The visit comes at a vibrant time for the historic studio, which has been buzzing with activity since Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance Media in August. This partnership has sparked excitement, especially with Skydance CEO David Ellison emphasizing that “Top Gun 3” is high on their agenda. Even if the sequel faces delays, it seems the “NCIS” team would welcome Cruise’s presence on set anytime.

In a series of photos and videos posted by longtime “NCIS” producer and writer David J. North on Instagram, Cruise poses alongside North on the set for Daly’s Tavern, a local bar frequented by Navy officers in the 1991-set series. Other photos show Cruise interacting with cast and crew members on the Camp Pendleton Field Office set, the main location where the investigative team carries out most of their day-to-day work. North also shared an amusing video of Cruise on set FaceTiming his “Outsiders” and “Mission: Impossible” co-star Emilio Estevez, who remotely posed via iPhone for at least one photo and later observed a brief dance routine from actor Caleb Foote. 

Unsurprisingly, the CBS publicity team was quick to capitalize on the opportunity, posting a group photo of Cruise with “Origins” cast members Austin Stowell, Caleb Foote, Tyla Abercrumbie, and Daniel Bellomy, who play Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Bernard “Randy” Randolf, Mary Jo Hayes, and Herman “Herm” Daniels, respectively.