The following contains spoilers for The Franchise Season 1 Episode 6, ‘Scene 110: Baptism of Fire,’ now streaming on MaxThe franchiseThe sixth episode included a surprise “cameo” by Tom Cruise and Christopher Nolan that influences the episode’s overall plot. The franchise has been a cutting parody of the blockbuster film industry, poking fun at some of the biggest controversies that have arisen just beneath the surface of the Hollywood hype machine. However, while the series has had fun expanding its own parody of franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it largely avoids directly bringing in real-life figures.
This changes in “Scene 110: Baptism of Fire,” which turns a possible appearance by Christopher Nolan into a major plot beat. The entire episode builds on this development, which occurs late in the plot and plays out in an unexpectedly silly way. Nolan’s “cameo” features a similar reference to Tom Cruise, who also briefly ends up on the set of the in-universe superhero film Ceiling. Even though the supposed cameo The franchiseThe industry parody is just a joke, it silently fulfills fans’ long-standing desire for the duo to work together on a project.
The franchise cleverly uses doubles for Christopher Nolan and Tom Cruise’s appearances
Tom Cruise and Christopher Nolan appear The franchise They are substitutes from afar
Christopher Nolan’s arrival on the set of Ceiling creates chaos throughout The franchisesixth episode, Iaccompanying a surprisingly funny “cameo” by stand-ins for the director and Tom Cruise. This sends most of the cast into a tailspin as they try to finish an arduous week of night shooting. Ultimately, it is Dag who ends up meeting Nolan, who makes a good impression on him and causes Nolan to introduce her to Tom Cruise. The episode ends with the three of them (as well as Bryson) going out for breakfast.
The franchise It doesn’t actually bring Tom Cruise and Christopher Nolan into the comedy for a quick joke. Instead, the episode uses two uncredited extras to fill the role. However, the joke is well executed, with the extras looking very similar to the real-life Cruise and Nolan. Cruise’s stand-in even does a convincing impression of the actor by complimenting Bryson on his eye patch and noting that he also wore one for an entire movie (referring to the 2008 World War II film, Valkyrie).
Christopher Nolan and Tom Cruise’s ‘Cameos’ Fulfill a Longtime Desire for Director-Actor Collaboration
The franchise Imagine a world where Cruise and Nolan work together
The franchise has been a pretty accurate satire of the world of cinemaaccurately analyzing the industry while also including many sly references to actors and directors. The joke continues this trend, discreetly referencing the fact that many film fans wish Tom Cruise and Christopher Nolan would collaborate on a project. It seems that in the world of The franchisethe pair are actively pursuing this partnership, potentially even considering Dag’s suggestion of a film that puts dinosaurs in space.
It’s a fun joke that finally (if only technically) brings Cruise and Nolan together…
It’s one of the best jokes of the episodeespecially since it’s third assistant director Dag who ends up impressing two of the biggest names in the film world, rather than any of the executives, producers, directors or stars actually on set. It also speaks to Dag’s unique role in the series as someone who is unfazed by the supposed importance of the position and title, potentially setting her up to escape the production of Ceiling in better shape than anyone else on the show. It’s a fun gag that finally (if only technically) brings Cruise and Nolan together for an episode of The franchise.
The Franchise is a Max original comedy series that follows a film crew as they document their increasingly chaotic and hectic work on a superhero film franchise. Acting as an industry satire, the show seeks to lampoon the process and sometimes unreasonable expectations of keeping a long-running franchise alive and strong.
- Cast
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Billy Magnussen, Jessica Hynes, Darren Goldstein, Lolly Adefope, Isaac Powell, Daniel Brühl, Richard E. Grant
- Release date
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October 6, 2024
- Streaming Services
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Max.
- Presenter
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John Brown