"Top Gun: Maverick" producer reveals Tom Cruise's extraordinary work ethic as the key to the blockbuster's success. Plus, actor Glen Powell expresses his frustrations with the underrepresentation of audiences in mainstream cinema.
The immense success of "Top Gun: Maverick," which has soared past the billion-dollar mark at the global box office, has once again highlighted the enduring star power of Tom Cruise. According to the film's producer, Cruise's unwavering dedication to his craft plays a pivotal role in his unparalleled box office triumphs.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the producer emphasized, "Nobody works harder than Tom Cruise." He elaborated that Cruise's meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to excellence extend far beyond the physical demands of his stunts. "He's constantly studying, analyzing every aspect of his performance, and pushing himself to deliver the best possible experience for audiences," the producer revealed.
Tom Cruise's Billion-Dollar Secret and the Future of "Top Gun
With "Top Gun: Maverick" continuing to shatter box office records, speculation has arisen regarding a potential sequel. However, the producer remained tight-lipped, stating that discussions about the future of the franchise are ongoing. "We're not ready to make any announcements yet, but we're certainly exploring all possibilities," he teased.
Having grown up in Texas, actor Glen Powell has firsthand experience with the limited representation of certain regions of America in Hollywood productions. He believes that mainstream cinema has largely ignored the preferences and experiences of vast portions of the country.
Tom Cruise's Billion-Dollar Secret and the Future of "Top Gun
In an interview with The Telegraph, Powell expressed his frustration: "Having grown up in and around Texas, I'm aware there are vast parts of America that have been underserved in terms of movies that they want to see." He added, "You sort of have New York and Los Angeles making the decisions about what gets made, but there's a whole lot more audience out there you need to think about."
Powell's move back to Austin after 15 years in Los Angeles is reflective of his desire to reconnect with his roots and to advocate for the perspectives of underrepresented audiences. He credits Matthew McConaughey, who advised him to unplug from the Hollywood "Matrix" and reconnect with his true self, for inspiring this decision.
Tom Cruise's Billion-Dollar Secret and the Future of "Top Gun
Powell's impressive filmography includes roles in "Top Gun: Maverick," "Hit Man," and "Anyone But You," which he considers a revival of the long-dormant rom-com genre. By defying Hollywood's perceived norms and targeting underserved markets, Powell has proven that successful storytelling can extend beyond traditional boundaries.
Powell's upcoming film, "Twisters," a sequel to the 1996 blockbuster "Twister," is not intended to convey any political or environmental messages, despite its cataclysmic weather events. "First and foremost, because if you're telling people what to think, you're not allowing them to feel. You can't put people into that heightened state if they're thinking, 'Hmm, do I or do I not agree with this message?'" Powell explained to The Telegraph.
Tom Cruise's Billion-Dollar Secret and the Future of "Top Gun
Instead, "Twisters" focuses on the human experience in the face of nature's wrath. "Of course, you might want to have conversations about those other things later," Powell said, referring to climate change, "but that's not what our movie is about. It's man and woman versus nature; finding out who we really are in the face of the storm."
"Twisters" hits theaters on July 19, 2023, promising to deliver intense and exhilarating action while exploring the universal themes of human resilience and the indomitable spirit of discovery.
