Tom Cruise’s Les Grossman Spinoff: Long-Awaited Update After 17 Years
Tom Cruise’s unforgettable Les Grossman from Tropic Thunder is back in the spotlight. Seventeen years after the film’s release, a long-promised spinoff finally receives a realistic update. Find out what’s changed.
When Tropic Thunder arrived in cinemas back in 2008, it sent up the Hollywood machine with a sharp, satirical edge. Among its cast of outlandish characters, Tom Cruise’s portrayal of the volatile, brash Les Grossman quickly became a fan favourite, despite his relatively brief screen time. The character’s explosive temper and colourful language left a lasting impression, sparking talk of a dedicated spinoff as early as 2010. Yet, for years, the project seemed to vanish into the ether—until now.
Fresh Momentum for a Forgotten Project
After more than a decade of silence, there’s finally movement on the Les Grossman front. In a recent interview, Justin Theroux, who co-wrote Tropic Thunder, confirmed that the spinoff is still in the works. He explained:
This has been something that has been kicked around in theory and in reality, and there’s been a couple of attempts at points of entry. But I think we all look forward to hopefully making that happen.
Theroux added:
That would be great, and I have some ideas for it, and some of those ideas have been expressed, but I can’t really give you any other update that there’s nothing currently. There’s no start date or anything.
While the update is hardly definitive, the fact that Theroux is willing to discuss the project at all suggests genuine interest remains. The film appears to be waiting for the right circumstances to move forward.
Collaboration with a Trusted Director
Back in 2022, before the latest Mission: Impossible instalment entered production, reports surfaced that Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie—his frequent collaborator—were in discussions to take the reins on the Les Grossman spinoff. McQuarrie, known for his work on the Mission: Impossible series, Jack Reacher, and Edge of Tomorrow, has a longstanding creative partnership with Cruise.
Their friendship and professional rapport have brought the Mission: Impossible franchise to a close with The Final Reckoning. It’s this established dynamic that has made the prospect of a Les Grossman film one of the most talked-about projects in the industry, even after so many years in limbo.
Why the Timing Feels Right
Les Grossman first burst onto the scene at a time when streaming services were barely a blip on the radar. His character, a biting parody of Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes chaos, offered a much-needed reality check for the industry. Now, with streaming giants reshaping the landscape and studios facing new controversies, the moment seems ripe for Grossman’s return.
Audiences are more attuned than ever to the absurdities of the entertainment world. A modern take on Grossman could see him lampooning not just the old guard, but also the rise of streaming platforms and the ever-shifting boundaries of what’s considered acceptable on screen. The original film’s sharp wit and irreverence could find fresh targets in today’s climate.
Key Details and Lasting Impact
Tropic Thunder, directed by Ben Stiller and featuring a cast including Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black, debuted on 13 August 2008. The film earned a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb and an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, ultimately grossing $195 million worldwide. Produced by DreamWorks Pictures, it’s currently available to stream on Paramount+.
Les Grossman’s legacy endures, and the prospect of a spinoff continues to intrigue. Whether the project finally materialises remains to be seen, but the appetite for more of Cruise’s outrageous character is clearly still there.