Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s most enduring action stars, is stepping into uncharted territory following the 2025 release of “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” widely viewed as his swan song as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. At 63, the actor shows no signs of slowing down, with a high-profile 2026 project generating buzz as his 50th film and a shift toward more original, auteur-driven storytelling.

Cruise made a rare awards-season appearance in March 2026 at the 53rd Saturn Awards in Los Angeles, where he accepted Best Actor honors for his performance in “The Final Reckoning” and watched the film win Best Action/Adventure Film. In his speech, he expressed deep gratitude to longtime collaborator director Christopher McQuarrie, joking about the director’s attempts to “kill me so many times” through the franchise’s death-defying stunts. He received a standing ovation and emphasized his lifelong passion for movies and audiences.

The eighth “Mission: Impossible” installment, released in May 2025, concluded Cruise’s three-decade run as Ethan Hunt. While Cruise has teased that “many more” stories could come in the franchise, he confirmed at the film’s premiere and during promotion that it marked his final portrayal of the character. Rumors of a ninth film, including unverified reports of negotiations with director Chloé Zhao, have circulated but remain unconfirmed by Cruise or Paramount.

Instead, Cruise is channeling his trademark intensity into “Digger,” a mysterious comedy set for theatrical release on Oct. 2, 2026, from Warner Bros. Directed by Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (“The Revenant,” “Birdman”), the project has been described by the filmmaker as “a brutal, wild comedy of catastrophic proportions.” Cruise shared the first teaser and poster on Instagram in December 2025, captioning it simply: “Introducing… DIGGER.”

The film marks Cruise’s first major original role in years outside major franchises and his 10th as both star and producer. It reunites him with Iñárritu in what insiders call a bold departure, featuring an ensemble cast including Jesse Plemons, John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde and Emma D’Arcy. A teaser trailer released late last year offered little plot detail, building intrigue around the “enigmatic” project that some compare tonally to Iñárritu’s darker satirical style or even Cruise’s memorable comedic turn in “Tropic Thunder.”

Industry observers see “Digger” as a pivotal test for Cruise at the box office after nearly a decade dominated by sequels and reboots. It arrives as the actor, who turned 63 in July 2025, continues to prioritize physically demanding and creatively ambitious work. Production details remain closely guarded, but the collaboration with Iñárritu — known for visceral, auteur-driven cinema — signals Cruise’s desire to stretch beyond the stunt-heavy blockbusters that defined much of his recent career.

Cruise’s post-“Mission” slate also includes ongoing development on “Top Gun 3,” with Joseph Kosinski expected to return as director. The sequel to the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” remains in script stages, though no firm production timeline has been announced. Other long-gestating rumors, including a potential “Edge of Tomorrow” sequel with Emily Blunt and director Doug Liman, have surfaced in production listings for possible late 2026 shoots, but nothing is confirmed.

The actor has repeatedly pushed back against retirement speculation. During “The Final Reckoning” promotion, he made clear his commitment to big-screen cinema remains unwavering, telling audiences he loves making movies and values the theatrical experience above all. His hands-on approach to stunts and production has become legendary, with “Mission: Impossible” films consistently praised for practical effects over heavy CGI reliance.

Beyond the screen, Cruise’s personal life occasionally draws tabloid attention. In early 2026, unverified reports suggested friends were encouraging a reconnection with former co-star Meg Ryan following the reported end of a brief romance with Ana de Armas. Cruise and Ryan, who starred together in “Days of Thunder” decades ago, have remained friendly over the years, though both have stayed private about relationships.

Cruise notably will not attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, dashing Italian media speculation that he might reprise a stunt-heavy role similar to his surprise appearance at the 2024 Paris Games opening ceremony. Sources confirmed he remained in Los Angeles during the February Games.

His enduring appeal was underscored in early 2026 when online polls and fan discussions named him among the most “impressive and promising” actors of the year — a testament to his ability to captivate audiences well into his 60s. Classic films from his catalog, including “Jerry Maguire” and “Edge of Tomorrow,” continue to find new viewers on streaming platforms, introducing younger generations to his work.

Cruise’s career trajectory reflects a rare balance of commercial dominance and creative risk-taking. From his breakthrough in “Risky Business” and “Top Gun” in the 1980s to Oscar-nominated turns in “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Jerry Maguire” and “Magnolia,” he has demonstrated range while building one of Hollywood’s most reliable box-office brands. The “Mission: Impossible” series alone has grossed billions worldwide, with each installment raising the bar for practical action sequences.

As he approaches his 50th film with “Digger,” Cruise continues to embody the ethos of old-school movie stardom: commitment to craft, audience connection and theatrical exhibition. In an era of franchise fatigue and streaming dominance, his insistence on delivering spectacle on the big screen resonates with fans and theater owners alike.

Looking ahead, the October 2026 release of “Digger” will likely dominate Cruise-related conversation throughout the year. Early buzz suggests the film could position the actor for awards consideration in a comedic or dramatic vein, potentially adding to his legacy beyond action hero status. Iñárritu’s involvement raises expectations for a film that blends humor, intensity and emotional depth.

