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  1. Entertainment
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Jack Black wants Tropic Thunder co-star Tom Cruise to do another comedy with him

News
By Kim Taylor-Foster Contributions from Bradley Russell published 1 February 2024

Exclusive: Jack Black talks to Total Film about Tom Cruise's role as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder

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Tom Cruise as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder
(Image credit: Dreamworks)
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Over multiple decades, Tom Cruise has shown us the money, felt the need for speed, and everything else in-between. One of his most beloved roles, Tropic Thunder's wildly obnoxious movie executive Les Grossman, also proved he has comedic chops in spades.

Speaking to Total Film in our new issue, which features Dune 2 on the cover and is out this Thursday, co-star Jack Black recounts the character for our 'My Life in Pictures' feature.

"Tom Cruise was unrecognisable as Les Grossman. He was really channelling some angst, I think, about some studio executives that shall remain nameless," Black says. 

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"I just didn’t know he had that gear in him. I guess he had done some comedy but not like this, with such broad strokes. And not such a character that he totally disappeared into."

Might we see Cruise tap into his funny bone once more? If so, he has a willing and ready comedy partner in Jack Black. 

"It does make you wonder when he is going to bust out and do some more comedy," Black says. "If he does, he should let me know. I’ll jump on board that choo-choo train."

  • Pre-order the Dune 2 issue of Total Film

Elsewhere in our conversation, Black also opened up his thoughts on the reviews of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, as well as about his role in the upcoming Minecraft film. "They’re both video game related but in terms of approach, live action is a different ball of wax," Black adds.

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You can hear more from Jack Black, and a whole lot else besides, in the new issue of Total Film when it hits shelves and digital newsstands on Thursday, February 1. Check out the covers below:

Total Film's Dune: Part Two covers

(Image credit: Total Film/Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/Photo by Jack Davison)

Pre-order the issue here to bag your copy, or click here to subscribe to Total Film and never miss another exclusive. You'll get every issue before it's in stores, and you’ll get subscriber-exclusive covers.

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(Image credit: Warner Bros/Legendary/Total Film)
Kim Taylor-Foster
With contributions from
  • Bradley RussellSenior Entertainment Writer
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