<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tom-cruise">Tom Cruise</a> has received the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/u-s-navy">U.S. Navy</a>’s top civilian honor for “outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps” thanks to his work on “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/top-gun">Top Gun</a>” and other military-themed films.
The 62-year-old actor was presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London on Tuesday, as the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-cruise-top-gun-navy-honor-britain-973f508e7d1359f5f473a6697c3e5984">Associated Press</a> reported. The honor came with a medal and certificate.
“I admire all of the servicemen and women,” Cruise said. “I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that is to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women.”
The U.S. Navy credited the Hollywood star with “[increasing] public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.”
“Top Gun” (1986) depicts Cruise as Lieutenant Pete &#8220;Maverick&#8221; Mitchell, a naval aviator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. He and LTJG Nick &#8220;Goose&#8221; Bradshaw go on to train at the US Navy&#8217;s Fighter Weapons School at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
The first film received mixed reviews but went on to become one of the most beloved action dramas of the time. “Top Gun” is a cult classic that earned $357 million worldwide after being produced for just $15 million. 
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A sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” was released in 2022 and absolutely dominated the box office, bringing in close to $1.5 billion worldwide and making it the highest-grossing film of Cruise’s career. 
The Navy said the “Top Gun” sequel “brought nostalgia to older audiences and reinvigorated the minds of newer audience members, effectively targeting a younger audience’s interest in the skill sets and opportunities the Navy can provide.”
Cruise was also recognized for other patriotic roles, including his parts in Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and A Few Good Men (1992). He has also starred in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with the next installment slated to be released in May 2025. 
“Top Gun 3” is in the early stages of being developed for Paramount Pictures.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise Awarded Top U.S. Navy Civilian Award For ‘Top Gun,’ Other Military Films

Tom Cruise Awarded Top U.S. Navy Civilian Award For 'Top Gun,' Other Military Films

Celebrities

Entertainment

Top Gun

U.S.

U.S. Military

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“Top Gun: Maverick” star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/hollywood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glen Powell</a> has confirmed that a sequel to the hugely successful 2022 film is not only happening, but that a date has been set for filming to get underway.
Speaking on the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daisy-edgar-jones-glen-powell/id827905050?i=1000662962312">“Happy Sad Confused” podcast</a>, the 35-year-old actor remained mostly tight-lipped about the third film in the “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/top-gun">Top Gun”</a> franchise, but did say he has a date for filming.
“I mean, I have a date,” Powell told the host Josh Horowitz.
When pressed by the host for any details regarding the plot line or other information about the next film, the “Top Gun” star replied, “Absolutely not,” and suggested they move on to another topic, the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/07/23/entertainment/glen-powell-confirms-top-gun-3-is-to-begin-filming-i-have-a-date/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=nypost">New York Post</a> noted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Glen Powell confirms ‘Top Gun 3’ is to begin filming: ‘I have a date’ <a href="https://t.co/Gmo4LMsvv4">https://t.co/Gmo4LMsvv4</a> <a href="https://t.co/21xg3Qhatx">pic.twitter.com/21xg3Qhatx</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1815873664820101573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
In January, a <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/paramount-is-working-on-top-gun-3-with-tom-cruise-report">report surfaced</a> that Paramount Pictures was working on a third “Top Gun” movie with Tom Cruise, but no details were released about who would be involved or when fans can expect it to hit the big screen.
Powell along with “Top Gun” star Cruise and Miles Teller have been questioned about when production will get underway, but little information has been shared so far.
During the “Twisters” star’s appearance at the Sundance Film Festival, Powell said that “there is going to be some fun stuff being announced soon … but it was confidential to me. I talk to [Joseph] Kosinski, Cruise and Jerry [Bruckheimer] all the time.”
“There is stuff happening and it sounds very exciting,” he added. “I don’t know when I’ll be going back … I’m sure there is a jet waiting for me sometime in the future.”
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In March, producer Bruckheimer told <a href="https://people.com/jerry-bruckheimer-teases-top-gun-3-praises-tom-cruise-how-hard-he-works-exclusive-8621250">People</a> that, “We <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/28/entertainment/tom-cruise-pitched-top-gun-3-storyline-how-he-reacted/">pitched Tom a story he liked.</a> But he’s a very in-demand actor and he’s got a lot of movies lined up, so we have to wait and see.”
Bruckheimer not only produced the original 1986 “Top Gun” film, but the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/top-gun">sequel</a> to “Top Gun” that grossed more domestically than any other movie in 2022 and was genuinely loved by critics and audience members alike, <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/02/top-gun-maverick-rotten-tomatoes-best-film-2022-1235253650/">Deadline</a> noted.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the decidedly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/top-gun-maverick-becomes-studios-highest-earning-film-at-domestic-box-office-in-its-110-year-history">non-woke sequel</a> centers around Cruise’s character “Pete Mitchell, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him,” before he is called back to “Top Gun,” according to <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0">IMDb</a>.
The film became one of the top-grossing films of all time, <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/08/top-gun-maverick-1-4-billion-worldwide-box-office-tom-cruise-1235097053/">Deadline</a> noted. Its global success made it Cruise’s first film to ever reach such a milestone.  The success of the movie did not escape the “Jack Reacher” star, who previously took to <a href="https://x.com/TomCruise/status/1541489523485442048?s=20&amp;t=ByFJE-HCPM_waJk-exr3Fw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media</a> to thank fans for turning up in droves.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/top-gun-star-explains-why-hes-moving-away-from-hollywood-after-15-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Top Gun’ Star Explains Why He’s Moving Away From Hollywood After 15 Years</a>

