LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tinseltown is abuzz with news of an epic clash between two Hollywood heavyweights. Superstar Tom Cruise, renowned for his high-octane 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, finds himself embroiled in a fierce theater smackdown with none other than visionary director Christopher Nolan and his upcoming film, 'Oppenheimer.'
Cruise, who not only stars but also produces the highly anticipated 'Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One,' has reportedly been venting his frustration to Paramount executives and other insiders about the intense IMAX showdown, according to Puck News. 'Mission 7,' Cruise's ambitious project with a staggering budget nearing $300 million, had initially secured most of the IMAX screens for its July 12 premiere. However, a curveball was thrown into the mix when Universal swooped in, reserving all IMAX screens in North America and other territories for a solid three-week run of 'Oppenheimer' starting on July 21.
The move seems logical given Christopher Nolan's long-standing association with IMAX, practically making him an unpaid brand ambassador for the technology. 'Oppenheimer,' filmed entirely with IMAX large-format cameras on a $100 million budget, had already been slated for release in Nolan's customary late July slot in 2021, well before 'Mission 7' secured its release date in early 2022 after grappling with multiple COVID-related delays. Universal swiftly capitalized on the opportunity to negotiate an exclusive IMAX window for 'Oppenheimer,' leaving Cruise seething with resentment.
Known for his unwavering determination and the clout he carries in the industry, Cruise has made it clear that he is displeased with the lack of deference shown by the man often credited with "saving" theaters, as acclaimed director Steven Spielberg once declared. With 'Mission 7' projected to outperform 'Oppenheimer' in overall box office earnings, Cruise argues that it only makes business sense to grant him the best screens. The success of Cruise's previous blockbuster, 'Top Gun: Maverick,' where IMAX theaters contributed a staggering $110 million to its impressive $1.49 billion global box office, further strengthens his case. Premium large format screens and their upcharges have become essential for movies like 'Mission 7,' which rely on their status as grand-scale events to lure audiences.
While IMAX screens constitute just over a third of the large-format offerings in the U.S., Cruise has shifted his focus to securing as many non-IMAX premium large format (P.L.F.) screens as possible. He has left no stone unturned, passionately screening 'Mission 7' for exhibitors and employing all his persuasive prowess to convince them to switch their plans from 'Oppenheimer' or even Warner Bros.' 'Barbie'. This kind of scheduling poses a direct challenge to Nolan's film on July 21. Industry insiders reveal that Cruise has taken the extraordinary step of personally reaching out to exhibition and studio executives in an effort to rally support. However, despite his efforts, requesting rivals to relinquish P.L.F. screens or alter their release dates in favor of the greater good of the theatrical business seems like a long shot.
Cruise is no stranger to the costs and challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the budget for 'Mission 7' initially soared to nearly $400 million, various factors, including tax incentives and litigation settlements related to COVID insurance, reportedly brought the figure down to approximately $290 million. While Paramount chief Brian Robbins may not be concerned if the film ultimately delivers, the buzz surrounding early test screenings, ahead of its Rome premiere, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Notably, Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish's comment labeling the film as "too long" during an investor conference reportedly infuriated Cruise. However, industry insiders report that 'Mission 7' is generating a significant "Top Gun Effect," with even non-Cruise fans eagerly anticipating the spectacle of a 60-year-old man pushing the boundaries of his physical limits for their entertainment.
Should 'Mission 7' perform as expected, Cruise and Paramount have expressed hopes of bringing the film back to IMAX screens after 'Oppenheimer' concludes its exclusive run. However, this presents yet another obstacle in an ever-evolving box office landscape, one that Cruise, renowned for his shrewdness, finds annoying to navigate.
As the clash between 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Oppenheimer' intensifies, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this battle of Hollywood titans. With the fate of IMAX dominance hanging in the balance, one thing is certain: the unwavering determination and fiery spirit of Tom Cruise will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
The clash between Cruise and Nolan sparked a heated debate among fans online. "I mean Nolan movies HAVE TO BE watched on IMAX. Mission Impossible, not necessarily," one tweeted. "The Mission Impossible films have been IMAX events since at least Ghost Protocol was filmed specifically for the format," another wrote.
Amidst the fervor, optimistic voices point to the healthy rivalry between the two titans. "Summer so packed the stars beefing over who gets the longest imax run THE MOVIES ARE BACK," a comment read. "I'm saying this again, there needs to be more IMAX screens so each movie can play for at least a month in IMAX," another insisted.
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