It is no secret that Tom Cruise is one hell of a star. It didn’t take the Mission Impossible star long to establish a name for himself in the industry on the back of stellar performances over the years, starring in films like Top Gun and the Mission Impossible amongs others. That doesn’t mean that he has never had any detractors. Who doesn’t? But he has time and again given an account of his skills to the world at large, proving his detractors wrong time and again. Collateral was one such project.

Tom Cruise was at the top of his game at the turn of the millennium

Tom Cruise’s reputation preceded him

Tom Cruise has carved out a name for himself as one of the best actors in the industry. The quintessential early 90s Hollywood good guy, Cruise is hands down one of those actors who knew how to draw a crowd to the theatre. It’s safe to say that his magic hasn’t dwindled yet.

Decades after his Hollywood debut, he still remains a crowd puller. The release of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning‘s trailer made that very clear. Who doesn’t want to see their favorite hero in action? But there have been occasions when he’s had to step out of his zone to prove that’s he more than just another actor.

Tom Cruise redefined himself with CollateralTom Cruise pushed his boundaries to star in Collateral

Tom Cruise might be a veteran of many movies. Yet there are a few which stand out, including his performance in Jamie Foxx starrer Collateral. That is a role that reminded everyone how talented the Knight and Day star is.

That was one of those rare occasions when Cruise jumped out of his boundaries, taking on the mantle of a cold and unsavory character. Playing the role of Vincent, a stone cold serial assassin, was one of the more challenging roles that the 61-year old stumbled across. Donning the assassin’s hat was in no way going to be an easy task.

Not that he didn’t know that.

Tom Cruise was looking forward to take on a challengeVincent’s role was a challenge Tom Cruise was looking for

In an interview, Tom Cruise revealed how interested he was by the prospect of being a part of the movie. He said,

“I really dug the story and dug the character. I just choose roles where I go. Okay, this is interesting, I’ve never played this before.” (China Daily)

That is the hallmark of a great actor. They go and seek challenges. He continued,

“I look for characters that I feel are going to be challenging. This is definitely right out there. A very, very complex character, playing this anti-social personality.”

Back then, the audience would not be ready to see their favorite heartthrob in a new light. But that was the least of the Top Gun: Maverick star’s concern. For him, it was all about taking on a challenge, one he passed with flying colors.

Collateral reminded everyone who Cruise is. Even his detractors couldn’t help but take a bow. It might not be one of those roles that saw him bag an Oscar nomination, but it could. Even his doubters would agree.