Tom Cruise made an unexpected visit to the set of NCIS: Origins shortly after the show’s Season 2 premiere on October 14 at Paramount’s backlot. The actor took a behind-the-scenes tour of key filming locations for the CBS procedural prequel, sparking excitement among cast and crew during the October visit. The Tom Cruise NCIS visit drew attention to the collaboration and longstanding relationships between the star and the studio hosting the production.
Details of Tom Cruise’s Visit to the NCIS: Origins Production
Photos shared by David J. North, a veteran NCIS producer and writer, reveal Cruise posing on the set of Daly’s Tavern, a popular local bar featured in the 1991-set show. Additional images captured Cruise interacting with cast and crew members on the Camp Pendleton Field Office set, where much of the investigative action unfolds. Video footage posted by North showed Cruise FaceTiming his co-star Emilio Estevez remotely, who participated in photos and watched a dance routine by actor Caleb Foote. This informal glimpse into the set atmosphere highlights Cruise’s engagement with the production team during his visit.
The CBS publicity department promptly shared group photos showing Cruise alongside NCIS: Origins cast members Austin Stowell, Caleb Foote, Tyla Abercrombie, and Daniel Bellomy, who portray Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Bernard “Randy” Randolf, Mary Jo Hayes, and Herman “Herm” Daniels, respectively. These moments underscore the warm reception Cruise received and the interest generated by his attendance.
Possible Motives Behind Tom Cruise’s Surprise Appearance
While the exact reason for Cruise’s visit remains uncertain, NCIS: Origins lead actor Austin Stowell humorously hinted at a potential crossover project dubbed “Gibbs & Hunt: NCIS: Impossible.” Cruise’s presence on Paramount’s lot is understandable given his long history with the studio, dating back to the original 1986 Top Gun. He has maintained a strong partnership through multiple films, including the Mission: Impossible franchise and the immensely successful 2022 Top Gun: Maverick, which ranks as Paramount’s biggest hit since 1997’s Titanic.
Despite Cruise signing a development deal with Warner Bros. in 2024, his ties to Paramount remain solid, with ongoing involvement in future Top Gun projects. Christopher McQuarrie, a frequent collaborator of Cruise, revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast earlier this year that plans for the next installment have already been drafted. This continuity maintains Cruise’s visibility at Paramount and explains the comfortable environment he experienced during his visit to the NCIS: Origins set.
Significance of the Visit Amidst Changes at Paramount
The timing of Cruise’s visit coincides with significant developments at Paramount, including the August merger with Skydance Media. David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, has stated that Top Gun 3 remains a top priority, offering reassurance that Cruise’s ongoing collaborations will continue. However, if the sequel faces delays, Cruise’s interaction with the NCIS: Origins team could point to potential future opportunities for the actor in new projects. This visit reflects both the stability and adaptability of Cruise’s career as well as the appeal of the NCIS franchise within the industry.
