If Top Gun: Maverick confirmed anything, it reminded Hollywood that Tom Cruise is a master at marketing movies.
The busy Cruise recently put his promo powers — including his megawatt smile — to work in service of a former co-star in that film, showing up for the European premiere of the upcoming July 14 release Twisters, starring Glen Powell, and posting a photo of the two on his X account.
“Fun night with friends, watching a movie!!” wrote Cruise above a photo of himself and Powell in a theater lobby, branded popcorn bags in hand.
While not on par with piloting a helicopter onto the deck of an aircraft carrier for the Top Gun: Maverick premiere, Cruise’s post to his 7 million followers is bound to be picked up widely, and puts the superstar’s stamp of approval on Powell’s film.
It probably helped that, by supporting the film, Cruise is also supporting his Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, who is credited with the picture’s story. Ditto Cruise’s War of the Worlds director Steven Spielberg, who is an EP.
It’s not the first time, of course, that Cruise has promoted blockbusters in which he has no part. In fact, the star-producer has been outspoken about the need for a release schedule full of quality product to keep the theatrical experience alive.
Last summer, Cruise tweeted pictures of himself in front of posters for upcoming releases Oppenheimer, Barbie and Joy Ride.
He also gave a shout out to Harrison Ford as he reprised his signature role.
“This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters,” Cruise wrote. “Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie.”