How Tom Cruise and Oakley Have Shaped the Mission: Impossible Franchise

Tom Cruise has again proven himself one of the most successful box-office stars. Last year saw one of his most notable successes with the highly anticipated sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick." The long-awaited follow-up to the 1986 classic saw Cruise reprise as Maverick, a fearless fighter pilot. The film was a major box office hit and even received a 5-minute standing ovation at Cannes, further cementing Cruise's place as a leading man in the industry.

This year, Cruise starred in the action-packed "Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One." The film is the seventh installment in the movie series and is another testament to Cruise's ability to captivate audiences. While high-octane action is definitely one part of the success of Cruise's franchise success, another common theme is the incorporation of iconic eyewear. Whereas Top Gun collaborated with eyewear brand Ray-Ban, Cruise has been working with sports equipment company Oakley to set Mission: Impossible apart.

The Mission: Impossible Franchise and Oakley's Acclaimed History

The Mission: Impossible franchise is an enduring commercial success that has grossed over $4 billion. The franchise has raised the bar for action filmmaking, as each installment features increasingly elaborate stunts. Years ago, Cruise made headlines for scaling the Burj Khalifa—a feat previously deemed too dangerous, especially for a leading actor. In addition to its cultural impact and commercial success, the Mission: Impossible films have also achieved critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and technical achievements. The series has received numerous awards and nominations, including Academy Award nods for technical categories such as sound editing and visual effects.

On the other hand, Oakley is an American company that designs, develops, and manufactures sports performance equipment and lifestyle pieces. The brand is known for its cutting-edge designs, as well as its use of high-quality materials to create products that are both stylish and functional. Oakley sunglasses are particularly popular and are used by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. This is mainly due to their innovative technologies. Case in point, their popular Radar EV Path model features their O-Matter material, which is lightweight and durable, and their Unobtainium rubber, which ensures maximum grip and fit. Today, Oakley counts many acclaimed personalities among its fans, with Cruise as one of their most ardent collaborators.

How Tom Cruise and Oakley Work Together on the Films

Cruise, known for his dedication to performing his own stunts, has often been seen wearing Oakley sunglasses as he tackles daring feats such as hanging from the side of a plane, scaling skyscrapers, and engaging in intense hand-to-hand combat. From donning the sleek Romeo frames at the beginning of Mission: Impossible II to his clear goggles during the motorcycle cliff jump scene in Dead Reckoning, Oakley's involvement in the films lends a sense of authenticity.

The collaboration between Cruise and Oakley goes beyond simple product placement. Oakley's cutting-edge technology and premium craftsmanship make them the perfect choice for the demanding physicality of the Mission: Impossible films. The brand's commitment to delivering high-performance eyewear that can withstand extreme conditions aligns perfectly with the rigorous demands of the action-packed scenes. Whether providing UV protection during high-altitude stunts, reducing glare during intense fight sequences, or simply adding a cool touch to Ethan Hunt's look, Oakley's products have become an integral part of the Mission: Impossible universe.

From a marketing standpoint, the collaboration between Cruise and Oakley has proven highly effective. The Mission: Impossible films serve as a platform for Oakley to showcase their products to a broad audience, and the association with a high-profile Hollywood star like Cruise lends credibility to the brand. In turn, Oakley's presence enhances the realism and the viewer's immersive experience without looking campy. Such was the case in the aforementioned Dead Reckoning stunt, wherein Oakley created custom glasses that lent a distinct vibe. These glasses were so hotly received that a GQ interview with an Oakley executive hints that this eyewear may soon be mass-produced.

Future Predictions for the 2025 Mission: Impossible Film

In the next Mission: Impossible film, set to premiere in 2025, Oakley is expected to appear again. In the same interview mentioned above, an Oakley executive shares that Ethan Hunt will don a new pair of Oakley frames. While there is no news yet on what these new frames will be for or what they look like, given Cruise and Oakley's shared passion for action, fans can expect another iconic eyewear moment in cinema history.