Tom Cruise’s One of Greatest Performances in a Movie Didn’t Even Originally Want Him at First Place
Tom Cruise delivered one of his most iconic and beloved performances ever as the title character in Cameron Crowe’s 1996 romantic comedy Jerry Maguire. But Cruise wasn’t the original actor envisioned for the role that earned him an Oscar nomination, the part was actually written with fellow mega-star Tom Hanks in mind.
Cruise brought his trademark charm and unexpected vulnerability to the film, especially in the tender scenes with Renée Zellweger. However, Jerry Maguire director Cameron Crowe initially had his sights set on casting America’s Dad, Tom Hanks, as the fast-talking sports agent.
Tom Cruise Wasn’t the First Choice to Say “Show Me the Money” in Jerry Maguire
According to Collider, in 2017, Crowe revealed to NBC Sports that he wrote Jerry Maguire for Hanks and even had an enthusiastic conversation with the actor about taking the lead role. But Hanks was committed to directing That Thing You Do! and had to decline. Hanks later joked that Cruise still owes him a dollar for passing on the now-iconic part. And Cruise himself admitted he would have loved to see Hanks’ interpretation of Jerry Maguire.
On the surface, Hanks seemed ideally suited for the witty, motor-mouthed character. Especially after his back-to-back Best Actor Oscar wins for more serious fare like Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, Hanks starring in a mainstream crowd-pleaser like Jerry Maguire would have made perfect sense.
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Did Tom Cruise Take a Gamble With His Role?
But according to Tom Cruise, he spent nine months extensively developing the role with Crowe to make it his own. While Cruise was known for action and dramas, his earlier films like Risky Business proved his knack for comedy. Cruise’s willingness to make himself the butt of the joke and showcase real vulnerability is what makes his work in Jerry Maguire so special.
When Jerry has his public meltdown and steals a fish from the office, Cruise fully commits to the unhinged scene for big laughs. Jerry Maguire was a major box office hit, becoming the fifth-biggest R-rated movie at the time with a $156 million domestic gross. Despite its success, it still holds the record for the lowest-grossing #1 box office film.
Did the Role Allow Tom Cruise to Flex New Acting Muscles?
In films like A Few Good Men and The Firm, Cruise showcased a more serious side in the 1990s. Jerry Maguire gave him the chance to revisit the charming but flawed goofball persona of his early career.
Cruise proves he can still be effortlessly funny while also layered and affecting, especially when Jerry re-discovers his conscience and pens the iconic mission statement. And when he pours his heart out to Renée Zellweger’s Dorothy, Cruise brings an emotional honesty absent from his recent roles.
The movie is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
