Tom Cruise has struck a deal with movie giants Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to make films under the United Artists banner, two months after being dumped by a rival studio. A statement from MGM said Cruise and longtime production partner Paula Wagner would relaunch UA, the legendary studio founded by movie greats including Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin 85 years ago. | Cruise raised eyebrows after jumping on chat show host Oprah Winfrey's couch to declare his love for fiancee Katie Holmes. |
The deal is a coup for Cruise, whose 14-year relationship with Viacom's Paramount Pictures ended acrimoniously in August. Viacom chief Sumner Redstone said the company had axed the superstar because publicity surrounding him was harming the company. Cruise raised eyebrows after jumping on chat show host Oprah Winfrey's couch to declare his love for fiancee Katie Holmes, and courted controversy for attacking Brooke Shields over her use of medication for postnatal depression. Paramount said the stunts hurt box-office takings for his most recent film, Mission: Impossible III.