Is Tom Cruise Still Eyed By Marvel For Iron Man?

The vagueness and randomness that follow most of the rumors around the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are very evident. While some of these vague rumors turn out to be true and the studio does manage to catch us by surprise, all of it must be taken with a pinch of salt until confirmed by Kevin Feige.
Over the past couple of years, we have heard dozens of superstar names that Kevin has been trying to rope into the MCU, and there is nothing wrong because star power only elevates the stakes that the franchise rides on. One of the megastars that has been in the headlines for being in talks with Feige is Tom Cruise. Over the past year, we have heard his name being associated with not one but two Marvel superheroes. Turns out the studio still wants him to play a Tony Stark variant.
Unfulfilled but Persistent Rumors
For the unversed, last year it was reported that the Marvel bosses are eyeing Tom Cruise to play an Iron Man variant in future MCU movies as Robert Downey Jr. was no longer associated with the mantle. While this never really turned out to be true, it was also said that Cruise was in conversation with the studio to appear as a Doctor Strange variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness but even that did not materialize. Now the latest scoop brings him back into the pool. According to a viral scooper, the Marvel studios’ heads are still eyeing Tom Cruise to play a Tony Stark variant from an alternate universe in the MCU.
Logic Behind Casting Cruise for Iron Man
This claim doesn’t feel far-fetched because why would a $30 billion strong studio not want to have one of the biggest stars on the planet in their movies? Besides, with Robert Downey Jr. now having taken another role in the MCU, you never know. Considering Avengers: Secret Wars is the big game and will have the wildest turnout of Marvel characters ever, we can expect a Tom Cruise appearance as Iron Man. Since RDJ is now Doctor Doom who has Avengers: Doomsday to his name, there is a high chance we may meet Cruise as the patriarch. But again, it is a tall order claim and needs a whole lot of prep.
Tom Cruise’s Perspective on Iron Man Rumors
Tom Cruise last year spoke to Comicbook about the rumors around him being an Iron Man variant in the MCU. He had said, “Not close. Not close. I love Robert Downey and I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role, and I think it’s perfect for him. I look at a movie and think, you know, I don’t rule anything out. It’s what’s the story? What’s the character? Does it interest me? Do I feel this is what an audience would like to see me in? What can I learn? What can I contribute? That’s really how I look at things.” Despite his admiration for RDJ’s portrayal, Cruise’s comments leave a window open for potential collaboration, contingent on the right story and character that pique his interest.