The theory that Tom Cruise is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) kicked into high gear after a new trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness dropped during Super Bowl LVI on Sunday.
Fans speculated the Mission Impossible actor could make a secret cameo in the movie as Superior Iron Man–the evil version of Tony Stark, following the events of Axis from Marvel Comics.
Here's the trailer.
Enter a new dimension of Strange. Watch the official trailer for Marvel Studios' #DoctorStrange in the Multiverse of Madness. Only in theaters May 6.pic.twitter.com/FizGdQtoRv— Marvel Studios (@Marvel Studios) 1644793955
The idea of Cruise portraying Superior Iron Man wouldn't be much of a stretch given the context of the Doctor Strange sequel, which is to feature characters from alternate universes–including an evil Doctor Strange.
A mysterious airborne figure seen briefly in the trailer attacking Scarlet Witch was theorized to be either of two characters–Brie Larson's Captain Marvel or Cruise as Superior Iron Man.
THIS IS TOM CRUISE. THIS IS SUPERIOR IRON MAN. THIS IS HIM MY HEAD IM SWEATING RN #MultiverseOfMadnesspic.twitter.com/0teY6TJTRY— Sensational (@Sensational) 1644805368
While it is plausible Cruise could play an alternate version of Tony Stark–given the fact he was supposedly considered for the role prior to Downey Jr. landing the job–many keen Marvel aficionados identified the flying figure from the trailer as Maria Rambeau’s Captain Marvel, played by actress Lashana Lynch.
SCARLETT WITCH VS CAPTAIN MARVEL VARIANT MARIA RAMBEAUpic.twitter.com/Nesi4wTyYS— Mal; \ud83d\udd31 (@Mal; \ud83d\udd31) 1644797678
Nevertheless, others saw what they wanted to see and were convinced of the surprise stunt casting with Cruise in a supporting role.
Come on that's gotta be Tom Cruise's Superior Iron Man!\n#DoctorStrange \n#superiorironmanpic.twitter.com/EfJdNMRprz— The Marvel Guy (@The Marvel Guy) 1644852642
I reckon this is Tom Cruise as a \u2018Superior Iron Man\u2019 variant and member of Professor X\u2019s Illuminati that Doctor Strange is being taken to for trial. Notice those are iron man/ultron-esque robots #DoctorStrange #MultiverseOfMadness #DoctorStrange2pic.twitter.com/ySa1RHnnYN— Dain\u00e9il \u00d3 Corra (@Dain\u00e9il \u00d3 Corra) 1644798624
Wasn\u2019t so sure but man I really do see a Tony Stark beard here now Tom Cruise Superior IRON MAN!? #DoctorStrange2pic.twitter.com/RGjw0Rzszm— Cris Parker (@Cris Parker) 1644806940
I reckon this is Tom Cruise as a \u2018Superior Iron Man\u2019 variant and member of Professor X\u2019s Illuminati that Doctor Strange is being taken to for trial. Notice those are iron man/ultron-esque robots #DoctorStrange #MultiverseOfMadness #DoctorStrange2pic.twitter.com/ySa1RHnnYN— Dain\u00e9il \u00d3 Corra (@Dain\u00e9il \u00d3 Corra) 1644798624
BRING ME SUPERIOR IRON MAN TOM CRUISE #DoctorStrange2pic.twitter.com/z6DMBI4fgc— BLURAYANGEL \ud83e\udd87 (@BLURAYANGEL \ud83e\udd87) 1644804166
why is no one talking about tom cruise's superior iron man?\n#DoctorStrange #TomCruisepic.twitter.com/NYGTYynWtp— Unknownloop \u221e (@Unknownloop \u221e) 1644808478
Here is a pic from the 30 sec tv spot. That is totally Tom Cruise!! #MultiverseOfMadness\u00a0 #DoctorStrange\u00a0 #Marvelpic.twitter.com/atRK3zo5S9— FnA Presents: (@FnA Presents:) 1644847574
Better look. That looks like Tom Cruise! It\u2019s Superior Iron Man! #DoctorStrange #MultiverseOfMadness #DoctorStrange2pic.twitter.com/3xVvTbqaNG— Dain\u00e9il \u00d3 Corra (@Dain\u00e9il \u00d3 Corra) 1644800325
WOW! MARVEL'S Doctor Strange 2 superbowl trailer!\n\nPatrick Stewart's Professor X (X-Men) is talking to Doctor Strange at time code: 1:18\n\nTom Cruise's Tony Stark (variant) Iron Legion robots likely walking Dr. Strange in at time code: 1:10\nIts likely the Illuminati room.\n\npic.twitter.com/pSQJ1oaw4L— Mr. Cardinal Truth (@Mr. Cardinal Truth) 1644795259
IS THIS TOM CRUISE AS IRON MAN USING INFINITY STONES IN THE NEW DOCTOR STRANGE 2 TRAILER!!!???\n\n#DoctorStrange \n#MultiverseOfMadness \n#MarvelStudiospic.twitter.com/Kl8oSLgxy1— Novice Soulsborne player (@Novice Soulsborne player) 1644797161
Is this as fake as Cruise's deepfake videos?
You decide.
New \u2018Tom Cruise as Iron Man\u2019 pics land online from Doctor Strange 2 sets.\u00a0\n\n#TomCruise #bignexttidings #DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadnesspic.twitter.com/lOAGYVRFAF— Big next tidings (@Big next tidings) 1644421268
While rumors circulated Cruise was close to nabbing the role as Iron Man, the three-time Oscar nominee confirmed with ComicBook in 2018 that was not the case.
"Not close," Cruise said while promoting Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
"Not close, and I love Robert Downey Jr. I can't imagine anyone else in that role, and I think it's perfect for him."
Are Disney and Marvel unsuccessfully attempting to hide something from us?
MakeItHappen\n#DoctorStrange #TomCruise #Marvelpic.twitter.com/UzQn9bUWj5— Julesss (@Julesss) 1644852179
Despite leaked onset photos, the studios denied earlier rumors that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield were making cameos in Spider-Man: Far From Home.
We all know how that turned out. So it's unsurprising Marvel diehards are scratching their heads over rumors of Cruise making an appearance as the villainous Iron Man.
Moviegoers may have to wait until May 6, 2022, to join the multiverse and find out if Cruise is, indeed, now part of the MCU.
@nulllnvoidd/TikTok
@warrent711/TikTok
@terrance.n1/TikTok
@slghtr9/TikTok
@itsmittymoon/TikTok
@kokoanddaisy/TikTok
@jdr1959/TikTok
@mandy24787/TikTok
@crilan2015/TikTok
@orutisu88/TikTok
@PreetBharara/X
@RepBrendanBoyle/X
@twesq/Bluesky
@christopherharris/Bluesky
@evangelinewarren/X