How Tom Cruise Helped Create Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder

NEW YORK, March 20, 2025 — Tom Cruise revealed how he played a pivotal role in the creation of Les Grossman, a memorable character from the 2008 film “Tropic Thunder,” during a recent appearance on the New Heights Podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce. The character, a foul-mouthed Hollywood producer, greatly enhanced the film’s comedic appeal, according to actor Ben Stiller, who co-wrote, directed, and starred in the project.

Stiller recounted his long-standing friendship with Cruise, which began years prior while filming a short for the 2000 MTV Movie Awards. Despite their earlier collaboration, the two had not worked together again until Stiller was writing the script for “Tropic Thunder.” Their reunion came about in an unexpected manner.

During the podcast, Stiller shared a story about making a comedic video for his wife, Christine Taylor, that spoofed the television series “24.” Stiller jokingly cast his brother-in-law, Brian Taylor, in the video, remarking that he was the “worst actor ever.” Seeking to add star power to the project, Stiller invited Cruise to join, asking if he would film a scene where Brian delivered Jack Nicholson’s famous courtroom speech from “A Few Good Men.”

Cruise agreed, bringing a professional attitude to the shoot. Following the video filming, Stiller approached Cruise about the possibility of a role in “Tropic Thunder.” Cruise reviewed the script but felt something crucial was missing.

“He looked and he said, ‘You know, you make fun of the actors, you make fun of everybody and the agents and all that, but you don’t make fun of the studio heads. You should add a studio head,’” Stiller recalled, leading to the birth of Les Grossman.

Stiller emphasized that the character would not have existed without Cruise’s suggestion, which came just three months before shooting began. Moreover, Cruise proposed that Grossman should have memorable dance moves, further defining the character’s outrageous personality.

Stiller credited Cruise’s input as a game-changer for the film, which has since become a cult classic. “It was his idea, that character. That character did not exist before he suggested it,” Stiller stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit that shaped the film.