Ben Stiller Teases Possible Return of Les Grossman

Ben Stiller has once again sparked speculation about the possible return of Tom Cruise’s unforgettable character, Les Grossman, from the satirical action-comedy Tropic Thunder. While Stiller has not confirmed a direct sequel to the original film, he has left the door open for Grossman’s reappearance in some form, provided the right narrative comes along.

Stiller Reflects on Les Grossman’s Legacy

During a recent interview, Stiller was asked about the enduring appeal of Les Grossman, a role that saw Cruise don a bald cap and prosthetics to play the brash, foul-mouthed studio executive. The character quickly became a fan favourite, with many viewers calling for his return ever since the film’s release.

Stiller, who directed and starred in Tropic Thunder, acknowledged the ongoing interest in Grossman’s comeback. He explained that while there is enthusiasm for revisiting the character, any future project would need to be driven by a compelling story rather than simply nostalgia or fan demand.

Not Necessarily a Sequel

Stiller was careful to clarify that a return for Les Grossman would not necessarily take the form of a straightforward sequel to Tropic Thunder. Instead, he suggested that the character could appear in a different context, perhaps even outside the world of the original film. This approach would allow for creative freedom while still honouring what made Grossman so memorable in the first place.

He remarked,

“It’s not about doing a sequel just for the sake of it. If there’s a story worth telling, then it could be brilliant to see Les Grossman again.”

Stiller’s comments indicate that both he and Cruise are open to the idea, but only if they can find the right angle.

Other Projects on the Horizon

In addition to discussing Les Grossman, Stiller touched on his work with Apple TV’s Severance, which has been met with critical acclaim, and the upcoming addition to the Meet the Parents franchise, Focker-In-Law. Despite his busy schedule, the prospect of collaborating with Cruise once more clearly holds some appeal for Stiller.

For now, fans will have to wait and see whether the stars align for Les Grossman’s return. Stiller’s remarks have certainly kept the conversation alive, and the possibility remains tantalisingly open.