Tom Cruise’s Forgotten US-Soviet Film: The Untold Story Behind Hollywood’s Lost Alliance
In 1987, Tom Cruise tried to unite Hollywood and the Soviet Union with a groundbreaking film project. Discover the behind-the-scenes details of his Moscow visit, why the movie never happened, and what’s next for Cruise’s ambitious career.
Back in 1987, Tom Cruise made an unexpected journey to Moscow, aiming to spark a creative partnership between American and Soviet filmmakers. The idea of the Top Gun star, famous for taking down Soviet jets on screen, seeking common ground with Soviet artists seemed almost surreal at the time. Yet, Cruise was determined to explore new cinematic frontiers, even as Cold War tensions lingered.
Hollywood Meets Moscow: Cruise’s Ambitious 1987 Visit
During his private trip, Cruise met with U.S. Embassy officials, signed autographs for fans, and sat down with some of the Soviet Union’s most respected filmmakers. Among them was Eldar Ryazanov at Mosfilm, where they discussed the possibility of a joint film venture. Cruise, accompanied by his then-wife Mimi Rogers, also visited the Bolshoi Theatre and ventured into the Russian countryside, all while navigating the strict oversight of KGB handlers.
Despite the excitement, no script or official project ever took shape. The obstacles were significant: Cold War politics, government censorship, financial hurdles, and creative disagreements all played a part. Ultimately, Cruise shifted his focus back to Hollywood, launching the Mission: Impossible franchise in 1992. Still, his bold Moscow trip remains a fascinating chapter in his career, hinting at his later fascination with pushing cinematic boundaries—even into space.
Space Dreams on Hold: Cruise’s Grounded Sci-Fi Adventure
Years later, Cruise set his sights even higher, planning a movie to be filmed in outer space with director Doug Liman. The project, announced in 2020, had support from NASA and even caught the attention of Elon Musk, who called it “a lot of fun.” The film was meant to be a milestone, inspiring future generations of engineers and filmmakers.
However, the production hit a wall. The logistics of shooting in space, insurance challenges, and the need for government approval created major delays. According to insiders, Cruise was reluctant to get involved in political negotiations, especially when it came to seeking favors from the White House.
From what I understand, they would need NASA coordination to do the movie, and supposedly Tom Cruise did not want to ask Donald Trump for a favor. You’d need permission from the federal government.
For now, the project remains on hold, but Cruise’s reputation for daring stunts and relentless preparation is as strong as ever.
What’s Next: Cruise’s Upcoming Blockbusters
Even with his space movie grounded, Cruise isn’t slowing down. He has a packed slate of films lined up for the next few years. In October 2026, he’ll star in “Digger,” a black comedy directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, alongside Sandra Hüller and John Goodman. “Edge of Tomorrow 2,” with Emily Blunt expected to return, is set to begin filming soon. “Top Gun 3” is in development, with Joseph Kosinski working on the script, though no release date has been set.
Other projects in the pipeline include a rumored sequel to “Days of Thunder,” a WWII drama called “Broadsword” with Christopher McQuarrie at the helm, and “Deeper,” a thriller with Ana de Armas that’s currently paused due to budget issues. There’s also talk of a “Les Grossman” spin-off, bringing back Cruise’s unforgettable character from “Tropic Thunder. ”
Looking Ahead: Will Cruise Reach New Heights?
With so many high-profile projects on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to in 2026 and 2027. Whether he finally makes a movie in orbit or continues to dominate with action- packed sequels and historical dramas, Cruise’s drive to break new ground in film remains unmatched.