Real Reason Why Tom Cruise Didn’t Make a Cameo in Doctor Strange 2 (2024)

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is plotting what it means to have limitless possibilities. Not only does the word Strange denotes “frighteningly little about” it also allows characters to make their MCU debut. It also opens up the possibility for alternate versions of established MCU heroes.

Stephen Strange has already ventured to the Quantum Realm and the Dark Dimension, but he could be taking the story to the danger zone come May. Claimedactor Tom Cruise has been rumored to be in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, specifically portraying a Tony Stark Variant. While evidence of Cruise’s involvement remains unconfirmed.

Tom Cruise Iron Man Rumors Addressed in Careful Way by Cumberbatch

Rumors first sparked up Cruise’s Doctor Strange 2 involvement in Fall 2020. Insider Daniel RPKreported that Marvel was considering a bunch of interesting cameos for the sequel. It may include “Tom Cruise as Tony Stark from another Earth” on that list. That said, just because Marvel wants it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the screenwriter sorted out that it was the fans who prompted him. And suggested bringing the Mission Impossible star into the MCU. At the start of Multiverse of Madness’ release, many thought that Cruise would appear as the former leader of the Avengers.

Waldron said:

“Yeah, that was totally made up.”

“I mean, there’s no cut footage of Tom Cruise! But I love Tom Cruise, and I said to [Marvel Studios President] Kevin [Feige] at one point, I was like, ‘could we get Tom Cruise’s Iron Man?’ I remember reading about that in Ain’t It Cool News back in the day, that Tom Cruise was going to be Iron Man.”

Despite Waldron’s declaration, Cruise can’t join the production due to an ongoing shooting schedule. The writer explained that bringing Cruise on was never possible. The actor was filming the seventh and eighth films in the Mission Impossible series. Same at the time the newest Doctor Strange movie was withstanding principal photography.

Since Marvel Studios never officially reached out to Cruise, Waldron said:

“It was ever an option because of availability.”

In an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Cumberbatch teases fans over this particular theory. After acknowledging that there was virtually nothing he could say about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Due to Marvel Studios spoiler controls.

“Well look, I guess I am on the Fallon Show, so maybe… Maybe, Jimmy, I can give you just one clue as to someone who may be in the film, because it’s coming out quite soon. I’m not gonna say their name, but I’ll see if you can guess it from a theme tune of something else that they’ve done that’s quite well known. Ready? [Hums Top Gun theme]. No. Sorry to disappoint the people that have bought their ticket wanting to see two Tom Cruise movies in one month.”