Tom Cruise Praised by Former Agent Ahead of New Movie

LOS ANGELES, CA — As anticipation builds for the release of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Tom Cruise‘s longtime collaborator, former agent and producer Paula Wagner, reflects on the actor’s extraordinary career. Wagner, who has worked with Cruise since 1981, recently shared her insights during an interview.

Wagner recalls a moment years ago at DePaul University, where she emphasized the essence of a movie star. “A star lights up the sky and gives heat and light and energy, and then they burn out,” she explained. Citing Greta Garbo’s early retirement at 30, she contrasts it with Cruise’s longevity, stating, “He’s a phenomenon, and his star is not burning out anytime soon.”

As the release date of May 17 approaches, Wagner elaborates on Cruise’s unique qualities. “He’s not only an action star; he’s a great actor with the substance to match his stardom. He’s fearless and capable of finding the essence of his characters,” she remarked, recalling Cruise’s iconic slide across the floor in “Risky Business.” “That moment ignited him as a star,” she added.

Wagner also commented on the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stressing the importance of working with great directors and talented co-stars. “When you have high-quality talent together, they elevate each other,” she said.

Despite critics sometimes dismissing his performances, Wagner remains a staunch defender of Cruise. “You can’t take your eyes off him. He understands the depth of character and does the work an actor needs to do,” she stated.

As the conversation progressed, Wagner reflected on her role in the inception of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. She expressed pride in how the series evolved, crediting Cruise and his team for its international success. “It is the quintessential epic film experience that people all over the world enjoy,” she said.

Amid such achievements, Wagner remains active in the industry, now serving as an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University. She teaches students about navigating the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.

Wagner emphasized the importance of storytelling in marketing cinema, advocating for more representation of women in leading roles. “We need more films directed by women and more starring roles for them,” she concluded.