Ben Stiller Teases Possible Return of Les Grossman

Ben Stiller has once again sparked excitement among fans, suggesting that Tom Cruise might step back into the shoes of Les Grossman, the larger-than-life studio boss from Tropic Thunder. While Stiller isn’t promising a direct follow-up to the original film, he’s left the door open for Grossman’s return—if the right idea comes along.

During a recent chat with Esquire magazine, Stiller was quizzed about a range of projects, from the next season of his Apple TV series Severance to the latest instalment in the Meet the Parents franchise, Focker-In-Law. But the conversation inevitably turned to the possibility of seeing Cruise’s outrageous character on screen again. Stiller didn’t shy away from the topic, acknowledging the ongoing interest in Grossman’s comeback.

Les Grossman’s Lasting Appeal

It’s been years since Tropic Thunder first hit cinemas, but Les Grossman remains one of the film’s most memorable creations. Cruise’s wild performance, complete with bald cap and dance moves, quickly became a cult favourite. Fans have been clamouring for more ever since, and Stiller seems just as keen as the rest of us to see what could happen next.

Stiller explained that while there’s no concrete plan for a sequel, he and Cruise have tossed around ideas about how Grossman could return.

“We’ve talked about it on and off over the years. It’s just about finding the right story, something that feels fresh and worth doing. We don’t want to just bring him back for the sake of it,”

he said.

Finding the Right Story

Stiller made it clear that any potential project would need to offer something new. He’s not interested in simply rehashing old jokes or relying on nostalgia. Instead, he wants to make sure that if Grossman does return, it’s for a reason that makes sense and gives audiences something to get excited about.

He also pointed out that the original film was a product of its time, and any new outing would have to reflect the current landscape.

“The world’s changed a lot since then. If we do it, we want to make sure it’s relevant and has something to say,”

Stiller added.

What’s Next for Stiller and Cruise?

While there’s no official word on when—or if—Les Grossman will make his comeback, Stiller’s comments have certainly got people talking. For now, he’s focused on his other projects, but he hasn’t ruled out teaming up with Cruise again if inspiration strikes.

Fans will have to wait and see whether this iconic character gets another shot at the spotlight. Until then, the possibility alone is enough to keep the rumour mill turning.