Tropic Thunder Sequel Teased By Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr.

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When Tropic Thunder first opened in theaters in 2008, it immediately generated controversy. 

The satirical action comedy movie follows a group of actors who were trying to shoot a movie based on a Vietnam War veteran's book until they realized they were actually in danger and ill-prepared to handle it after being abandoned in the jungle.

The movie received a lot of criticism for how it portrayed persons with disabilities (and for using ableist slurs), as well as because Robert Downey Jr.'s character, Kirk Lazarus, wears blackface in the movie (the other characters are shown to react negatively to this).

Given all of that, it comes as quite a shock to learn that a Tropic Thunder spinoff or sequel may be in the works.

Tom Cruise is reportedly in talks with director Christopher McQuarrie to bring his Tropic Thunder character, Les Grossman, back in some capacity, according to a Far Out Magazine rumor from earlier this year. McQuarrie most recently served as producer on Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible - Fallout. According to Far Out Magazine, this might appear in a forthcoming film or possibly a new television show.

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This comes a number of years after Cruise hinted in a remark (via Entertainment Weekly) that he would be developing a movie on his own character.

“Les Grossman’s life story is an inspiring tale of the human class struggle to achieve greatness against all odds,” Cruise previously wrote. “He has assured me he plans to quote ‘F**king kill the sh*t out of this movie and make Citizen f**king Kane look like a piece of a crap home movie by the time we are done.’ I am honored to be working with him.”

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More recently, as reported by ComicBook, Downey Jr. was asked how he felt about Cruise reportedly trying to get a sequel for Tropic Thunder to happen on the red carpet premiere for the new TV series, Downey's Dream Cars, to which he responded: “Does he want to do that?! Tom, don't take it!”

There are still few details available about Cruise's initiative, so we'll simply have to wait and see what transpires. According to Downey Jr.'s response, the Iron Man actor hasn't been involved in any current plans.

As the project remains shrouded in secrecy, it remains to be seen if Cruise and McQuarrie can bring Les Grossman back to the screen in a way that resonates with audiences. Fans and critics alike eagerly await further announcements regarding the future of "Tropic Thunder" and its potential continuation. 

Until then, the fate of the franchise rests in the hands of these talented individuals and their creative endeavors.

"Tropic Thunder" left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and filmmaking. Its unique blend of action, humor, and social commentary challenged conventions and provoked important discussions.