It would be easy to become jaded after entering a fourth decade of making blockbusters.
But surely even experienced movie heartthrob Tom Cruise was excited to be filming his latest science fiction movie Oblivion on the surface of a volcano in Iceland yesterday.
The Far and Away favourite certainly looked the part as he sauntered around in a silver spacesuit, which he accessorised with a prop laser rife.
Spaceman: Tom Cruise was dressed in full science fiction soldier garb on the set of Oblivion in Iceland yesterday
The 49-year-old appeared to be having a ball as he walked around the picturesque location, while discussing the shoot with the $130m film’s crew.
Tom is playing Commander Jack Harper, one of the last remaining men on an uninhabited Earth.
He repairs the drones which patrol the skies and protect the planet from warring aliens
But a court martial sends a veteran soldier to a distant planet, where he is to destroy the remains of an alien race.
Cruise in control: The actor appeared to be discussing his ideas for the scene with director Joseph Kosinski
Between a rock and a hard place: The surface of the Icelandic volcano was certainly an atmospheric setting
Laser quest: Tom’s character had made sure he packed his plasma rifle for his visit to the surface
The arrival of an unexpected traveler causes him to question what he knows about the planet, his mission, and himself.
The movie, which is written and helmed by Tron: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski, tells the tale of a future earth where the population has to live above the planet after aliens take over the land.
Olga Kurylenko plays his lover, while it also stars W.E. beauty Andrea Riseborough and Morgan Freeman.
Tom is of course no stranger to the science fiction genre.
He teamed up with Steven Spielberg in 2002 for the hit Minority Report, and teamed up with the Jurassic Park director just three years later to remake War of the Worlds.
The Top Gun star will be hoping the film, which is due to be released next year, will fare better than Rock of Ages, which has been an embarrassingly high profile flop despite his much praised turn as sleaze metal musician Stacee Jaxx.
Well equipped: The film crew had brought plenty of interesting props and cameras for the scenes
Lovely vista: While Tom waffled on the crew were doubtlessly enjoying the spectacular views
Old hand: Tom has plenty of science fiction experience after starring in the likes of 2002’s hit Minority Report
