in growth and reinvention, Cruise seems poised to add many more chapters to his illustrious career. The longevity and continued success of Top Gun and Mission: Impossible stand as a testament to his unique talents and work ethic. He remains one of the few true movie stars who can open any film based on his name alone. And it all began with the launch of Cruise as Maverick in Top Gun and his evolution into the complex Ethan Hunt – two roles that came to define his career and Hollywood star power for generations to come.