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Time of India

Pat McAfee might be Hollywood's next wildcard and Tom Cruise just became his surprise mentor

Under the mentorship of Tom Cruise, Pat McAfee's 'The Mosquito' Bowl might be Holloywood's next blockbuster (Image via Getty) Pat McAfee isn't just riding the wave of sports media fame, he's looking to crash into Hollywood with full force. The former NFL punter and current ESPN star is now eyeing an acting career, and his bold move has caught the attention of none other than Tom Cruise . The Mosquito Bowl could be Pat McAfee's first blockbuster play Pat McAfee has never done things the traditional way. He went from NFL punter to media mogul, built a sports show that feels more like a rock concert, dipped into WWE, and now he's eyeing Hollywood. But not just any movie gig. He's in talks to star in The Mosquito Bowl, a serious World War II film based on a true story. And in a twist no one saw coming, Tom Cruise is helping him gear up for it. Cruise stopped by The Pat McAfee Show recently to promote Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, possibly his final run as Ethan Hunt. But the conversation quickly shifted from spy stunts to movie prep when McAfee asked, 'What should my mindset be (for war movies)?' Without missing a beat, Cruise answered, 'Be present… prepare, prepare, prepare… sometimes for years.' Cruise didn't just give advice, he gave proof. He shared how much time he poured into his biggest roles, 'Some of the films that I made, like Rain Man, took 2 years. Born on the 4th of July, over 2 years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Mission movies or Samurai, I spent 2 years preparing for them. So, just be present. And find things that interest you with that character.' For McAfee, that kind of deep dive isn't a deal-breaker, it's a challenge. Anyone who has followed McAfee's life, knows he doesn't half-do anything. And if wondering whether he even likes movies that much, the answer is a loud, chaotic yes. Back in 2024, Collider published a list of McAfee's top 10 favorite films, and it's as wild as expected. He loves Armageddon for the action, Remember the Titans for the heart, and once rented out an entire theater just to watch Avatar 2 early. 'It was incredible, honestly,' he said. Also read: 'Extremely happy with where we ended': Brock Purdy's $265M deal stuns fans, but his calm reaction steals the show This is a guy who called Bad Santa one of his all-time holiday favorites and admitted that The Grinch still gets him emotional. McAfee's taste might be unpredictable, but his passion for storytelling is real. With Cruise's words ringing in his ears and a serious film opportunity ahead, don't be surprised if Pat McAfee, the punter turned personality becomes Pat McAfee, the actor. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.