Doug Liman revealed Tom Cruise’ unexpected birthday wish, which appears to have settled the Ethan Hunt vs. Jason Bourne debate.

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 in Mission: Impossible and Damon’s Jason Bourne in the Bourne franchise.

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

Filmmaker Doug Liman has worked with both Tom Cruise and Matt Damon in films like American Made and The Bourne Identity, respectively. And the filmmaker once recalled a surprising birthday wish from the Mission: Impossible star.

Tom Cruise and Doug Liman | Credit: Wired

The filmmaker and Cruise lived together while filming the 2017 film American Made, describing it as a “seven-days-a-week job.” Discussing the action star’s unparalleled work ethic, he said, as per Deadline

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.

A still from American Made | Credit: Universal Pictures

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 with Matt Damon, who starred in Liman’s several films like The Bourne Identity and the recently released, The Instigators, as he described feeling 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.

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt | Credit: Paramount Pictures

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.

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne | Credit: Universal Pictures

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.

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: Impossible franchise is available to watch on Paramount+.

American Made is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

The Bourne franchise is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, except The Bourne Ultimatum which is available on Max.