Connor Cruise First Major Film Role Follows in Tom's Steps (VIDEO)
Connor Cruise is following in the footsteps of hid dad, Tom, and starring in his first movie. The younger cruise will play action hero Daryl Bates in the upcoming remake of 80s action film "Red Dawn."
The film, as fans may remember, is about a group of teenagers who want to save their small town from an invasion by North Korean soldiers. The 1984 film featured an all-star cast, including Patrick Swayze, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen and Jennifer Grey. Cruise will take over the role of Daryl, which was previously played by Darren Dalton.
It marks the first significant role for Cruise, who made his acting debut alongside Will Smith in the 2008 film "Seven Pounds." In "Red Dawn," he will be with other actors of his own age, including "The Hunger Games'" Josh Hutcherson and Isabel Lucas.
"Connor is a really cool kid," Hutcherson told Yahoo Movies. "When you look at his upbringing and how it's been different than so many people, he is very well-rounded, grounded, extremely smart, physically— just great at all sports," he added. "You can see where he gets that from— his dad."
Cruise may have some big shoes to fill, given that Tom's career includes the "Mission Impossible" series as well as other action blockbusters "Minority Report" and "War of the Worlds." His family has been in the spotlight recently, with the very public divorce between Connor's dad and stepmom Katie Holmes.
Connor and sister Isabella have chosen to remain with Tom, even after the divorce from their mother, Nicole Kidman. After the separation, Kidman moved to Australia, while the kids stayed in Los Angeles with Cruise. Even after Kidman moved to Nashville, the kids remained distant.
"They live with Tom, which was their choice," the actress told Hello! Magazine in 2010. "I'd love them to live with us, but what can you do?"
Just a few months, it was thought that Connor would pursue a career in music, not film.
"Music is what Connor wants to do with his life and his family is completely supportive of it," representative Dave Osokow told the Daily Telegraph in June.
Watch the trailer for "Red Dawn" here (WARNING: Some violence seen).