Tom Cruise’s Space Movie Reportedly Grounded Over Political Concerns

Tom Cruise‘s ambitious plan to film a movie in space has reportedly stalled. According to a new report, the actor’s reluctance to involve former President Donald Trump is a key reason. The project would require high-level federal and NASA coordination.

Sources indicate Cruise did not want to seek a favor from Trump for political reasons. This news comes five years after the project was first announced with much fanfare. Universal Pictures had originally shown interest in the groundbreaking film.

Why NASA and Government Permission Are Crucial

The project was a collaboration with director Doug Liman, NASA, and SpaceX. Filming in orbit requires extensive government support and resources. A former NASA administrator appointed by Trump had publicly backed the idea.

That administrator, Jim Bridenstine, has since left his post. His supportive social media post about the project has been deleted. This shift effectively removed a key advocate within the necessary agencies.

Without official federal approval, the mission cannot proceed. The report suggests Cruise was unwilling to navigate the political landscape to get it. This leaves the highly-publicized space movie in permanent development limbo.

Cruise Moves Ahead With New Earth-Bound Project

Despite this setback, Tom Cruise is already filming his next major role. He recently wrapped production on an untitled black comedy. The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu.

The movie boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Sandra Hüller and John Goodman. It is scheduled for release in October 2026. Cruise shared his excitement for the project on social media last month.

He posted a rehearsal photo and praised Iñárritu’s work. The film is described as a story about a powerful man on a frantic mission. It represents a notable shift in genre for the action superstar.

This development highlights the complex intersection of entertainment, ambition, and politics. The reported end of the Tom Cruise space movie project shows some missions are truly impossible, even for him.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What was Tom Cruise’s space movie supposed to be?

It was a film project where Cruise would travel to the International Space Station to shoot scenes. The movie was to be made with director Doug Liman and involved NASA and SpaceX.

Why did Tom Cruise need permission from Donald Trump?

As a former President, Trump appointed the NASA leadership at the time. Major NASA collaborations for private film projects require high-level federal approval, which would have involved the administration.

Has Tom Cruise commented on this report?

No. As of now, Tom Cruise and his representatives have not publicly commented on the Page Six report regarding the film’s cancellation. The information comes from unnamed sources.

What is Tom Cruise working on instead?

He recently finished shooting a new black comedy directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. The film features a large cast and is set for release in late 2026.

Was the space movie ever officially confirmed?

It was announced by NASA and Cruise’s team in 2020. However, no official production start date or detailed script was ever released to the public.