Why Tom Cruise hesitated to approach Trump for space film
What's the story
Hollywood actor Tom Cruise reportedly hesitated to request US President Donald Trump's assistance with his upcoming space film. A source told Page Six that Cruise didn't want to "ask Donald Trump for a favor," even though the project would require NASA's involvement. The insider added that the actor's decision was influenced by political considerations and a desire not to alienate fans.
Film details
Cruise's space film: A long-standing ambition
The ambitious project, reported by Deadline in 2020, aims to shoot a film in outer space with Cruise's Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman. It requires cooperation from SpaceX and NASA. The source said, "From what I understand, they would need NASA coordination to do the movie." However, there have been no further discussions within the space agency about the film.
Political dynamics
Trump's previous support and Cruise's political stance
Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who was appointed by Trump, had previously expressed support for the Cruise space project. He even tweeted that it could be filmed on the International Space Station (ISS). However, Bridenstine's tweet has since been deleted. Throughout his career, Cruise has largely remained apolitical and reportedly didn't want to risk upsetting fans by getting involved in politics now.
Director's view
Liman's perspective on the space film
Liman told Deadline, "I'm more excited about going to space, not less... but our goal is to make something great." "A lot of people are trying to do gimmicky things like, 'Oh, it's in space.' I'm not interested in doing something that's a just promotional gimmick. I want to make a film that people watch in 100 years when maybe there's hundreds of movies shot in outer space and there's nothing special about it being in outer space."
Recent work
Cruise's recent projects and Trump's comments
In 2025, Cruise released his last Mission: Impossible film, The Final Reckoning, and is working on several projects for 2026. Meanwhile, Trump recently mocked Cruise's height at the McDonald's Impact Summit by saying of the bomber pilots who attacked Iran's enrichment facilities, "They looked like Tom Cruise. They really do." "I don't want to be a wise guy and say 'But taller.' I'm not gonna say that. No."