The 2008 action-comedy film “Tropic Thunder” is packed with memorable moments, but one scene that consistently resurfaces in pop culture discussions is the hilarious dance sequence featuring Tom Cruise as the foul-mouthed studio executive, Les Grossman. Set to Ludacris’s high-energy track “Get Back,” the scene is a masterclass in comedic timing and unexpected character portrayal. Recently, Ludacris himself shared the story of how this iconic movie moment came to be, revealing a surprising level of respect and collaboration from the film’s director and star, Ben Stiller.
During an appearance on the popular web series “Hot Ones,” where celebrities answer questions while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings, Ludacris was asked a question that caught him completely off guard. Host Sean Evans inquired whether Ben Stiller had personally sought his approval to use “Get Back” for the now-legendary Tom Cruise dance scene at the end of “Tropic Thunder.”
Ludacris admitted that he had never been asked about this before, praising it as a “great question.” He then went on to explain that Stiller’s approach was not only respectful but also incredibly considerate. Far from simply requesting clearance, Stiller invited Ludacris and his management team to a private screening of “Tropic Thunder” before its official release.
Ludacris in Fast X promo image
According to Ludacris, the screening was an intimate affair, attended only by himself, Stiller, and his management. Stiller’s intention was clear: to gauge Ludacris’s reaction to the film and, crucially, to ask for his explicit permission to use “Get Back” during the end credits dance scene. Ludacris recalled his enthusiastic response, stating, “Is it OK to clear this?’ And I was like, ‘Absolutely.’”
The Grammy-winning artist, known for both his music career and his role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, revealed that his positive response was also fueled by his admiration for Ben Stiller. He confessed to being a long-time fan of Stiller’s work, making the private screening invitation an exciting experience in itself. The prospect of his music being featured in a Ben Stiller film was already a thrill, even before considering the context of Tom Cruise’s unforgettable performance.
In “Tropic Thunder,” Tom Cruise’s Les Grossman is a supporting character who steals every scene he’s in. As the movie-within-a-movie “Tropic Thunder” celebrates an Oscar win, Grossman, in his over-the-top, aggressive style, celebrates in his own unique way: by dimming the lights and unleashing a wildly energetic and hilarious dance to “Get Back.” This unexpected and utterly committed performance by Cruise, amplified by Ludacris’s pulsating track, solidified the scene as an instant classic and a testament to the film’s comedic genius.
The story shared by Ludacris highlights not only the serendipitous combination of music and visuals that created the iconic “Tropic Thunder” dance scene but also the respectful and collaborative nature of Hollywood when it’s at its best. The scene remains a beloved example of comedic brilliance, forever linking Tom Cruise’s energetic moves, Ludacris’s infectious beat, and the unforgettable world of “Tropic Thunder.”