Glenn Powell

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Star Confirms Sequel Is Happening

'Top Gun: Maverick’ Star Confirms Sequel Is Happening

Hollywood

Eddie Murphy and Tom Cruise have more in common than you think.
Both became superstars in the 1980s and haven’t left the A-list since. Each is in his early 60s (Cruise is 62, Murphy is 63) but looks much younger.
They also resurrected their classic ‘80s films for a new audience with grand results.
Murphy’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” isn’t the revelation that Cruise’s 2022 smash “Top Gun: Maverick” proved. Plus, the former debuted on Netflix, not in theaters nationwide.
Still, both films brought back that Reagan-era feeling while telling stories worth a fresh look. Neither apologizes for the past. Instead, they celebrate it.
<div id="attachment_759415" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-759415" class="wp-image-759415 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-f-vv-1024x426.jpg" alt="Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix. Copyright 2024. Netflix, Inc. Copyright 2024“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”. Eddie Murphy, John Ashton, and Judge Reinhold." width="1024" height="426" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-f-vv-1024x426.jpg 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-f-vv-300x125.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-f-vv-768x320.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-f-vv-1536x639.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-f-vv.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix. Copyright 2024. Netflix, Inc.</div>
It’s been 30 years since Axel Foley walked the beat. “Beverly Hills Cop 3” unofficially ended the franchise and good riddance. The formula was played out by then, and Murphy’s outsized talents deserved better.
Murphy wouldn’t let the character go, even mulling a TV incarnation with a younger star taking the reins as Axel’s son (Murphy would appear in the first episode and potentially pop up now and again).
He finally re-teamed with his old producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, for “Axel F.” Except we’ve been here before.
The 2021 Prime Video original “Coming 2 America” followed up on the actor’s other ‘80s comedy smash. The sequel packed little of “Coming to America’s” magic, swapping woke bromides for Murphy-sized guffaws.
Hard pass.
So a new “Beverly Hills Cop” project aroused more than just suspicion. Try desperation.
“Maverick” proved you can‘t ground a talent like Cruise. The same holds true for Murphy who knows Axel remains his signature role.
Screenwriters Will Beall, Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten concocted an excuse to lure Axel back to Beverly Hills where the cop is no longer a fish-out-of-water. His grown daughter Jane (Taylour Paige, excellent) is in trouble. She’s defending a young Latino man charged with killing a cop, but she suspects he’s innocent
That reveals another round of “Dirty Cop 101” along with an unctuous detective played by Kevin Bacon.
<div id="attachment_759419" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-759419" class="wp-image-759419 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-hbn-1024x425.jpg" alt="Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix. Copyright 2024. Netflix, Inc. Copyright 2024“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”. Eddie Murphy, Kevin Bacon, John Ashton." width="1024" height="425" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-hbn-1024x425.jpg 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-hbn-300x124.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-hbn-768x318.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-hbn-1536x637.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/axel-hbn.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix. Copyright 2024. Netflix, Inc.</div>
Why does “Axel F” follow in the grand “Maverick” tradition?
For starters, neither bows to the woke mob. “Maverick” played it straight down the middle, avoiding the culture wars entirely. “Axel F” acknowledges the story exists in 2024 but it plays out sans lectures or gags that take you out of the moment.
When Axel teases a white cop on a racially-charged gag, his smile tells us he isn’t serious. It’s all in good fun.
Even Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character, a more sensitive cop for our times who briefly tells Axel his style no longer plays in today’s culture, learns that old-school approach gets results.
Both films understand why we cared about the main characters in the first place. Maverick may not play by the rules, but his spine is stiff and his moral compass points true north. Axel can talk his way out of any jam, and his police improvisations would make MacGyver blush.
It’s all about collaring the bad guys.
Neither “Maverick” nor “Axel F” deify our heroes. Cruise’s Maverick remains a hot head, and his romantic stumbles aren’t lost on his new love interest, Penny (Jennifer Connelly). Axel’s estranged relationship with his daughter didn’t happen accidentally. He’s a great cop and a misguided parent. He couldn’t navigate the balance between divorce and catching the bad guys.
Jane’s anger at her father appears justified, and “Axel F” isn’t ready to sweep it away for convenience’s sake. He must earn her trust again.
“Maverick” and “Axel F” teem with nostalgic throwbacks. The former brings Iceman (Val Kilmer) back for a bittersweet coda, and we see images of the late Goose (Anthony Edwards) to spark our tear ducts.
“Axel F” features the boyish Billy (now a 60-something Judge Reinhold), Taggart (John Ashton) and, of course, Serge (Bronson Pinchot).
<div id="attachment_759421" style="width: 894px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-759421" class="size-large wp-image-759421" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/GettyImages-2158535205-884x576.jpg" alt="BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Bronson Pinchot, Judge Reinhold, Eddie Murphy, John Ashton and Paul Reiser attend Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's &quot;Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F&quot; at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on June 20, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage)" width="884" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/GettyImages-2158535205-884x576.jpg 884w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/GettyImages-2158535205-300x195.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/GettyImages-2158535205-768x500.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/07/GettyImages-2158535205.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px" />Kayla Oaddams/WireImage</div>
We even see glimpses of the previous “Cop” movies via a case files montage.
The films also boldly replays the greatest hits from the ‘80s, witness “Danger Zone,” “Neutron Dance” and, of course, “The Heat Is On.” Great pop songs never go out of style.
Murphy and Cruise didn’t want to embarrass themselves with these belated sequels. Both are hands-on talent at this point, serving as producers on their requisite films. They likely realized playing to the increasingly small woke audience would not only diminish the films in question but, perhaps, their legacies.
Murphy, in particular, may have realized why making “Coming 2 America” woke did him and the film few favors.
You don’t stay relevant in Hollywood for four decades without connecting with the American public. These stars instinctively knew we wanted to spend more time with Maverick and Axel again, but not in a way that diminished our memories.
We feel the need for nostalgia, and “Maverick” and “Axel F” deliver.
* * *
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of <a href="http://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://twitter.com/HollywoodInToto?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@HollywoodInToto</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

