One Of Tom Cruises Most Impressive Box Office Feats Was Also One Of His Few Career Failures

Tom Cruise, a titan of global cinema, has certainly carved a niche for himself with dazzling box office successes. Yet, paradoxically, one of his most notable triumphs is intertwined with a significant career setback. Over the years, Cruise built his reputation on a foundation of critically acclaimed films helmed by eminent directors, but in recent times, he has gravitated toward well-known franchises and blockbuster action flicks. Films like Edge of Tomorrow, Jack Reacher, and the iconic Mission: Impossible series largely contribute to his modern acclaim.

However, there was a time when Cruise attempted to extend his empire with a new franchise, which, regrettably, marked one of his biggest flops. Although he has consistently been a magnet for audiences, his film output has also faced a few bumps along the road.

In recent years, Cruise’s box office allure has been exemplified by Top Gun: Maverick, a film perceived by many as a savior for cinemas struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the last two entries in the Mission: Impossible saga have been celebrated as some of the finest action films ever made, largely owed to Cruise’s enduring star power. Nevertheless, his ambitious leap into the realm of Universal’s Dark Universe in 2017 with The Mummy showcased a stark contrast: despite its commercial viability, the film ultimately underscored the challenges he faced in franchise-building.

The Mummy represented a bold reinvention of the beloved Universal monster narrative, positioning Cruise in the lead role. This new take not only aimed to capture the essence of the original but also sought to unleash a wave of sequels across a shared universe. Initially, expectations were high for the franchise, and plans buzzed with excitement for iconic characters like the Bride of Frankenstein and Dracula. However, The Mummy didn’t quite meet the aspirations set for it.

Upon its release, the critical response to The Mummy was overwhelmingly negative, earning a dismal 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics lambasted the film for its convoluted plot and lack of originality, frequently accusing it of being merely a collection of clumsy setups for future sequels. Even with such poor reviews, The Mummy surprised many by raking in approximately $410 million globally, against a production budget estimated between $125 million and $195 million. This financial result, while perplexing, attested to Cruise’s undeniable drawing power.

The mixed results of The Mummy didn’t deter Universal’s ambitious plans for a cohesive monster universe. Yet, in 2019, Universal pivoted away from the idea of interconnected films to focus on stand-alone narratives, such as The Invisible Man and upcoming titles like Wolf Man. These decisions underscored how, despite the film’s box office success, the critical fallout from The Mummy prompted a massive rethink.

It’s curious how a film with such a poor reception could become a commercial player, a phenomenon typically reserved for films boasting a stronger script or direction. Tom Cruise’s involvement in The Mummy was undeniably a massive factor; the marketing campaign heavily leaned into his star status, with the project essentially serving as a platform for his talents. Even as The Mummy tried to kick off an ambitious cinematic universe, its failure to launch was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of Hollywood.

In the end, Cruise’s ability to attract audiences to even the most lackluster releases only reinforces his remarkable star power, but The Mummy’s lackluster aftermath revealed the precarious nature of blockbuster franchises. With Cruise’s recent successes, like Top Gun: Maverick, illuminating his talent, The Mummy stands as an enigmatic chapter in his illustrious career, a strange blend of box office allure and critical disappointment that continues to intrigue cinema aficionados.