Tom Cruises Abs a Topic of Discussion since He Appeared Shirtless in His 60s: Abs Have Been CG

May 2024 ยท 6 minute read

One of the highlights of the film, "Top Gun: Maverick" was the beach football scene, which was also featured in the music video for OneRepublic's song, "I Ain't Worried."

Tom Cruise in Los Angeles, California, on September 17, 1983 | Source: Getty Images

The clip featured shots of the central star, Tom Cruise, playing football shirtless on the beach, with his abs on full display. While it was a sight to behold for Cruise's loyal fanbase, who were left stunned by his fit body, decades after the original "Top Gun" was released, it also became a subject of discussion on social media.

Tom Cruise on the set of "Top Gun" in 1986 | Source: Getty Images

In August 2023, a Maverick X Twitter or X fan page shared a clear photo of Cruise without his shirt, to which someone replied that the actor "got old" and his abs have started "fading away." In June 2023, another fan commented:

"[I am] convinced tom cruise's abs have been cgi'd since 'mission impossible IV.'"

In May 2017, the star appeared alongside some other actors in a promo photo. This time, he was dressed in a black T-shirt, but that didn't stop someone retweeting that post on the same day in May 2022 and mentioning how it was the fifth anniversary of the image.

The fan asked other social media users about their favorite thing about the picture. They also mentioned that they liked "how the perspective of the floor doesn't make sense," leading someone else to focus on Cruise, stating:

"Tom Cruise's crudely painted-on abs are good too."

In September 2022, an X user who had watched "Top Gun: Maverick" gave his two cents worth by rating the film "good" despite a predictable three seconds of the film, adding:

"And Tom Cruise is 60 FFS; please tell me they used cgi for his abs."

"Mad abs at age 60 is also something human physiology is not designed for. But, Tom Cruise," wrote another on X the following month. "smash cut to Tom Cruise shirtless playing football on the beach like he's 26 with ripped abs and 5% body fat. Time comes for every: except Tom Cruise!" tweeted another, months earlier.

Another tweet read, "there was a scene with 20 hot shirtless young men and all i could do was stare at tom cruises abs."

Another social media user described both the film and Cruise's abs as "literally breathtaking," marveling at his body for a man his age. "What a man," the tweet added.

Cruise, who admitted during the premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick" that it had been 37 years since they shot the first "Top Gun," was already in his late 50s when they filmed the beach scene in the sequel. His co-stars also had a lot to say about the pressure that scene imposed on them to stay fit.

What Did Tom Cruise's Castmates Say about Filming the Beach Scene in "Top Gun: Maverick?"

Glen Powell, who played the role of Hangman in the film, confessed in an interview that there was "more pressure" leading up to the beach football scene than in any other scene in the movie. He revealed that the cast was even working hard in the gym the day before the shoot until around midnight.

Tom Cruise on the set of "Top Gun" in 1986 | Source: Getty Images

Powell divulged how they were all trying to get the last muscles ready for the shoot by doing pull-ups and crunches. On the day of the shoot, weights and resistance bands were used on the beach, with the actor describing the scene as funny.

Jay Ellis, Miles Teller, Tom Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Glen Powell during a press conference for "Top Gun: Maverick" at Lotte Hotel World on June 20, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea | Source: Getty Images

The star revealed how his co-stars felt a lot of anxiety ahead of that day as there was a lot of focus on the scene. During the movie's premiere, Cruise's other co-stars also confirmed how they all had to crank up their workouts before filming the beach scene.

The "Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol" star praised his co-star for how he instantly reassimilated when he had to reprise his old role.

Tom Cruise during a press conference for the movie "Top Gun: Maverick" at Lotte Hotel World on June 20, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea | Source: Getty Images

Jay Ellis, who played the role of Payback, revealed that they even went on diets for the film. To celebrate nailing the shoot, the castmates indulged in some of their favorite junk foods, only to find out later that Cruise wanted to reshoot the scene. Cruise shared what he told them, saying:

"I was like, 'Sorry guys, we're going to have to hit the gym again."'

Miles Teller, who played Rooster, was in the middle of eating a pizza when he got the news that they had to reshoot. He described that moment as a "terrible call."

Apart from working with new cast members in the "Top Gun" sequel, Cruise also revived the chemistry between him and his "Top Gun" co-star Val Kilmer. He opened up about their emotional reunion on the set.

What Did Tom Say about Working with Val Again after So Many Years?

In February 2023, Cruise, 61, appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," where he spoke about starring alongside Val Kilmer. The star revealed he'd known Kilmer for decades, and having him return to "Top Gun" to play the role of Tom "Iceman" Kazansky showed how powerful he is as an actor.

Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise on the set of "Top Gun" in 1986 | Source: Getty Images

The "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" star praised his co-star for how he instantly reassimilated when he had to reprise his old role. Cruise admitted to crying and becoming "emotional" when shooting certain scenes because of how "brilliant" Kilmer is.

The "Edge of Tomorrow" actor even revealed that he loved his co-star's work. When the original "Top Gun" came out in 1986, it became Kilmer's launching pad to fame, appearing alongside Cruise as a naval aviator.

ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jm1oa25pbnq1u8xmmqutmaiytHnAm6pmmV2pvLG1wmamn2WUnsCkwdKsoKimXp3Brrg%3D