Tom Cruise's Fantasy Flop That Shaped His Legendary Career

According to the article, in 2025, Tom Cruise has spent over 40 years building his image as one of Hollywood's most reliable and enduring stars. He has taken on a wide range of genres, from action and science fiction to comedy and drama. However, there is one type of film he has deliberately avoided since a disastrous experience in 1985.

That year, before becoming known as the daredevil pilot in "Top Gun," Cruise appeared in Ridley Scott's fantasy adventure "Legend." The film, which featured fairies, goblins, and a villainous character played by Tim Curry, struggled at the box office and failed to win over audiences. For Cruise, the troubled production left a lasting mark, and he vowed never to make another movie like that again.

In the aftermath, both Cruise and Scott steered clear of the fantasy genre. Cruise went on to build his career around action and precision, starring in blockbusters like the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Meanwhile, Scott shifted his focus to historical epics, thrillers, and science fiction. The lessons Cruise learned from "Legend" are evident in his later choices, as he became known for throwing himself completely into his work and performing daring stunts.

As one industry expert noted, Cruise's decision to avoid fantasy films and instead embrace action and precision may have "saved Hollywood's a**." By finding his true genre, he has maintained his status as one of the most reliable and enduring stars in the industry for over four decades.