Cruise maintains a relatively low public profile between projects, focusing on training, development and family. He has three children from previous marriages and has spoken occasionally about the importance of balance, though work remains his primary passion.

In recent interviews and appearances, including at the Saturn Awards, Cruise reiterated his love for cinema and gratitude toward collaborators and fans. “I feel so privileged to be able to do what I do,” he said in his acceptance speech, a sentiment that encapsulates his four-decade journey from young heartthrob to global icon.

As Hollywood navigates shifting audience habits and production challenges, Tom Cruise stands as a steadfast advocate for the movie theater experience. Whether scaling skyscrapers as Ethan Hunt or diving into the unknown with “Digger,” his next act promises to deliver the same intensity and charisma that have defined his career.

Fans can expect more updates on “Digger” and potential “Top Gun 3” developments as 2026 progresses. For now, the star who once declared he would “do my own stunts” until he physically cannot appears determined to keep audiences on the edge of their seats for years to come.

Uber is rolling out expanded fuel discounts and higher earnings incentives for U.S. drivers and couriers as rising gas prices from the Iran war continue to squeeze gig workers.

The company said it will significantly increase fuel savings opportunities through May 26, 2026, while also ramping up promotions aimed at helping drivers keep pace with higher costs at the pump.

DOORDASH ROLLS OUT EMERGENCY GAS RELIEF AS PRICES SQUEEZE DRIVERS

At the center of the update is a major expansion of gas discounts through Upside and Shell Fuel Rewards. Drivers can now save up to $1.00 per gallon using Upside—quadrupling the previous maximum of 25 cents—depending on their Uber Pro tier. Meanwhile, Shell Fuel Rewards discounts have been raised to as much as 21 cents per gallon, up from 7 cents.

These offers can be stacked with savings from the Uber Pro Card, amplifying total discounts.

Uber is also increasing cash-back rewards on fuel purchases. Drivers using the Uber Pro Card will receive an additional 5% cash back at gas stations nationwide.

TRUMP PROMISED LOWER COSTS; THE IRAN CONFLICT NOW THREATENS THAT PLEDGE

Additional bonuses include 3% cash back at Exxon and Mobil stations and 1% at Mastercard Easy Savings locations. Altogether, drivers can now earn up to 15% cash back on fuel, which i up from the previous 10% cap.

Uber estimates that, when combining all discounts and rewards, top drivers could save as much as $1.44 per gallon, based on an average gas price of $3.98.

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The effort comes as gas prices rise sharply nationwide.

The national average is now $3.98 per gallon, up about $1.00 from a month ago, according to AAA. Prices are climbing across nearly every region, with some states already well above the national average. On the West Coast, drivers are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.86 per gallon in California and $5.32 in Washington.

Along the East Coast, gas prices are nearing $4.00 a gallon, including $3.92 in New York and $3.99 in Maryland.

Meanwhile, in the Midwest, Illinois stands out with prices at $4.21 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$3 range. Prices are generally lower across the South, though still on the rise, with Texas at $3.59 and Florida at $3.95.

Nifty ended its two-session rally amid sharp cuts as a stalemate in the Iran-US negotiations dented the market mood. Elevated energy prices and a plunging rupee aggravated troubles for domestic investors.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said the index is trading below the 21-hour EMA, indicating sustained short-term bearish momentum. Additionally, the RSI has entered a bearish crossover, reinforcing the negative bias. “Given the prevailing market uncertainties, a sell-on-rise approach may remain suitable in the near term. Technically, any rebound towards 23,500 could face selling pressure, as this level is likely to act as an immediate resistance. On the downside, a break below 22,800 may lead to further weakness in the market,” De said.

Here are 2 stock recommendations for Monday:

Buy ACME Solar at Rs 269 | Upside: 15% | Stop Loss: Rs 245 | Target: Rs 290/310The structure is turning bullish as the stock has given a breakout above its recent consolidation zone near Rs 255 – Rs 260, supported by rising volumes and improving momentum indicators, with RSI sustaining above 60. Price is also holding above key moving averages, indicating strength in trend continuation. The breakout zone is likely to act as immediate support on dips. Traders can consider a buy around Rs 265 – Rs 270 with a stop-loss at Rs 245, while on the upside, the stock has potential to move towards Rs 290 – Rs 310 in the near term if momentum sustains.

(Kunal Kamble, Sr. Technical Research Analyst, Bonanza Portfolio)

Buy Dalmia Bharat at Rs 346 | Upside: 16% | Stop Loss: Rs 310 | Target: Rs 380/400The structure for Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Limited has turned bullish as the stock has given a strong breakout above its key resistance zone near Rs 330, supported by a sharp rise in volumes and positive momentum indicators, with RSI sustaining above 60. The price is now trading above key moving averages, indicating a potential trend reversal after a prolonged decline. The breakout zone around Rs 325 – Rs 330 is likely to act as immediate support on dips. Traders can consider buying around Rs 340 – Rs 345 with a stop-loss at Rs 310, while on the upside, the stock may move towards Rs 380 – Rs 400 in the near term if momentum sustains. (Kunal Kamble, Sr. Technical Research Analyst, Bonanza Portfolio)

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)