Cruise should stick to acting and stay far away from politics.
Actor Tom Cruise reportedly walked away from an ambitious Hollywood project that would have involved filming scenes in outer space—because he did not want to seek cooperation from the Trump administration, according to a new media report.
The proposed film, first revealed in 2020, was expected to be one of the most groundbreaking productions in movie history. However, Page Six reported this week that the project stalled after Cruise declined to pursue required federal coordination while President Donald Trump was in office.
NASA Approval Was Required
According to a source familiar with the situation, filming in space would have required formal cooperation from NASA, which operates under the authority of the U.S. government.
“From what I understand, they would have needed NASA’s involvement, and Tom Cruise didn’t want to ask President Trump for assistance,” the source told Page Six. “You can’t do something like this without government approval.”
At the time, NASA was overseen by officials appointed during President Trump’s first term.
A Historic Film That Never Launched
Industry reports from Deadline in 2020 stated that Cruise planned to team up again with Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman. The idea was unprecedented: Cruise would actually travel into space to film scenes, making cinematic history.
The project was also expected to involve Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which was already working closely with NASA during the Trump administration. Early excitement grew after NASA confirmed it was open to supporting the film.
Despite the initial momentum, the movie never moved forward.
Trump-Appointed NASA Chief Was Supportive
At the time, then–NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who was appointed by President Trump, publicly welcomed the idea. He even suggested that the International Space Station could be used for filming.
In a social media post later deleted, Bridenstine wrote that NASA was “excited” about the possibility of working with Cruise and said that major films could help inspire young Americans to pursue careers in science and engineering.
Nevertheless, the project faded after Cruise reportedly chose not to pursue formal approval.
Politics and Hollywood
Cruise has largely avoided making public political statements, especially compared to many outspoken figures in Hollywood. However, this reported decision has fueled speculation that politics may have influenced his professional choices.
Earlier this year, The Washington Post reported that Cruise declined a Kennedy Center honor during the Trump presidency, citing scheduling conflicts.
For many Americans—particularly older moviegoers who prefer entertainment to remain separate from politics—the report raises questions about whether personal political discomfort prevented a historic American film project from becoming reality.
As Hollywood continues to navigate its relationship with conservative leadership, Cruise’s abandoned space film is now being viewed by some as another example of politics interfering with innovation, creativity, and opportunity.
