As one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Tom Cruise has enjoyed a film career spanning more than four decades.
One of the actor’s best-known roles has been as field agent Ethan Hunt in the action franchise Mission: Impossible.
Starting in 1996, the 61-year-old Tom has so far starred in seven films in the franchise in the past 28 years, with another set to be released in 2024.
The film shows the actor’s changing appearance over the past three decades as he helped turn the film series into a multi-billion dollar franchise.
As Tom prepares to wrap up the films with the release of the two-part Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, MailOnline takes a look at the star’s changing appearance in franchise film releases over the years.
1996 – The beginning
Beginning: Tom had already established himself as one of Hollywood’s leading men when he appeared in the first Mission: Impossible at age 35 (pictured with Nicole Kidman)
Tom had already established himself as one of Hollywood’s leading men when he appeared in the first Mission: Impossible at age 35.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brian DePalma, the first film grossed $457 million at the box office and also starred Jon Voight and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Tom raised eyebrows in his very casual attire at the premiere, as he eschewed a suit in favor of a dark gray sweater and matching pants.
The actor was joined at the event by his then-wife Nicole Kidman, who donned a white sleeveless top with matching pants and heels.
2000 – Mission: Impossible 2
Looking good: Tom changed his look when the second Mission: Impossible movie hit theaters four years later, as he sported long wavy hair
Tom changed his look when the second Mission: Impossible movie hit theaters four years later.
The movie star sported long wavy hair for the London premiere in Leicester Square.
The actor returned to bet on a casual look for the party, opting for a brown blazer and matching pants along with a pink sweater.
Tom and Nicole separated the following year when the Jerry Maguire star filed for divorce after 10 years of marriage.
2006 – Mission: Impossible III
Dapper: Tom looked every inch the movie star for the premiere of Mission: Impossible III in May 2006, six years after the second movie.
Couple: Tom was joined at the Los Angeles premiere by his then-girlfriend Katie Holmes, who had given birth to their daughter Suri just two weeks earlier
Tom looked every inch the movie star for the premiere of Mission: Impossible III in May 2006, six years after the second film.
The actor arrived on the red carpet in a sleek black suit and matching shirt, while his hair was styled in a sleek quiff.
Tom was joined by his then-girlfriend Katie Holmes, who had given birth to their daughter Suri just two weeks earlier.
The A-list couple looked every inch the happy couple at the premiere, with Katie looking stunning in a black midi dress.
Tom and Katie were married in November of that year in a Scientology ceremony at the 15th-century Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano, Italy.
2011 – Ghost Protocol
Smart: Tom looked effortless at the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol premiere in Moscow in December 2011
Tom looked effortless at the Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol premiere in Moscow in December 2011.
The star arrived at the event dressed in a gray coat that he paired with a light gray shirt and a black tie.
The fourth film in the franchise received highly positive reviews from critics and grossed $694 million worldwide, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of that year.
2015 – Rogue Nation
Suave: Tom sported a noticeably longer mane of hair once again when the next Mission: Impossible movie was released four years later in 2015
Tom sported a noticeably longer mane of hair once again when the next Mission: Impossible movie was released four years later in 2015.
The actor cut a dashing figure for the Vienna premiere of Rogue Nation, opting for a classic black suit with a matching waistcoat.
The movie star also wore a black bow tie and a crisp white shirt to the event that took place at the Vienna State Opera, one of the filming locations for the movie.
The fifth installment in the franchise turned out to be another hit, grossing $682 million at the worldwide box office.
2018 – Fallout
Style: Tom ditched his longer locks in favor of a cropped crew cut for the London premiere, where he wore a black three-piece suit
It was just a three-year break between Rogue Nation and the follow-up movie Fallout.
Tom ditched his longer locks in favor of an undercut haircut for the London premiere, where he wore a black three-piece suit.
The film repeated the success of its predecessors and grossed $791 million at the box office.
Fallout was Tom’s last film before taking a four-year break from filmmaking, and he returned for the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.
2023 – Dead reckoning
Franchise: Tom celebrated his 61st birthday the same week he attended the Sydney premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 in July of this year.
Tom celebrated his 61st birthday the same week he attended the Sydney premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 in July this year.
The actor said at the event that he wants to continue making high-octane action movies until he’s 80, like Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, he said: ‘Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to keep going. I have 20 years to reach it.
“I hope to continue making Mission: Impossible movies until I’m his age.”
