Which actor played the lead role of Jack in Legend?

Tom Cruise played Jack in Legend. Ridley Scott’s 1985 dark-fantasy adventure follows Jack, a pure-hearted forest dweller who must stop the Lord of Darkness from covering the world in eternal night.

The film was an early example of Cruise taking a physically demanding fantasy role before he became best known for action franchises. Jack is written as an innocent, agile hero who moves through an enchanted landscape filled with fairies, goblins, unicorns and other mythical beings. Mia Sara plays Princess Lily, while Tim Curry portrays the imposing Lord of Darkness.

Legend was written by William Hjortsberg and designed around an elaborate fantasy world created through sets, costumes and practical effects. Its theatrical versions differed by market: the United States release ran about 89 minutes, while the European version was longer. A 2002 Director’s Cut restored additional material and Jerry Goldsmith’s score.

A common mix-up is assuming David Bowie played a major role because he was strongly associated with fantasy cinema and appeared in Labyrinth. Bowie was not in Legend; Cruise is the actor credited as Jack.