Key Takeaways:
- Tom Cruise turned down Ford v Ferrari because the role lacked driving scenes.
- His passion for performing real, high-risk stunts is central to his career choices.
- Despite missing out, Ford v Ferrari thrived with Matt Damon and Christian Bale.
Cruise and Pitt Nearly Co-Starred in Racing Drama
In a recent interview with The National, Brad Pitt revealed that both he and Tom Cruise were originally lined up for the lead roles in James Mangold’s Ford v Ferrari. Cruise was attached to play legendary car designer Carroll Shelby, while Pitt would’ve taken on the role of race car driver Ken Miles. However, the collaboration never came to pass—because Cruise realized that Shelby wouldn’t be doing much driving.
As Pitt explained, “What it came down to is that we both wanted to drive… And when Tom realized that Carroll Shelby would not be driving much in the movie, it didn’t come through.” The part of Shelby ultimately went to Matt Damon, while Christian Bale starred as Ken Miles.
Also read: Death Stranding 2 Is Pure Kojima: 7 Signature Elements That Define the Game
Stunts Over Story: The Action Star’s Signature
Cruise’s decision speaks volumes about his career direction in recent years. While he’s proven himself in dramatic roles—from Magnolia to Born on the Fourth of July—his modern-day brand is built on high-octane, death-defying spectacle.
In Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise and the cast trained in real jets. In the Mission: Impossible franchise, he’s performed everything from HALO jumps (Fallout) to driving motorcycles off cliffs (Dead Reckoning). His commitment to practical stunts over digital trickery is legendary, and the role of Shelby—more brains than brawn—simply didn’t align with that vision.
A Missed Role, But Not a Missed Opportunity
Despite Cruise’s exit, Ford v Ferrari became a massive success, grossing over $225 million and earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It won two—Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing—and remains a beloved modern racing classic.
Meanwhile, Cruise continues pushing limits in his own way. In Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, he not only explored the depths of a submerged Russian submarine but also performed an aerial stunt involving two biplanes—done with zero green screen.
Conclusion: Cruise Chooses Adrenaline Every Time
Tom Cruise’s refusal to take a backseat—literally—is a testament to his dedication to adrenaline-fueled cinema. If a role doesn’t let him drive, jump, or fly, he’s not interested. And that’s precisely what makes him one of the most thrilling stars of his generation.
