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Tom Cruise and Matt Damon have both carved out their places as iconic stars, particularly known for their portrayal of two of the most beloved on-screen spies, Cruise’s Ethan Hunt inMission: Impossibleand Damon’s Jason Bourne in theBournefranchise.

The debate over which character is supreme has been ongoing for years, with fans fiercely loyal to their favorite. However, a statement from Doug Liman, who has worked with both actors, suggests that Cruise’s unmatched dedication and passion for his roles could tip the scales in Ethan Hunt’s favor.
Doug Liman Reveals Tom Cruise’s Surprising Birthday Wish
FilmmakerDoug Limanhas worked with bothTom Cruiseand Matt Damon in films likeAmerican MadeandThe Bourne Identity, respectively. And the filmmaker once recalled a surprising birthday wish from theMission: Impossiblestar.
The filmmaker and Cruise lived together while filming the 2017 filmAmerican Made, describing it as a“seven-days-a-week job.”Discussing the action star’s unparalleled work ethic, he said, as perDeadline

When you work with Tom, it’s a seven-days-a-week job. No matter how hard a worker you are, and I consider myself that, it’s nothing compared to Tom.
He recalled expecting some time off around the July 4 weekend, coinciding with Cruise’s birthday on July 3. However, unlike Liman, Cruise suggested they should get done with the eight-hour aviation meeting on his birthday. The filmmaker recalled how he described it as the best birthday gift ever.

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I am beyond tired and I’m like, ‘You want to have an eight-hour meeting on your birthday?’ He said, ‘Yes, that’s what I want for my birthday — That’s the best birthday present.’ There was no blowing out candles, either.
The same, however, has not been the filmmaker’s experience working withMatt Damon, who starred in Liman’s several films likeThe Bourne Identityand the recently released,The Instigators,as hedescribedfeeling like a marriage counselor while filming the latter.

Comparing Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne, Who’s Better?
Having portrayed the iconic characters on-screen both Tom Cruise and Matt Damon have become synonymous with their respective spy roles, Ethan Hunt and Jason Bourne, respectively. Both iconic figures in the action genre have their respective skills.
The IMF agent Ethan Hunt is known for his exceptional physical abilities, including advanced parkour and high-level espionage tactics, often performing jaw-dropping stunts such as climbing the Burj Khalifa or hanging off a plane.

Cruise’s character has evolved undergoing a series of high-risk missions throughout the franchise. In contrast, however, Jason Bourne, a highly trained assassin grappling with amnesia, is defined by his intense personal quest for identity and justice.
An expert in hand-to-hand combat and survival tactics, the character is depicted with a greater emphasis on realism and practicality, favoring a grounded approach over spectacular stunts.
Both characters have left a substantial mark on the genre, Hunt with his high-energy action and adventurous spirit and Bourne with his psychological depth and authenticity. And it’s not easy to determine who among them is better.
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While Jason Bourne might edge out slightly due to the depth and realism of his character, it all comes down to personal preferences, as many fans are drawn to the high-octane action sequences and thrilling stunts performed by Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt.
Mission: Impossiblefranchise is available to watch on Paramount+.
American Madeis available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
TheBournefranchise is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, exceptThe Bourne Ultimatumwhich is available on Max.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3447
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.