Tom & Connor’s
Scientology bond
Tom Cruise’s son Connor has inherited the ultimate gift from his Scientologymad father, in what’s believed to be a strong sign that the 23-year-old is being groomed to become the new leader of the controversial religion.
Sources tell Woman’s Day that while Connor is currently living at exclusive Scientology retreat The Sandcastle, as part of his new role within the group he’s preparing to move into a palace fit for a Scientology prince.
Work is being done on Tom’s multi-level penthouse apartment in downtown Clearwater, Florida, and Connor is planning to live there with his dad when it’s completed.
“Tom is expected to move in next year, and the plan is for Connor to join him,” an insider says. “It’s going to be really luxurious and there will be plenty of space for them to live there together without getting on each other’s nerves.
“They’re very close, and Connor sees Tom as a cool dad. But at the same time, it would be the perfect way for Tom to work closely with Connor and prepare him to become a major player within the church. Tom has a lot of influence within Scientology and he wants Connor to follow in his footsteps.”
SIMPLE LIFE
While Tom, 56, has long been the poster child for Scientology, Connor is now seen as the future of the church.
“He’s the leader for the next generation,” our insider reveals. “As the son of Tom, all the younger Scientologists fawn over Connor. He is certainly the heir apparent of David Miscavige’s religious dynasty. He sees Tom as a brother and Connor as the son he never had.”
In his spare time, Connor likes time away from the church to go deep-sea fishing in his own cruiser. But once his father’s incredible fame – which has only been boosted by rave reviews for his latest movie, Mission: Impossible – Fallout – wanes, everything will change.
“Connor’s enjoying the simple life while he can. Once his dad takes a step back, the future of the religion will be on him,” says a source. “Unlike his sister Bella, who avoids this spotlight, he feels up to the challenge. Connor is a deeply devout Scientologist and wants to repay David and Tom for the privileged life they’ve given him.”
‘Connor is the heir apparent of the religious dynasty’