Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning San Antonio Screening — My Story

On May 8, 2025, Tom Cruise posted a video on Twitter announcing his upcoming visit to Texas. In the video, he said:

“Hey everyone, on May 22 I’m coming to the great state of Texas to see you at some of the first screenings of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”

Source

He mentioned plans to visit Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and attend early showings at local theaters. However, he didn’t provide specific details about the time or exact locations.

Fast forward to the morning of May 22. After dropping off my kids around 8 a.m., I decided to head to Fort Sam Houston, hoping to catch a glimpse of Cruise or find out more about his visit. Upon arriving at the base theater, I found it open and went inside. There, I encountered a couple of sergeants who informed me that an email had been sent out about a week prior, inviting personnel to be nominated for the premiere and meet Tom Cruise. Since I’m in the Navy and not directly attached to Fort Sam, I never received that email and didn’t have the opportunity to apply.

After leaving the theater, I started calling around to see if I could get more information. While in the parking lot, I overheard someone named John mentioning Tom Cruise. I approached him, and he shared that he had just received an email the previous night approving him to attend. He provided details on where to meet at the Base Exchange parking lot, stating that there would be a bus taking attendees from the base to the venue, though the specifics were vague.

I went to the Base Exchange parking lot and waited for the bus. When it arrived, there was a tent set up where airmen were checking names and IDs against a list of approved attendees. Although I wasn’t on the list, some approved attendees’ names were missing due to a clerical error. I used this situation to my advantage by suggesting my name might have been lost in the shuffle. Instead of waiting with the group that needed verification, I went straight to the lady handing out wristbands and boarded the bus.

The bus transported us from Fort Sam to the IMAX Rivercenter by the River Walk in downtown San Antonio. We arrived a couple of hours early and were treated to free drinks, popcorn, and Mission: Impossible posters. Everyone was buzzing with excitement. The movie was scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m.

Shortly before the movie, Tom Cruise arrived along with director Christopher McQuarrie. The room erupted in applause. Cruise spoke briefly, thanking us for our service and expressing his appreciation for the military community. He mentioned that McQuarrie comes from a military family, adding a personal touch to their visit.

After their brief appearance, they left the theater. I tried to follow them out, but by the time I reached the lobby, they were already in their vehicle, heading to a private airport, presumably to go to Dallas for some Texas barbecue, as Cruise had mentioned in his video.

Tom Cruise exits the IMAX Rivercenter theater in San Antonio after greeting military attendees.

Later, my friend Brian, who is involved in the autograph scene, informed me that Cruise had been staying at Hotel Emma in the Pearl district. Apparently, autograph seekers missed him there because he was escorted through a secret tunnel to his car. Cruise didn’t sign autographs at the theater or the airport either. The only people who received autographs were high-ranking officials who met with him earlier that day on base. Brian mentioned that one Army Colonel walked away with a signed Top Gun vinyl and an 8×10 photo.

Despite not getting an autograph, I have no regrets. I managed to attend an exclusive event, saw one of the biggest movie stars in the world speak live, and watched Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning with a theater full of military service members. It’s an experience I’ll cherish and a story I’ll be telling for years to come.