Tom Cruise will officially star on James Corden’s “The Late Late Show.”
The ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star will appear in an ‘exaggerated sketch’ in which he collapses at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood during a musical performance from ‘The Lion King’ – while dressed as his character Pumbaa, a fart bun . . according to ET
That once-in-a-lifetime moment apparently happened last night and saw Cruise and Corden parading in costume. This “groundbreaking” and “epic musical performance” will be just one part of the two-hour finale on April 27, Paramount said.
Dubbed “The Last Last Late Late Show,” the episode will potentially serve as playful punishment for Cruise, who previously forced Corden to parachute down and travel in the cockpits of various fighter jets, with dire results.
Cruise’s star power is likely to send ratings into the stratosphere and give Corden a celebrity exit after going through a tangle of disappointing allegations last fall involving Corden’s restaurant etiquette. The British artist announced her date with Cruise on the show’s Instagram on Friday.
“Go find Pumbaa for your helmet,” the caption reads. “And one last sketch with @tomcruise before the lights go down on the #LateLateShow.”
Paramount noted that “The Late Late Show” has 27 Emmy nominations and seven wins to its credit and has attracted world-class talent including Paul McCartney, while pre-recorded segments like “Carpool Karaoke” have generated plenty of online followers.
Corden tearfully announced last April that he had officially signed on for just one more season of the CBS show. Less than a week after announcing his planned departure after eight years as host, Corden invited Cruise, which hurt his feelings.
“It’s a privilege to be here and I’m sorry to hear the news.” Cruise told him. “I’m sorry you got fired.”
“The Last Last Late Late Show” will air at 10:00 PM ET on April 27 on CBS and Paramount+.