axel fffs

‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,’ ‘Maverick,’ And The Return Of The Reagan ’80s

'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,' 'Maverick,' And The Return Of The Reagan '80s

Eddie Murphy

Movies

Netflix

Readers Pass

Dakota Fanning revealed the unique birthday presents she has received every year from <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tom-cruise-drops-behind-the-scenes-throwback-shots-in-honor-of-top-gun-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tom Cruise</a> since early in her career.
During the 30-year-old actress&#8217; appearance on “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6W0t6z9BgM">The Kelly Clarkson Show</a>,” the host mentioned how sweet she finds it that Cruise still sends Fanning a gift every year on her birthday, before sharing that the gift is always a new pair of shoes.
“I find this amazing that every year on your birthday, Tom Cruise actually still sends you a present on your birthday and says ‘Happy Birthday.’ That’s so nice,” Clarkson told the “Twilight” star, noting that it’s been more than a decade since Fanning worked with the &#8220;Top Gun&#8221; star on “War of the Worlds” in 2005.
Fanning said she turned 11 while the two were working on the movie together and he gave her her “first cell phone.”
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Dakota Fanning Has A Massive Shoe Collection Thanks To Tom Cruise" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h6W0t6z9BgM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
“It was a Motorola Razr,” Fanning recalled. “I didn’t have anyone to call but I just wanted a Razr so bad. And I must have been talking about it a lot because that’s what he got me. It was such great memory.”
However, since that time, she said Cruise has sent her the &#8220;same thing every year, after the cellphone&#8221; and that&#8217;s shoes, because he knows she&#8217;s loved them since she was very young.
“I started to be able to fit into really small adult shoes when I was on the ‘War of the Worlds’ press tour so I was very excited about them,” Fanning said. “And so, from that birthday on, he always sends me shoes.”
Clarkson replied that the actress “must have a massive shoe collection brought to you by Tom Cruise,” and Fanning just responded with a big laugh.
The “Top Gun: Maverick” star is well known for gifting his friends unique presents, like a white chocolate coconut cake he sends a few fellow celebrities every year for Christmas. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tom-hanks-spills-details-on-the-christmas-gift-he-gets-every-year-from-tom-cruise">Tom Hanks</a> recently talked about this cake that he said his family and entire staff look forward to every year.
“This cake is so great,” he added. “You can really only have it once a year. Which works out perfectly because I don’t order it. It arrives as a gift at Christmas.”
“Now, I’m gonna drop a name now, and I don’t want you to go berserk, but this is a big name,” Hanks continued. “Not everybody gets this white chocolate coconut bundt cake. This is a Christmas gift that we get every year from Tom Cruise.”
The “Forrest Gump” star said he’s not the only one who eagerly waits for the cake to arrive, but the entire staff at his production studio does as well.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/mission-impossible-co-stars-reveal-wild-gifts-from-tom-cruise-during-shoot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Mission: Impossible’ Co-Stars Reveal Wild Gifts From Tom Cruise During Shoot</a>

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning Reveals Unique Birthday Present She Gets Every Year From Tom Cruise

