Can a movie actually be filmed in space?
# **Tom Cruise's Next Mission: Filming a Movie in Real Space**
Tom Cruise has built a reputation for jumping into intense action scenes without stunt doubles. From racing cars to climbing skyscrapers, he dives headfirst into danger—now, he’s aiming even higher. His next wild idea? Making a movie in real space, not just on Earth with fancy effects.
### **Has It Been Done Before?**
Turns out, it has—just not in the way Cruise might envision. A Russian film crew shot parts of their movie at the International Space Station over two decades after the first space tourists began visiting. But here’s the catch: most of their footage stayed on Earth. The scenes filmed in space accounted for only **30 minutes** of the final film. If Cruise wants space to play a major role in his movie, he’ll need more than a fleeting trip.
### **Zero Gravity Filming: A Brief History**
Zero gravity filming isn’t a new concept. Films like Apollo 13 used a specialized plane flying in steep arcs to create short bursts of weightlessness. But those moments last only seconds—and editors had to stitch together dozens of tiny clips to simulate longer scenes. Cruise isn’t interested in faking it. He wants real space, real zero gravity.
The Money Question
According to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, money could make it happen. NASA has already collaborated with filmmakers, and private spaceflights have taken tourists and commercial projects into orbit. If Cruise is willing to cover the cost, experts say it’s technically possible.
But the real question isn’t whether it can be done—it’s whether it’s worth it. After all, most of the movie would likely still take place on Earth. Why spend millions for just a few minutes of footage?
