10 July 2023 , 10:18
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Tom Cruise is reportedly on the hunt for a new Scientology member and sees "huge potential" in zookeeper Robert Irwin.
The unlikely pair met at the Sydney premiere of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One and it seems Robert has made a lasting impression on the Hollywood actor. A source has said Tom also wants to team up with the 19-year-old for a special TV project.
Tom has served as a figurehead for the Church of Scientology for years, having been recruited by his first wife Mimi Rogers back in 1986.
He's now thought to be hoping the son of the late Steve Irwin will follow in his footsteps.
"He was taken aback by how much [Robert] looks like his dad," the source revealed.
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Tom Cruise is a well-known figurehead of Scientology (AFP via Getty Images)
He's thought to see 'huge potential' in Robert Irwin (Getty Images)Speaking to Woman's Day magazine, they added: " But Tom's just not interested in recruiting him for the religion - he wants to work with Rob and thinks he could help his production company break into the TV streaming market."
The 61-year-old actor is reportedly looking to revive Steve's show The Crocodile Hunter, casting Robert as the star. Tom is said to be a huge fan of the show after watching it with his son Connor while he was growing up.
The claims come after Robert and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey made their red carpet debut at the Mission Impossible premiere.
Rorie Buckley and Robert Irwin made their red carpet debut (Getty Images)Robert looked very smart dressed in a black suit and matching shirt, accessorising his look with a black wristwatch. The TV star placed a loving arm around his girlfriend's waist.
Rorie, 18, wore an asymmetric black maxi dress which featured a cut-out panel at her waist. She accessorised her look with silver rings and a pair of dainty earrings.
The loved-up pair were all smiles as they posed for the cameras on the red carpet.
Robert and Rorie are currently enjoying a long-distance relationship, with Robert based at Australia Zoo in Queensland while Rorie is in Perth.