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/jeremy-renner">Jeremy Renner</a> said as much as he loved working with Tom Cruise and others that were part of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, he had to walk away from it so he could be a dad.
Speaking to <a href="https://collider.com/mission-impossible-jeremy-renner-return/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collider</a>, the 53-year-old actor said working on “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” in 2011 and &#8220;Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation” in 2015 was a great experience, but because of the films&#8217; schedule, he stopped doing it so he could spend time with his family and now 11-year-old daughter Ava &#8212; whom he shares with his ex-wife Sonni Pacheco.
&#8220;I had to leave that [franchise],&#8221; Renner told the outlet. &#8220;It requires a lot of time away. It’s all in London. I had to go be a dad. It just wasn&#8217;t gonna work out then.&#8221;
&#8220;I was supposed to do more with them,&#8221; he added. &#8220;I love those guys. I love Tom [Cruise] so much. We had so much fun, and I love that character a lot.&#8221;
When asked if maybe he could return to the franchise now that his “daughter is older,” Renner admitted it &#8220;could happen.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jeremy Renner Says His Return to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionImpossible?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionImpossible</a> Franchise Is Possible: <a href="https://t.co/S7ju8trJ4O">https://t.co/S7ju8trJ4O</a>
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWrap/status/1795528919480742122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
&#8220;I&#8217;d always jump into a ‘Mission: Impossible’ anytime and back into [IMF agent William] Brandt,” he added. “It’s great.&#8221;
The comments echoed ones the actor made in 2021 to <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a38188420/jeremy-renner-mayor-of-kingstown-hawkeye-interview/">Men’s Health</a> magazine, when he explained that he was willing to walk away from his Marvel Cinematic Universe role as Clint Barton/Hawkeye because the busy filming schedule was making it hard to see his daughter.
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&#8220;It taught me how to have the nuts to say, ‘Everyone, f*** off. It’s my time with my daughter,'&#8221; Renner said of the ultimatum he gave Marvel execs at the time.
&#8220;I said, ‘Fine, recast me. I’m going to be here with my daughter.’ It was pretty gnarly,&#8221; he added.
&#8220;Acting and everything else goes out the window,&#8221; Renner continued. &#8220;Until my daughter says, ‘I want to hang out with my friends, and I don’t want to be around you so much, Daddy.'&#8221;
In January 2023, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jeremy-renner-reflects-on-year-of-recovery-no-one-ever-told-me-that-i-was-gonna-get-better">Renner</a> was nearly crushed under a 14,300-pound snowcat in an accident near his Nevada home. Over the last year, he’s undergone extensive therapy in order to recover from the accident that left him with more than 30 broken bones.
The actor recently talked about the life-threatening injuries he sustained in the accident and said, “Not one doctor, early on, said ‘You’re gonna pull through, you’re gonna be able to see again, you’re gonna be able to walk again, you’re gonna be able to breathe right, you’re gonna be able to talk,'&#8221; <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jeremy-renner-snowplow-accident-recovery-acting-future-1235817895/">The Hollywood Reporter</a> reported.
“No one gave me anything,” he added. “I think they were all communicating with my family. And I feel like if they didn’t tell me it must have been pretty bleak.”
“The Avengers” star said when he heard there would be limitations to his recovery, it only fueled him to get back on his feet faster.

Celebrity Sightings In New York City – December 03, 2020

Jeremy Renner Says He Left ‘Mission: Impossible’ Franchise To Be A Dad

Hollywod

Jeremy Renner

“<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tom-cruise-and-top-gun-maverick-can-take-another-victory-lap-after-debut-on-paramount" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top Gun: Maverick</a>” star Glen Powell said now that he’s finally made it in Hollywood as a leading man he’s leaving California to be closer to family and finally graduate. 
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/glen-powell-interview-hit-man-movie-texas-move-1235905159/">Hollywood Reporter</a>, the 35-year-old star said after 15 years living in the “fishbowl,” he’s gotten to “this point in Hollywood” that he can leave, saying it’s like he’s “earned the ability to go back” to his family and home in Texas. Despite his plans to leave Tinseltown, he has no plans to stop making movies and may continue to be involved in the industry.
“The thing that makes me feel in conflict with some parts of this moment is that I like choosing when I’m out in front,” Powell said of his new leading man fame following the romantic comedy “Anyone But You.” “And I’m more than happy to be on a press tour.”
“I love it. I love going on a Jimmy Fallon — you walk out, you sign autographs, you do the whole thing,” he added, noting it’s the “idea that you’re a function here [in Hollywood]” that he finds most uncomfortable.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Glen Powell — mentored by Tom Cruise and on every studio wish list — is returning to his native Texas to party with his folks, escape the L.A. fishbowl and finally graduate college. But don’t worry, you’ll still be seeing him everywhere: <a href="https://t.co/TeApGlq52C">https://t.co/TeApGlq52C</a> <a href="https://t.co/WInfZXd4nX">pic.twitter.com/WInfZXd4nX</a>
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) <a href="https://twitter.com/THR/status/1793282170154565989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
“Someone will go, ‘Hey, friend, want to come to this guy’s house? Yeah, come over,’” Powell continued. “And then you show up, and suddenly you’re there for, like, someone’s tequila launch and all of a sudden there’s a photographer and you’re like, ‘Wait, what are we doing here?’ And I think you get enough of those that you just want to bring your family as close as possible — or run to them.”
The actor said that for the first time in his whole life, he&#8217;s &#8220;on the radar&#8221; — after struggling for years to get noticed in the movie industry — calling it weird. &#8220;I mean, after ‘Top Gun,’ a guy would literally be wearing a ‘Top Gun’ shirt and I’d be talking to him, and it was clear he had no idea.” 
Despite the fact that he’s finally on every studio’s wish list, Powell said he’s gotten to the point where he’s questioned his relationships and friendships with people in Tinseltown. So, on the advice of fellow Texan and A-list star Matthew McConaughey, he’s decided to move.
“He’s [McConaughey’s] like, ‘Hollywood is the Matrix, man,” Powell said. “You plug in and it’s all fake world.’ He’s like, ‘Then I go to Austin, and I unplug. It’s all real. Those are my friends, that’s my family, my actions matter there.’”
“And he’s right,” he added. “If you’re here, you live in the Matrix all the time, there’s no separation of those worlds. And for me, especially as my parents get older and my niece and nephew are growing up, I want a separation of those worlds.”
Powell also said with the move he plans to finally graduate from the University of Texas in Austin, which has been challenging ever since his career exploded. Still, he’s continued to take a course or two here or there so he can complete his college degree.
“I think it’s really important to my mom and it’s more of an emotional thing for me,” Powell said. “Plus, I’m so close, I can taste it.”

