Tom Cruise’s long-discussed plan to make a feature film in outer space has reportedly been shelved, with political sensitivities cited as a key reason behind the decision.
According to a report by Page Six, the Hollywood star chose not to move forward with the ambitious project because it would have required formal approval and coordination from the US federal government. A source claimed that Cruise was unwilling to seek assistance from president Donald Trump to secure the necessary permissions, a step seen as unavoidable for filming aboard the International Space Station.
The project first came to light in 2020, when NASA confirmed it was working with Cruise on an untitled film to be shot in space. At the time, the plan involved collaboration with SpaceX founder Elon Musk, with director Doug Liman attached to the project. Liman had previously worked with Cruise on ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ and ‘American Made’.
NASA’s then administrator Jim Bridenstine publicly welcomed the collaboration, stating that the agency was keen to use popular culture to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. However, the film ultimately failed to progress beyond early development.
Liman later spoke about the project, stressing that the intention was to create a lasting cinematic work rather than a novelty. He said the team was focused on making a film that would endure for decades.
Cruise’s reported reluctance to engage politically also follows news that he recently declined a 2025 Kennedy Center honour, officially citing scheduling conflicts.
The actor is now focused on his next film, an upcoming project directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, as his space ambitions remain on hold.
