Is Tom Cruise Coming to Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Unpacking the Theory

Many fans have been speculating about the possibility of Tom Cruise making an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While some clickbait articles have spread rumors stating that Tom Cruise is in the movie, the reality is that he is not. Let’s delve into the backstory and explore the varying theories surrounding this fan favorite hero.

Initial Rejection and Choices

Kevin Feige, the Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Studios, initially approached Tom Cruise for the role of Ironman as part of the early development stages of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). At the time, Cruise was committed to playing the Iron Man character, but he had concerns about whether fans would accept him as Ironman. He faced the challenge of convincing himself that he could portray a character with a very different personality and background from his previous action hero roles.

Given these concerns, Cruise decided to decline the role, and Kevin Feige then turned to Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) to portray Ironman. It's worth noting that this decision was made over a decade ago, in 2011, setting the foundational characters for the MCU.

Recent Speculations and Marvel's Silence

However, the MCU’s leading characters, particularly Ironman, continue to hold a special place in fans’ hearts. This has led to renewed speculations regarding Tom Cruise potentially rehashing his character. Some hardcore Marvel fans have initiated discussions and theories about Tom Cruise’s possible role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and here are some compelling points for and against this theory.

Case For Tom Cruise in Dr. Strange 2

First Choice: Tom Cruise was Marvel's initial choice for the Ironman character. As such, if Marvel is considering bringing Cruise back, it would be consistent with their history. Potential Impact: As one of the biggest production houses, Marvel understands the potential impact of Tom Cruise in the MCU. Given that Ironman is one of the most popular characters, Marvel might take the risk to see if fans would accept him as Ironman in a new context. Keeping Fans Engaged: Marvel often likes to surprise audiences. By having a silent stance, they suggest theories being true, similar to what happened with Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Case Against Tom Cruise in Dr. Strange 2

Simply Another Version: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is about different versions of Dr. Strange. It's possible that one of these versions could be a scientist who wears the suit, as seen in the deleted scene from Avengers: Infinity War. RDJ's Popularity: Fans already cherish Robert Downey Jr. as Ironman. Marvel knows that audience loyalty is high, and they might prefer to stick with RDJ for the established credentials and character background. Revenue and Billing: The last time Tom Cruise was in the MCU, in Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming, he was charged a premium for his involvement, primarily as the lead character.

Conclusion

While the possibility of Tom Cruise joining the cast of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness remains a strong topic of discussion, the evidence is mixed. Marvel Studios has kept their cards close to the chest, making it clear that there is no confirmed information yet.

Regardless of Tom Cruise's involvement, one thing is certain: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is expected to be an entertaining and visually stunning film that will continue the rich narrative of the MCU.