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Tom Cruise refuses to allow his likeness to be used for video games or toys. Cruise has acted in numerous action films, including the Mission: Impossible franchise. Because of this, it might surprise some fans to learn that the A-lister won’t allow toys or video games to be made using him, or one of his characters, for inspiration.
Some celebrities might make over-the-top requests to appear in a film or TV show, for performances, appearances, and plenty of other things. Other demands are more understanding, depending on the type of work a star is doing. Despite the numerous amount of blockbuster films Tom Cruise has made, he doesn’t allow his likeness to be used for certain merchandise. Why does Tom Cruise refuse to allow his likeness be used for video games and toys?
What Other Demands Does Tom Cruise Have When He Is Working?
Plenty of top celebrities will make certain demands before they agree to working on a certain project. Some of these requests have seemed ridiculous, and some celebrities have even been told “no” when they’ve made certain demands.
Some of the requests Tom Cruise has had throughout the years have been pretty surprising. However, other demands he has on-set while filming are understandable. For example, the Risky Business actor completely cuts sugar from his diet when he’s preparing for a film.
This makes sense, considering Cruise does a lot of stunt work. However, he also sends cake to all of his co-stars. During an interview with James Corden, he explained his reason for sending cakes to his fellow cast members of Mission: Impossible.
“I love sugar, but I can’t eat it because when I’m training, I’m doing all these movies – so I send it to everyone. I wait for the calls. Like, tell me about it!” It seems when Cruise isn’t able to indulge in sweets, he at least tries to enjoy them through his castmates.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Annabelle Wallis “claimed that Tom Cruise made his co-stars run behind him at all times.” However, Wallis says she was able to get Cruise to break that rule while the two of them were filming The Mummy.
Cruise also wears thong underwear for his action sequences and for stunts. According to the Daily Star, one source claims he wears them for “comfort and flexibility.” The source also claimed The Minority Report actor is “pretty insistent about having a new thong every time.”
Cruise continues to demand that his likeness isn’t to be used for any video games or toys. Until the Mission: Impossible actor changes his mind (if he ever does), fans are able to enjoy plenty of other video games and toys using the likeness of some of their favorite actors and characters.
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Why Does Tom Cruise Refuse To Allow His Likeness To Be Used For Video Games And Toys?
Many celebrities have some surprising clauses in their contracts, including Tom Cruise. Certain demands that top stars have made can be outrageous. A top action star for decades, Cruise has played, and continues to play, some of the most memorable characters in the genre.
Some of his most iconic action roles include Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible franchise. Another of his famous characters returned in 2022. Cruise played Pete “Maverick” Mitchell first in 1986’s Top Gun.
He returned to the character over three decades later in the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick – which made around $1.4 billion worldwide. However, despite his undoubted success in his action films, there are no video games or toys that have been made with The Firm actor’s likeness using his approval.
There are some dolls and other toys out there based on Tom Cruise’s characters that have been created by fans, but none of these are official merchandise.
According to Unilad, “This is because of a particular clause which doesn’t allow Cruise’s likeness to be used to make any merchandise. Which means anything that would feature Cruise’s face, like toys and video games, would be off the table.”
Some celebrities might choose not to have their likeness used for video games and/or toys for several reasons, including personal ones. However, there are many stars who have allowed companies to use their images, likeness and voices for toys and video games.
Which Celebrities Have Allowed Their Likenesses To Be Used For Video Games And/Or Toys?
Some celebrities are interested in business ventures as well as working in the industry. Several stars have also allowed companies to use their likenesses for video games and toys. Some celebrities are also big fans of video games, comics books, etc.
In 2015, Mattel released a Barbie doll that used Zendaya’s look from the 2015 Oscars. According to Today, Michelle Chidoni, a Mattel spokesperson, said, “She’s a role model who is focused on standing up for yourself, your culture, and for what you believe in – that’s very relevant for girls.”
Keanu Reeves, like Tom Cruise, is a star known for his iconic roles in numerous action films. His likeness, and some of his characters, have appeared in several video games, including Fortnite, Constantine, and The Matrix: Path of Neo. In Grand Theft Auto IV, both Ricky Gervais and Katt Williams “voice fictional versions of themselves as stand-up comedians”.
Hopefully, Tom Cruise will change his mind one day soon. If so, fans might be able to play some exciting new video games, or collect certain action figures instead of creating them for themselves.