‘Top Gun’ Star Explains Why He’s Moving Away From Hollywood After 15 Years

actor

Texas

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tom-cruise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tom Cruise</a> definitely got everyone’s attention on Monday when he posted some incredible behind the scenes throwback shots from his movies in honor of “Top Gun” Day.
In a post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C66uX3mx3_d/?img_index=8">Instagram</a> shared by both Cruise and the official social media page for the “Top Gun” movies, the 61-year-old actor wrote that, “It’s incredible to look back on the thirty-eight years of ‘Top Gun.’”
“To the fans who have been with us since the start, there wouldn’t be a ‘Top Gun’ Day without you,” he added.
The “Mission Impossible” star’s post included several shots from his 1986 monster movie “Top Gun.” 
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One photo showed a young Cruise being directed by the movie’s director Tony Scott. In another photo, fans could see what appeared to be inside a hangar at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego where they filmed the original “Top Gun” movie.
Another snap showed footage of Cruise from the filming of the successful sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” showing Cruise in character and looking at photos inside the naval air station from the first film.
In a final photo, Cruise donned the famous leather bomber jacket that his character wore in both “Top Gun” movies.
Many fans expressed their opinions in the comments section of the post, with some noting that Cruise is widely credited with saving the movie industry — as the highly-anticipated sequel was the first film after the pandemic to get people back to the theater.
“Thanks for saving the box office during the pandemic, streaming is mediocre,” one person wrote.
Another added, “Happy Top Gun day EVERYONE.”
The <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/top-gun">sequel</a> to “Top Gun” grossed more domestically than any other movie in 2022 and was genuinely loved by critics and audience members alike, <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/02/top-gun-maverick-rotten-tomatoes-best-film-2022-1235253650/">Deadline</a> noted.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the decidedly <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/top-gun-maverick-becomes-studios-highest-earning-film-at-domestic-box-office-in-its-110-year-history">non-woke sequel</a> centers around Cruise’s character “Pete Mitchell, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him,” before he is called back to “Top Gun,” according to <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0">IMDb</a>.
The film became one of the top-grossing films of all time, <a href="https://deadline.com/2022/08/top-gun-maverick-1-4-billion-worldwide-box-office-tom-cruise-1235097053/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deadline</a> noted. Its global success made it Cruise’s first film to ever reach such a milestone. The success of the movie did not escape the “Jack Reacher” star, who previously took to social media to thank fans for turning up in droves.
“To all the films in release, to all the studios, and to all the exhibitors: congratulations,” Cruise’s <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise/status/1541489523485442048?s=20&amp;t=ByFJE-HCPM_waJk-exr3Fw">tweet</a> to his 6.9 million followers read.
“To the audience: thank you for venturing out and allowing us to entertain you,” the actor’s message added. “See you at the movies.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/top-gun-maverick-becomes-studios-highest-earning-film-at-domestic-box-office-in-its-110-year-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Becomes Studio’s Highest Earning Film At Domestic Box Office In Its 110 Year-History</a>

On the set of Top Gun

Tom Cruise Drops Behind The Scenes Throwback Shots In Honor Of ‘Top Gun’ Day

Tom Cruise Drops Behind The Scenes Throwback Shots In Honor Of 'Top Gun' Day

Prince William cracked a few jokes during his first public speech following his father King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and his wife’s abdominal surgery.
The 41-year-old <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/royal-family">royal family</a> member, who is first in line to the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/u-k">British</a> throne, made the remarks during a pre-dinner speech at a fundraiser for London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s new fleet of helicopters. The &#8220;Up Against Time&#8221; fundraising appeal was attended by “Top Gun: Maverick” star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tom-cruise">Tom Cruise</a>.
The Duke of Wales had previously taken time off following his wife’s surgery. King Charles also had surgery last month for an enlarged prostate, which was when his doctors diagnosed him with cancer.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all,” Prince William <a href="https://people.com/prince-william-tom-cruise-talk-top-gun-shoes-london-air-ambulance-charity-gala-8572206">said</a>.
He followed with a joke, saying, “It’s fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather medical focus, so I thought I’d come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all.”
The royal went on to discuss the goals of the organization and followed up with a shout-out to Cruise. &#8220;Here in London, the current aircraft have served magnificently,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But our capital city needs a new fleet. And we are Up Against Time. The clue really is in the Appeal&#8217;s name. By September, we need the two new red birds — decked with the latest kit such as night vision — in our skies.”
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&#8220;I should also take this opportunity to give a mention to my — our — fellow pilot, Tom Cruise,&#8221; Prince William added. &#8220;Tom, huge thanks for supporting us tonight. And Tom, if you wouldn&#8217;t mind not borrowing either of the new helicopters for the next ‘Mission Impossible,’ it would be appreciated. We have all seen on our screens that — how can I put it — you seem to have a different take on &#8216;normal wear and tear&#8217; to the rest of us. It&#8217;s not the kind that buffs out.&#8221;
William’s younger brother, Prince Harry, was recently in London visiting King Charles after news of his diagnosis broke. According to reports, the siblings did not visit with each other at that time.

