Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg’s Rekindled Partnership Sparks Sequel Hopes

Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg once teamed up for two major blockbusters: Minority Report and War of the Worlds. The latter, based on H.G. Wells’ legendary novel, became the most successful adaptation to date, raking in $603 million worldwide. Audiences and critics alike praised its gripping narrative and modern visual effects, and fans of the original book appreciated the fresh take on a classic story. Many expected the duo to collaborate again, but their partnership abruptly ended after a public falling out.

Behind the Rift: What Drove Cruise and Spielberg Apart

Their relationship soured following Cruise’s infamous appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where his exuberant behavior became a viral sensation. Around the same time, Cruise clashed with Matt Lauer over the topic of psychiatric medication, further fueling controversy. Spielberg was reportedly frustrated by how these incidents overshadowed the promotion of War of the Worlds. Tensions escalated when, after Spielberg praised a psychiatrist who had helped a family member, Scientologists protested outside the doctor’s office, deepening the rift between the two Hollywood heavyweights.

For years, the two remained distant. But in 2023, the ice finally thawed. During an Oscar nominees luncheon, Spielberg publicly praised Cruise’s work on Top Gun: Maverick , saying,

“You saved Hollywood’s ass and you might have saved theatrical distribution.”

The moment marked a turning point, with Cruise visibly moved by the gesture. Fans immediately began speculating about a possible reunion on the big screen.

Could a New Sci-Fi Sequel Be in the Works?

Before their split, Cruise had approached Spielberg with several ideas for future projects, one of which was adapting The War of the Worlds. The 2005 film, featuring Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, and Tim Robbins, followed Cruise as a blue-collar father fighting to protect his children during a devastating alien invasion. The screenplay, originally penned by Josh Friedman and later revised by David Koepp, marked Spielberg’s third exploration of extraterrestrial threats.

If the pair decide to revisit this universe, they wouldn’t have to search far for inspiration. In 2017, British author Stephen Baxter published The Massacre of Mankind, the official sequel to Wells’ original novel. Set 14 years after the first invasion, the story centers on a new Martian attack. While the book introduces a different protagonist, a modern film adaptation could easily bring Cruise back as the lead, and fans are already imagining a grown-up Dakota Fanning in a key role.

Mixed Reactions to a Sci-Fi Classic

Despite its box office triumph, War of the Worlds didn’t win over everyone. The film holds a 76% Tomatometer score but only a 42% audience rating, making it one of Spielberg’s least beloved movies among viewers. Some felt the film’s depiction of chaos and destruction hit too close to home, evoking memories of the 9/11 attacks. The bleak visuals and scenes of panic proved overwhelming for many.

Cruise’s portrayal of a flawed father also divided audiences, with some finding his relationship with his children unconvincing. The film’s optimistic ending, where the family reunites after so much turmoil, left others unsatisfied. Still, the movie earned critical acclaim for its direction, special effects, and sound design, picking up Oscar nominations in several technical categories.

With War of the Worlds now streaming on Paramount+ and Tubi, fans are left wondering if Cruise and Spielberg will join forces once more for a long-awaited sequel.