EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TOM CRUISE, CANNES 2025: THE FINAL RECKONING OF A CINEMATIC ICON

From Mission: Impossible to mission accomplished? At the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Tom Cruise returns to the Croisette with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the epic conclusion to a franchise he has elevated to legendary status. In this exclusive conversation, Cruise reflects on three decades of death-defying stunts, the art of overcoming fear, and why, even after 30 years as Ethan Hunt, he’s still chasing the next impossible mission. With trademark charisma and candid honesty, the Hollywood icon reveals what it takes to push the limits of cinema—and himself.

Hello Tom, what can we expect from Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning?

This film is the culmination of 30 years of the franchise—everything has led to this. This is our most extraordinary mission so far. You will see action scenes you've never seen before.

All the stunts are real, live-action—everything’s real. I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible team to make it happen, people who gave it their all to entertain you!

What can you reveal about Ethan Hunt in this eighth instalment?

I don't want to give too much away, so you’ll have to see it on the biggest screen you can find! Get your popcorn, bring your friends and family—have a blast. Making this was a huge honour for me.

The franchise is always packed with intense action sequences. Are you ever afraid when doing stunts?

Am I scared? Of course! I’ve been scared out of my mind. But fear’s just an emotion like any other. So I’m never afraid of feeling fear. It doesn’t stop me. I actually like stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing myself, and trying things I've never done before. It’s not that I don’t feel fear—it just doesn’t bother me, ever. But don't forget, I’m a father! I’ve never put my life in danger.

Many of your scenes happen at high altitudes. What's that like?

And sometimes at very, very low altitudes too! (Laughs) Sometimes we’re skimming so close to trees and mountains, I can feel the branches on my back, it's true! We’ve flown just centimetres from rock faces.

What was the most formidable challenge in this film compared to previous ones?

Some of these stunts took years to figure out; we’re always pushing the limits. ‘Wing-walking’, for example—I could spend hours telling you how difficult and technical it was to develop and perform, but so satisfying to finally learn—and so exhilarating! I’m a pilot, piloting planes, helicopters and jets, and a professional skydiver. Making this work has demanded every skill I have, as with everyone involved. This was next level. Audiences will see something they’ve never seen before. I'm so excited to finally share this with all of you.

Your co-stars—Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff—are fan favourites.

They’re incredible. We’ve lived and worked together for seven years, and Chris McQuarrie, the director, and I go back nearly twenty years. I’m very grateful to and proud of them all.

What qualities do you look for and value in people you work with?

I avoid yes-men. I surround myself with people who’ll be honest with me, challenge me, and help me grow. Both on set and in real life, I look for people I can trust. I've learned how much I value open-mindedness and communication.

You're not only an actor, but a producer. How do you go about casting your costars?

I think about what I admire in an actor and then build a custom-made character to play on their strengths, which really lets them shine.

Is it hard for others to share the spotlight with you?

We’re all stars here. Chris McQuarrie gets that. Sure, in earlier films, the focus was all on Ethan, and people said it came off as self-centred. But what matters is making a great film!

What makes or breaks a Mission: Impossible film?

The stunts! We don’t just flirt with the edge of what’s possible—we blast right through it.

Where did your love of stunts come from?

From my childhood, definitely. I’d throw my G.I. Joes out of my window with parachutes. I wanted to try it myself one day, so I grabbed my bed sheet and jumped. Got stuck on the gutter for a while!

You once studied at a Franciscan school. Did you ever consider becoming a priest?

No, but I valued the experience. I was there for a year in 1976 after my parents divorced. Out of the 15 schools I attended, Saint Francis gave me the best education.

Your childhood wasn’t easy, especially with dyslexia.

That's right. Learning to read was one of the most painful experiences of my life. It was a struggle, but it built my character, even though I hated it at the time.

You’re now a global sex symbol, but you’ve said that wasn’t always the case.

True! I had braces for a while. My upper teeth wouldn’t let me close my mouth properly. The worst part of having braces was that food would get stuck, but it bugged everyone around me more than it bothered me!

You're rich and famous, and you’ve got nothing left to prove. So what keeps you going—pleasure or money?

It’s not about the money anymore. I’ve earned enough. But making these films helps others succeed, too! For me, it’s about pushing my limits. Walking away from a Mission: Impossible shoot in one piece is a victory in itself. I’m deeply proud of every new chapter.