Prince William

Prince William Makes Jokes During First Public Speech Since King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis

Prince William Makes Jokes During First Public Speech Since King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis 

King Charles

Royal Family

U.K.

World

Actor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/celebrities">Austin Butler</a> recently discussed a time he had to make a difficult decision between working with <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tom-cruise">Tom Cruise</a> or <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/quentin-tarantino">Quentin Tarantino</a>.
The 32-year-old celebrity revealed what happened during an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, People <a href="https://people.com/austin-butler-chose-quentin-tarantino-over-top-gun-maverick-audition-8549783">reported</a>. Butler, who’s best known for his Oscar-nominated performance in the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/movies">biopic</a> “Elvis,” clarified the rumors that he’d been up for a part in the blockbuster “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/top-gun">Top Gun: Maverick</a>.”
“I ended up having to choose between going to the screen test for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ or saying yes to Quentin Tarantino,” he said, explaining how he was set to appear in “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood” at the time.
“I’d already met with [Tarantino], so I did that,” Butler said of how he decided which of the two potentially life-changing options to pick. Butler played Charles &#8220;Tex&#8221; Watson, a member of Charles Manson&#8217;s cult, in Tarantino’s movie. 
“Maverick” went on to rake in over $1.4 billion in gross revenue worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 2022 and the highest-grossing of Cruise&#8217;s career. This fact doesn’t mean Butler has any regrets, however. He said he wouldn’t have starred opposite Cruise as Rooster anyway. That part wound up going to Miles Teller. 
“Top Gun: Maverick” and “Elvis” casting director Denise Chamian told <a href="https://variety.com/2022/artisans/news/austin-butler-elvis-casting-harry-styles-1235309713/">Variety</a> in July 2022 that everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
“The thing that he got the closest to was ‘Top Gun,&#8217;” Chamian told the outlet. “When I cast that, we were looking for the role that Miles Teller played. I felt so passionate about Austin. Ultimately, his audition was shown to Tom and all the filmmakers. They agreed he had something and they were happy to know him, but they thought he was too young.”
“At that point, I saw that this actor has something very special that other people don’t always have,” she continued. “It’s almost the way he looks into the camera. He knows the camera and lets the camera see him, and that is really what is so captivating.”
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That audition made her think of Butler for the part of Elvis, which eventually led to him being nominated for an Academy Award for the role.

Austin Butler

Austin Butler Says He Had To Choose: Screen Testing For ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Or ‘Saying Yes To Quentin Tarantino’

Quentin Tarantino

Work has begun on “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/top-gun">Top Gun 3</a>,” per a <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/01/top-gun-3-tom-cruise-1235722328/">Deadline</a> report, following the massive success of “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022.
Despite a gap of 36 years between the first “Top Gun” (1986) and the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/movies">sequel</a>, it became an absolute box office smash and the most lucrative film of actor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tom-cruise">Tom Cruise</a>’s long and successful career. It comes as no surprise that Paramount is gearing up for a third installment in hopes of capturing more of that money-making magic. 
The outlet noted that “Maverick” co-writer Ehren Kruger is currently writing a script for the newest “Top Gun” installment. Rumor has it that actors Miles Teller and Glen Powell are involved with the project, and that producers Jerry Bruckheimer and David Ellison are also on board. Joe Kosinski is slated to either direct or produce, according to Deadline.
Cruise is currently shooting “Mission: Impossible 8” for Paramount. The 61-year-old action star also just signed a huge non-exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to develop and produce theatrical films, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tom-cruise-inks-deal-with-warner-bros-for-ongoing-movie-partnership">reported</a>.
“Top Gun: Maverick” earned a whopping $1.49 billion at the global box office. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won Best Sound. 
It was also named the Best Film of 2022 by the movie review site Rotten Tomatoes. “Maverick” was rated 96% certified fresh from critics out of nearly 500 reviews and achieved a near-perfect 99% fresh audience score.
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It&#8217;s believed that one reason the “Top Gun” sequel performed so well is that it was free from radical progressive messaging and virtue signaling. The action film recalled a simpler time in Hollywood, when movies were made to inspire and entertain rather than to push an agenda.
The Federalist <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/just-say-no-to-woke-top-gun-maverick-crushing-box-office-with-pro-america-messaging-is-a-wake-up-call-for-hollywood">called</a> the “Top Gun” sequel “unabashedly patriotic” and “free of token left-wing social and political propaganda.” Reviewer Elle Reynolds wrote, “The only agenda being pushed is that America is the best country in the world and the men and women who risk their lives to defend her are heroes worthy of our respect.” 
Another surprising detail about the sequel is how it appealed to a range of audiences both young and old.

