Doctor Strange 2 writer confirms if Tom Cruise cameo was ever on the cards
Michael Waldron did ask Kevin Feige about bringing in the star
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured some huge cameos from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Warning! Spoilers ahead for the movie as we detail some of the biggest appearances.
With the introduction of both the multiverse and the Illuminati, Doctor Strange 2 had almost free rein to bring in variants of well-known characters. We went wild at the introduction of Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter, John Krasinski as Reed Richards, Lashana Lynch as Captain Marvel, and Anson Mount as Black Bolt.
However, some viewers were expecting to see another huge cameo in the Marvel movie as Tom Cruise was rumored to play Iron Man. Now the film’s writer Michael Waldron has opened up about what really happened there – and if they ever reached out to the Hollywood star.
Chatting to Rolling Stone, Waldron admitted that this cameo was mostly just fan speculation. This was because Cruise was initially a favorite to play Iron Man when that film was being cast back in 2007. However, Waldron liked the idea himself, explaining that he even brought it to Marvel boss Kevin Feige.
He explained: "That was totally made up. I mean, there’s no cut footage of Tom Cruise! But I love Tom Cruise, and I said to Kevin [Feige] at one point, I was like, 'Could we get Tom Cruise’s Iron Man?'" Waldron said he thought it would "be cool" after he read about the speculation online.
The Marvel writer was quizzed about Feige’s response to his suggestion, as well as if they actually reached out to him. He revealed that he doesn’t think it went any further as Cruise was busy filming. "Well, I mean, he was shooting Mission Impossible 7 and 8," he continued. "I just don’t think it was ever an option, because of availability."
Doctor Strange 2 is currently in cinemas and is expected to land on Disney Plus later this year. Want more on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Then check out our guides to:
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter
Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox
- Doctor Strange 2 ending explained
- Our guide to Marvel Phase 4
- All the Doctor Strange 2 Easter eggs listed
- What does 616 in Doctor Strange 2 mean?
- Where Doctor Strange 2 fits on the Marvel timeline
- Who is Charlize Theron in Doctor Strange 2?
- The TV history of the Darkhold, explained
- Our full WandaVision recap
- The Marvel movies and shows to watch before Doctor Strange 2
- When is Doctor Strange 2 on Disney Plus?
- How to watch the Marvel movies in order
- Is Doctor Strange 2 too scary for children?
I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.