Tom Cruise Shows Support For Rival Summer Flicks, Checks Out 'Oppenheimer' & 'Barbie'

Contrary to popular belief, there is no heated rivalry between Tom Cruise, his latest franchise sequel, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One," and the other big releases in the coming weeks. Cruise is advising others to stop the heated rivalry between the likes "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer." Instead, Cruise found a solution to the problem. Go out and see them both, making it a double feature, as he and "Mission: Impossible" collaborator Christopher McQuarrie shared on Instagram (see below).

Cruise stated in his Instagram post, "This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters. These are just a few that we can't wait to see on the big screen." He continued, showing his support of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" star Harrison Ford, "Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indiana Jones and creating one of the most iconic characters in cinema history. You have given us countless hours of joy."

Cruise also revealed he and McQuarrie opted for a double-feature of both Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, "Oppenheimer," and Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie as the world-famous Mattel toy dol and icon and Ryan Gosling as Ken. Cruise added, "I love a double feature, and it doesn't get more explosive (or pinker) than one with Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' and Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie.'"

The new Nolan film, exploring J. Robert Oppenheimer heading up the Manhattan Project and the building of the atomic bomb, is due to release on July 21, the same date as the new live-action "Barbie" movie. The films sharing the same release date have caused a great deal of divisiveness between the movies' fans on social media, creating a rivalry regarding which movie fans will see on their opening weekend.

Cruise is playing a peacemaker, suggesting that fans see both films. Cruise's franchise sequel, "Dead Reckoning," opens in theaters ahead of both "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" on July 12. As far as Cruise is concerned, the more people see movies on the big screen and support the theatrical experience, the better.

Cruise is coming off one of the biggest hits of his career in last year's "Top Gun: Maverick," where he reprised his role of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell of the classic 1986 original film. The film was a box office smash, grossing $718 million domestically and $1.4 billion worldwide. The film was well-received critically as well, garnering rave reviews. McQuarrie, who has directed Cruise in the last three "Mission: Impossible" films, including "Dead Reckoning," also co-wrote the script.

"Dead Reckoning" sees Cruise return to his longtime role as Ethan Hunt. He's portrayed the character since the film franchise began back in 1996. The franchise is based on the classic television series from 1966 to 1977. In "Dead Reckoning," Cruise as Ethan Hunt must face a deadly new threat and confront an old enemy from his past.

"Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" also stars Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, and Esai Morales. It hits theaters on July 12.