Paramount Is Working On ‘Top Gun 3’ With Tom Cruise: Report

Paramount Is Working On 'Top Gun 3' With Tom Cruise: Report

Paramount

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tom-cruise">Tom Cruise</a> has signed a deal with <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/warner-bros">Warner Bros.</a> Discovery to develop and produce theatrical <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/movies">films</a>, per Variety.
These new projects will be a mix of original <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/entertainment">productions</a> and franchise films, which will feature the Academy Award winning movie star. The publication <a href="https://variety.com/2024/film/news/tom-cruise-warner-bros-deal-new-movies-1235866282/">noted</a> that the deal is not exclusive and Cruise will still have upcoming projects with Universal, Paramount, and other studios in the future.
It’s been more than 10 years since the last time Cruise did anything with Warner Bros. The actor’s last project with the studio was “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014). Other notable films he’s done with the studio include “Magnolia,” “Rock of Ages,” “Interview With the Vampire,” and “Eyes Wide Shut.” Warner Bros. was also the studio behind Cruise’s breakout hit “Risky Business” (1983).
Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who took over as co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group in 2022, are the execs behind the deal with Cruise. David Zaslav is also being credited as he’s the one who hired De Luca and Abdy, the Variety report noted.
“We are thrilled to be working with Tom, an absolute legend in the film industry,” De Luca and Abdy said in a statement.
“Our vision, from day one, has been to rebuild this iconic studio to the heights of its glory days, and, in fact, when we first sat down with [Warner Bros. Discovery chief] David Zaslav to talk about joining the Warner Bros. Discovery team, he said to us, ‘We are on a mission to bring Warner Bros. back – we have the best resources, storytelling IP, and talent in the business – and we need to bring Tom Cruise back to Warner Bros!’”
They continued, “Today, that becomes a reality and we are one step closer to achieving our ambition. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tom back to Warner Bros. and look forward to bringing more of his genius to life on screen in the years ahead.”
Cruise also gushed over the partnership in his own statement.
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“I have great respect and admiration for David, Pam, Mike, and the entire team at Warner Bros. Discovery and their commitment to movies, movie fans, and the theatrical experience,” the “Mission: Impossible” actor said. “I look forward to making great movies together!”
Cruise is currently working on the eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise with Paramount following the massive success of “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022.

