As one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Tom Cruise has enjoyed a film career spanning more than four decades.
One of the actor’s most well-known roles has been that of field agent Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible action franchise.
Kicking off in 1996, Tom, 61, has so far starred in seven films in the franchise over the last 28 years, with another due for release in 2024.
The film’s showcase the actor’s changing appearance over the last three decades as he helped to grow the film series into a multi-billion dollar franchise.
As Tom prepares to conclude the films with the release of the two part Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, MailOnline takes a look at the star’s changing appearance at the franchise’s movie premieres through the years.
1996 – The beginning
Beginning: Tom had already established himself as one of Hollywood’s top leading men by the time he appeared in the first Mission: Impossible at age 35 (picturd with Nicole Kidman)
Tom had already established himself as one of Hollywood’s top leading men by the time he appeared in the first Mission: Impossible at age 35.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brian DePalma, the first film grossed $457million at the box office and also starred Jon Voight and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Tom raised eyebrows with his very casual attire at the premiere as he eschewed a suit in favour of a dark grey jumper and matching trousers.
The actor was joined at the event by his then wife Nicole Kidman who donned a white sleeveless top with matching trousers and heels.
2000 – Mission: Impossible 2
Looking good: Tom switched up his look by the time the second Mission: Impossible film arrived in cinemas four years lateras he sported long, wavy hair
Tom switched up his look by the time the second Mission: Impossible film arrived in cinemas four years later.
The film star sported long, wavy hair for the London premiere in Leicester Square.
The actor again went for a casual look for the bash, opting for a brown blazer and matching trousers along with a pink jumper.
Tom and Nicole split up the following year when the Jerry Maguire star filed for divorce after 10 years of marriage.
2006 – Mission: Impossible III
Dapper: Tom looked every inch the movie star for the premiere of Mission: Impossible III in May, 2006, six years after the second film
Couple: Tom was joined by his then girlfriend Katie Holmes at the LA premiere, who had given 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 to their daughter Suri only two weeks before
Tom looked every inch the movie star for the premiere of Mission: Impossible III in May, 2006, six years after the second film.
The actor arrived to the red carpet in a suave black suit and matching shirt while his hair was styled into a sleek quiff.
Tom was joined by his then girlfriend Katie Holmes, who had given 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 to their daughter Suri only two weeks before.
The A-list pair looked every inch the happy couple at the premiere, with Katie looking stunning in a black midi dress.
Tom and Katie married in November of that year at a Scientologist ceremony at the 15th-century Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano, Italy.
2011 – Ghost Protocol
Smart: Tom looked effortlessly suave at the Moscow premiere of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol in December 2011
Tom looked effortlessly suave at the Moscow premiere of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol in December 2011.
The star arrived to the event wrapped up in a grey coat which he wore with a light grey shirt and black tie.
The fourth film in the franchise received highly positive reviews from critics and grossed $694 million worldwide, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of that year.
2015 – Rogue Nation
Suave: Tom was back to sporting a noticeably longer mane of hair once more by the time the next Mission: Impossible film rolled around four years later in 2015
Tom was back to sporting a noticeably longer mane of hair once more by the time the next Mission: Impossible film rolled around four years later in 2015.
The actor cut a dapper figure for the Vienna premire of Rogue Nation, opting for a classic black suit with a matching vest.
The film star also wore a black bow tie and crisp white shirt for the event which took place at the Vienna State Opera, one of the flick’s filming locations.
The fifth entry in the franchise proved to be another success, earning $682million at the global box office.
2018 – Fallout
Style: Tom ditched his longer locks in favour of a cropped crew cut for the London premiere where he wore a black three-piece suit
It was only a three year break between Rogue Nation and the follow-up film Fallout.
Tom ditched his longer locks in favour of a cropped crew cut for the London premiere where he wore a black three-piece suit.
The film repeated the success of its predeccessors and earned a huge $791million at the box office.
Fallout was Tom’s last film before he took a four year break from movie making, returning for blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.
2023 – Dead Reckoning 
Franchise: Tom celebrated his 61st 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day the same week he attended the Sydney premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 in July of this year
Tom celebrated his 61st 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day the same week he attended the Sydney premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 in July of this year.
The actor said at the event that he wants to continue making the high-octane action films until he’s 80, like Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, he said: ‘Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to be still going. I’ve got 20 years to catch up with him.
‘I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I’m his age.’
