Tom Cruise’s son Connor makes big Scientology move

TOM Cruise’s son is clearly following in his father’s footsteps.

It’s been revealed Connor Cruise, 23, has made a permanent move to an elite Scientology compound, known as The Sandcastle, in Clearwater, Florida.

According to the Daily Mail, the DJ recently moved out of the home he shared with friends and into the luxurious property owned by the controversial church, where a select group of VIP members live and study.

MORE: Co-star shares bizarre Leah Remini Scientology story

His father has long been the most famous person affiliated with Scientology, and owns a penthouse located close to the Sandcastle property.

The Church of Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard, also boasts other celebrity members including John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Elisabeth Moss and Laura Prepon.

Connor and his sister Isabella, 25, were adopted by Cruise and his former wife Nicole Kidman during their 11-year marriage. His permanent move to Scientology’s “religious retreat” is a strong signal that he’s gearing up to step into a bigger role within the organisation.

The resort-style compound, built in 1979, reportedly boasts 69 residential rooms and 84 “auditing” rooms — where Scientologists undergo intense questioning.

It also features spectacular water views, a pool and hot tub, a rooftop garden, and a bar.

The latest news surrounding Connor is a rare glimpse into his private life. Both he and Isabella have largely shunned the Hollywood spotlight brought on by their famous parents.

Following their divorce in 2001, Connor stayed with his father and reportedly cut all ties with Kidman, who has allegedly been declared an enemy of the church, according to former Scientologist Leah Remini.

In 2012, a man who was once affiliated with the church sensationally claimed it had worked with the Cruise children to alienate them from their mother.

In a candid interview with NBC’s Rock Center, Marty Rathbun said he believed officials used Scientology to indoctrinate Cruise’s adopted children Isabella and Connor against the Australian actress after she split up with Cruise.

Rathbun told NBC: “ … they were being indoctrinated, and they were reporting to Cruise on how that was going in my presence.”

He also claimed the church told Cruise’s adopted children that Kidman was a “suppressive person”.

“It was more than implied …[Kidman] was somebody that they shouldn’t open up with, they shouldn’t communicate with, and they shouldn’t spend much time with,” Rathbun said.