Tom Cruise, renowned for his prolific career spanning more than four decades, has successfully navigated nearly every major film genre, from high-octane action to heartfelt drama. However, his involvement in the fantasy genre is limited to a single notable film, a decision shaped by the challenging experience that followed. This unique chapter in Cruise’s career centers on the 1985 release of Ridley Scott’s fantasy adventure, Legend, which featured the young actor in the lead role.
The Story and Challenges Behind “Legend”
Legend, directed by Ridley Scott and written by William Hjortsberg, starred Tom Cruise as Jack, who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Lili, portrayed by Mia Sara. The film’s atmosphere was rich with mythical creatures such as fairies and goblins, and the antagonist was a sinister figure played by Tim Curry under heavy makeup. Despite the visually striking presentation, the film struggled to connect with audiences and underperformed at the box office upon its release in the United States in 1985.
Production setbacks heightened the film’s difficulties; notably, a significant set was destroyed in a fire shortly before filming was completed. Ridley Scott’s original cut of the movie was substantially reduced from 125 minutes to as little as 89 minutes in the US version, causing the plot to become fragmented and confusing. This editing process diluted the narrative, diminishing the film’s intended impact and leaving viewers puzzled.
Impact of “Legend” on Tom Cruise’s Career Choices
The experience left a lasting impression on Tom Cruise, who later described his role as
“another colour in a Ridley Scott painting,”
according to Rolling Stone. This phrase reflected his view that while the film was visually beautiful, it was difficult to fully embrace. The frustration stemming from the troubled production and the film’s reception led Cruise to reevaluate his approach to selecting projects.
In a subsequent interview, Cruise admitted that Legend profoundly influenced his perspective on filmmaking. He expressed a desire to work on films where he could maintain creative control and ensure production went according to plan. He explained,
“I just wanted to make sure that everything was gonna go the way we talked about it.”
This resolve shaped the trajectory of his career moving forward.
Shifting Focus to Action and Realism
Following Legend, both Tom Cruise and Ridley Scott steered clear of the fantasy genre. Scott gravitated toward other genres such as historical epics, thrillers, and science fiction, whereas Cruise carved out a niche in action films. Roles in the Mission: Impossible series and Top Gun: Maverick exemplify his commitment to physically demanding, meticulously executed stunts, showcasing a dedication born from his earlier setbacks.
Steven Spielberg once remarked that Cruise had “saved Hollywood’s a**,” a testament to the actor’s willingness to push boundaries and strive for authenticity. The lessons learned from Legend’s failure may have fueled Cruise’s passion for projects built on physicality, adrenaline, and discipline—elements that have defined his career for the past 40 years.
The Long-Term Significance of “Legend” in Cinema History
Though Legend did not succeed commercially or critically, it remains an important marker in Tom Cruise’s development as a filmmaker and performer. This rare misstep in the fantasy realm redirected his efforts into genres where he could fully exert his creative will and hone his craft. As a result, Cruise has remained one of Hollywood’s most successful and enduring actors, with a career characterized by intense performances and precision-driven films.
The legacy of Legend underscores how a single project, even one that stumbles, can profoundly influence an artist’s choices, shaping their future work and impact on the industry. For Tom Cruise, that fantasy film remains a distant memory, overshadowed by his impressive achievements in action cinema that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Legend, directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by William Hjortsberg and starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, David Bennent, Alice Playten, Billy Barty, Cork Hubbert, Peter O'Farrell, Annabelle Lanyon, Kiran Shah and Robert Picardo, was released on this day in 1985 (USA) pic.twitter.com/PZLDpuQQn2
— Horror31 🎃 (@Horror31) April 18, 2023
