The 1981 film Taps marked one of Tom Cruise’s earliest roles which was inspired by his adolescent years and also features Giancarlo Esposito.

Tom Cruise began his acting career in the 1980s, but it took him quite some time before he could establish himself as the commercial star we know today. Before some of his biggest blockbusters, Cruise featured in some supporting roles that set the foundation for his career, even if most fans do not remember them today.

Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise appeared in 1981’s Taps (Credit: Paramount Pictures).

One such role was that of Cadet Captain David Shawn in the 1981 thriller drama film Taps. In an interview, Cruise opened up about his personal experiences during his adolescent years that helped shape his character in the movie, which also featured one Breaking Bad star in a supporting role. Here is what Cruise had to say about his role in Taps.

Tom Cruise Explained How His Role in Taps Was Based on His Childhood

After making his acting debut with a minor role in 1981’s Endless Love, Tom Cruise first gained recognition for his performance in the thriller film Taps, which was also released the same year. In the film, Cruise plays Cadet Captain David Shawn and received praise for his supporting performance.

Tom Cruise based his Taps character on himself (Credit: 20th Century Fox).

During a conversation with Interview Magazine, Cruise spoke about his early film career and opened up about his adolescent years. Cruise revealed that he was an aggressive teenager similar to his character in Taps, minus the getting into fistfights.

When you look at Taps, a lot of that character was my childhood. I wasn’t intense like that, but the character is just fear. That’s what he does when he’s afraid – he fights. I have an aggressive side, absolutely.

Cruise stated the above, admitting that aggression was a large part of his personality, which helped him during his performance as David Shawn in the movie.

Breaking Bad Star Giancarlo Esposito Was Initially Rejected By Taps Casting Director

Aside from Cruise, the 1981 film also marked one of the earliest roles of actor Giancarlo Esposito, best known for playing the fearsome villain Gus Fring in Breaking Bad. In the movie, Esposito plays the role of Cadet Captain J.C. Pierce. However, Esposito revealed that he was initially turned down for the role.

Breaking Bad star Giancarlo Esposito also appeared in Taps (Credit: 20th Century Fox).

In an interview with the New Yorker, Esposito stated that he had auditioned for the film but received a heartbreaking rejection from casting director Shirley Rich. The actor explained that he was told he wasn’t fit for acting in front of a camera, primarily because of his Broadway training. However, Esposito later saw the merit of Rich’s feedback.

The Breaking Bad actor peeled back on his stage sensibilities and secured the role, which saw him face-off against some townies alongside Cruise as a rag-tag duo in the movie. Along with Cruise and Esposito, the film also featured a very young Sean Penn, who was making his acting debut. Taps was a modest commercial success, grossing $35.8 million at the box office, and set the tone for the trio’s careers.

Taps is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.