LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Cruise has intensified his fight for "big theaters" for the much-awaited film 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One'. According to Variety, Cruise addressed his quest for "bigger theaters" during the 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' premiere in Rome. Reportedly, Cruise is upset that Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' would take over all of the IMAX screens in North America for the first three weeks of its run in theaters while his latest installment in the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise will only be shown there for one week.
The majority of the IMAX screens were initially reserved for the July 12 premiere of Cruise's grandiose film 'MI 7', which had a staggering budget of around $300 million. A curveball was, however, thrown into the game when Universal swooped in and reserved all IMAX screens in North America and other areas for a strong three-week run of Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' commencing on July 21. This prepares fans for a fierce summer box office competition when both movies debut in July.
'I will always fight for big theaters'
The 'Top Gun' star told Variety how fortunate he feels to be able to use his films to entertain a multitude of individuals throughout the world. "There is a community that we are all part of — different cultures and ways of life, we all join together to enjoy cinema," added Cruise, who was sporting aviator sunglasses and a sharp blue suit at the Rome premiere. "It’s something that I grew up with, that made me and inspired me to dream and want to travel the world."
Cruise further added: "My goal since I was little was to make movies and travel. And not just be a tourist, but work in that world and understand their culture. Through my movies, I’ve been able to have that because everyone here has allowed me to entertain them. It’s a privilege that I have never taken for granted. It’s my passion to entertain you, and I will always fight for big theaters and that kind of experience for everyone."
"I want to thank Rome and the city," said Cruise, who plays Ethan Hunt again in the newest blockbuster from Paramount. "And also we got to film in Venice, which was extraordinary, during some very difficult times in this country. I dreamed to be coming here and [sharing] it with all of you."
The cobblestoned streets of the Italian city served as the ideal pavement for drifting vehicles burning rubber in an array of pulse-pounding chases that are sure to go down in action film history for the seventh chapter of the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise. A large Hummer engages in a furious pursuit of a little vintage yellow Fiat 500 being driven by Cruise and Hayley Atwell while restrained on the Spanish Steps near the Piazza di Spagna.
The July box office battle for IMAX screens
With a speculated $290 million budget, 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' needs to perform well at the box office. 'Oppenheimer', in contrast, has a $100 million budget but benefits from IMAX showings across the US and Canada. Margot Robbie's 'Barbie', which is releasing at the same time and has a $100 million budget as well, is anticipated to gross more money than 'Oppenheimer' on its first weekend. As a result, 'MI 7' now has to compete with 'Barbie' as another important movie.
The summer box office competition between the upcoming 'Mission: Impossible', 'Oppenheimer', and 'Barbie' will be fascinating to observe as a result of the three major releases that will take place in July. Even while it's likely that all three movies will turn a profit, it's uncertain how 'Oppenheimer's IMAX theaters will affect how well 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' does at the box office. If 'Mission 7' does as expected, Cruise and Paramount intend to re-release the movie in IMAX theaters after 'Oppenheimer' finishes its exclusive run.