Tom Cruise Inks Deal With Warner Bros. For Ongoing Movie Partnership

Warner Bros

Clean up on aisle four!
Celebrities make messes far bigger than what most of us leave behind.
One advantage? They can attempt damage control on late-night TV, the concert stage or even via social media.
Actress Rachel Zegler chose an awards-season interview with Variety to clean up the mess she made earlier in the year. Zegler, the 20-something starlet known for “West Side Story,” “The Hunger Games” prequel, and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” almost personally sank a Disney mega-project. 
She’s slated to play the title role in Disney’s live-action “Snow White” update, but she had few kind things to say about the source material.
<blockquote>It’s no longer 1937, and we absolutely wrote a ‘Snow White’ — she’s not going to be saved by a prince! And she’s not gonna be dreaming about true love… She’ll be dreaming about becoming a leader she knows she can be.</blockquote>
Those and related comments went viral. On steroids.
She had to wait out the actor’s strike to do some <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-disney-actress-does-full-180-on-snow-white-after-backlash-for-feminist-comments-criticizing-original" target="_blank" rel="noopener">super-sized damage control</a>. And that’s exactly what she did alongside fellow Disney star Halle Bailey.
<blockquote>The cartoon is so beloved — it’s like a monumental moment in film history. It’s the first feature-length cartoon movie, to the point where it won honorary Oscars, and all these amazing things that happened for that film are the reason that you and I get to sit here today, because it made Disney what it is.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Rachel Zegler backtracks previous remarks and praises Disney&#39;s animated Snow White film as &quot;a monumental moment in film history&quot; <a href="https://t.co/oKBhYZIwhP">pic.twitter.com/oKBhYZIwhP</a>
&mdash; Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDailyWire/status/1734342385721844037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
That didn’t stop Team Disney from adding CGI dwarfs to the project and bumping its release date to 2025. We’ll have to wait until then to see if all is forgiven.
<h3><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/daily-wire-announces-live-action-snow-white-and-the-evil-queen-starring-youtube-sensation-brett-cooper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Wire Announces Live-Action ‘Snow White And The Evil Queen’</a></h3>
Other damage control efforts involved affairs of the heart. Or, perhaps, another part of the anatomy.
Hugh Grant sat atop the Hollywood food chain after the shocking success of his 1994 comedy “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” That, plus his coupling with fellow rising star Elizabeth Hurley gave him Flavor of the Month status.
It all came crashing down when he was caught dallying with a prostitute named Divine Brown. His squeaky-clean image, forged from his “Weddings” success and the anticipated release of the comedy “Nine Months,” suddenly soured.
What to do?
Drop by “The Tonight Show” and offer a <a href="https://people.com/movies/hugh-grant-surviving-prostitute-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sheepish mea culpa</a>. No excuses. Just self-flagellation.
“You know in life what’s a good thing to do and a bad thing to do. I did a bad thing,” he told “The Tonight Show’s” Jay Leno.
<div id="attachment_667871" style="width: 871px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-667871" class="size-large wp-image-667871" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-140924974-861x576.jpg" alt="THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO -- Episode 725 -- Pictured: (l-r) Actor Hugh Grant during an interview with and host Jay Leno on July 10, 1995 -- Photo by: Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank" width="861" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-140924974-861x576.jpg 861w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-140924974-300x201.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-140924974-768x514.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-140924974.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 861px) 100vw, 861px" />Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank</div>
Grant’s career made a slow but steady comeback following the scandal. Today, he works constantly on high-profile projects like “Wonka,” “The Undoing” and “The Gentlemen.”
The results of some damage control projects won’t be known for some time. Take Will Smith’s response to “The Slap,” the awful 2022 Oscar moment when he attacked comedian Chris Rock for telling a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head.
Smith’s bulletproof brand as a talented, charming A-lister vanished overnight.
The “King Richard” star laid low for a while and, eventually, released the requisite apology video. He has spent the last year and a half referencing “The Slap” during carefully considered press interviews to diminish its long-term impact.
His 2022 promotional campaign for “Emancipation” toned down the superstar’s usual elan.
<div id="attachment_667879" style="width: 908px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-667879" class="size-large wp-image-667879" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-1245323230-898x576.jpg" alt="LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Will Smith arrives at the European premiere of &quot;Emancipation&quot; at Vue West End on December 2, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Nicky J Sims/Getty Images)" width="898" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-1245323230-898x576.jpg 898w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-1245323230-300x192.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-1245323230-768x493.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-1245323230.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 898px) 100vw, 898px" />Nicky J Sims/Getty Images</div>
It’s unclear if he’ll ever return to his superstar status. That’s up to movie audiences, and they’ll soon have plenty of chances to weigh in. His upcoming projects include “I Am Legend 2,” another “Bad Boys” sequel and a “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” remake.
Some damage control efforts crash on impact. Mega-producer Harvey Weinstein offered a swift response to 2017 allegations he sexually assaulted multiple starlets. The Democratic bundler claimed his actions reflected a different, less evolved era, and he was deeply sorry for offending the women in question. He added a <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/harvey-weinstein-cites-jay-z-nra-bizarre-statement-ny-times-expose-1046152/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vow meant to rally his progressive base.</a>
Two, actually.
<blockquote>I am going to need a place to channel that anger so I’ve decided that I’m going to give the NRA my full attention. I hope Wayne LaPierre will enjoy his retirement party. I’m going to do it at the same place I had my Bar Mitzvah. I’m making a movie about our President, perhaps we can make it a joint retirement party. </blockquote>
Suffice it to say the effort didn’t work.
Sometimes an actor isn’t seeking the public’s grace but the industry’s forgiveness. Superstar Matt Damon earned the #MeToo movement’s wrath when he suggested Weinstein’s predatory crimes were <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/matt-damon-draws-backlash-comments-sexual-harassment-assault/story?id=51860137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">far worse</a> than what future Sen. Al Franken did by posing with a sleeping woman in a lewd manner.
<blockquote>There’s a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right? … Both of those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn’t be conflated, right?</blockquote>
Team #MeToo excoriated the “Good Will Hunting” star, and he <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2018/01/16/matt-damon-apologizes-metoo-comments-says-hes-shutting-up-now/1038008001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vowed to stay silent</a> on the subject moving forward.
Later that year, Damon <a href="https://ew.com/tv/2018/09/30/snl-matt-damon-brett-kavanaugh-cold-open/">famously portrayed</a> future Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on “Saturday Night Live,” leaning hard into the negative portrait of the conservative judge painted by the legacy media.
Kavanaugh’s case became a #MeToo cause celebre despite microscopic evidence assembled against the judge.
The public didn’t care about Damon’s involvement in the sketch, but his Hollywood peers likely cheered his attempt to derail Kavanaugh’s nomination.
Perhaps Hollywood’s most intriguing damage control project came from ageless actor Tom Cruise. The “Top Gun” star’s antics in the mid-2000s drew plenty of unwanted attention.
First, he infamously jumped on Oprah Winfrey’s couch while declaring his love for actress Katie Holmes. Social media wasn’t the gargantuan force it is today in 2005, but the story still spread like wildfire thanks, in part, to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=186&amp;v=_xfLapNp7UU&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fknowyourmeme.com%2F&amp;source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&amp;feature=emb_title" target="_blank" rel="noopener">late-night TV</a>.
None of it flattered Cruise.
One month later, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/hollywood-flashback-15-years-tom-cruise-clashed-matt-lauer-today-1299755/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cruise battled “Today” show co-host Matt Lauer</a> while promoting “The War of the Worlds.” They debated the efficacy of psychiatric drugs, reflecting his Scientology faith’s <a href="https://www.scientology.org/faq/scientology-in-society/why-is-scientology-opposed-to-psychiatric-abuses.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">criticism on the matter</a>.
<div id="attachment_667899" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-667899" class="size-large wp-image-667899" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-156539826-864x576.jpg" alt="TODAY -- Pictured: (l-r) Matt Lauer interviews actor Tom Cruise on June 23, 2005 -- (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-156539826-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-156539826-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-156539826-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/12/GettyImages-156539826.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Virginia Sherwood/NBC Newswire/Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images</div>
His career didn’t flatline, but his all-American brand took a hit. His response? Work more, talk less.
Cruise stopped over-sharing about his love life, avoided almost all political banter and kept the focus on making movies. His fan base began to grow anew, and on the strength of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise he resumed his place atop the Hollywood star chart.
Today, Cruise can’t stop thanking fans for supporting his Hollywood dreams. He’ll never have to do damage control for that.
* * *
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of <a href="http://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://twitter.com/HollywoodInToto?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@HollywoodInToto</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

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Damage Control: When Celebrities Embark On The Apology Tour

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