Tom Cruise has shared his thoughts on artificial intelligence in filmmaking, and his message is clear: technology may be changing, but audiences still want authentic, human-made stories. The Hollywood star made these comments during a BAFTA “Life in Pictures” event in London on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Cruise, known for his decades of work in films like “Top Gun” and the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, was asked about AI’s growing role in the industry. His response turned into an impassioned six-minute speech that earned spontaneous applause from the audience.
Tom Cruise says AI is coming but people want real things
When moderator Edith Bowman asked Cruise about AI’s impact on filmmaking, he did not avoid the topic. “You know, it is coming and it is going to happen,” Cruise said. “But people want to see real things.”
The actor stressed that human creativity remains at the heart of cinema. “Here’s the thing: There is nothing like human,” he said, explaining that part of his commitment to the theatrical experience comes from its power to bring people together.
Cruise also urged creative professionals to keep working despite the industry’s changes. “What you put attention on, you give life,” he told the BAFTA audience. “People wanna see real things.” He added that creatives must “keep creating.”
Tom Cruise on streaming and the cinema experience
Cruise has been one of the most vocal supporters of watching films on the big screen. He made it clear that he has no issue with streaming platforms, but he believes cinema offers something unique.
“I have nothing against streaming or anything like that,” he said, describing watching a film in theaters as “a different art form.” He pointed to the summer box office as proof that audiences still value the shared experience of moviegoing.
The US summer movie season brought in a record $4.76 billion between May 1 and Labor Day, according to industry trackers. “People want that experience. They’re going to movie theaters,” Cruise said. “I always believe in humanity.”
Tom Cruise has pushed for AI protections before
This is not the first time Cruise has spoken about AI. During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA negotiations, he pushed for protections related to the technology’s use in entertainment. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of people in filmmaking.
The “Mission: Impossible” films, which Cruise has led for years, even featured a rogue AI as the villain in the final two installments. The 2025 release “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” made AI the central threat, mirroring real-world debates about the technology.
Tom Cruise discusses Digger and his transformation
Cruise also spoke about his upcoming film “Digger,” directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The actor plays Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon whose company’s actions trigger an ecological disaster with the potential to spark a nuclear war.
The role required a major physical transformation. Cruise wore a fat suit and prosthetics, with the makeup process initially taking about six hours to apply. “I’ve never read a movie like this,” Cruise said. “It’s the most original film and one of the most moving films I’ve ever seen.”
“Digger” also stars Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons. Goodman plays the US President, while Ahmed plays Ganesh, a scientist who assists the President.
Related:
Digger release date and global details
“Digger” will release in theaters and IMAX across North America on October 2, 2026. The international theatrical rollout begins September 30, 2026. In the United Kingdom, the film opens on October 2, 2026. In India, it will release on October 2, 2026, clashing with “Drishyam 3,” starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu. The film will also release in Canada and Australia on October 2, 2026.
The world premiere of “Digger” took place on September 22, 2026, at the Royal Film Performance in London’s Leicester Square. Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the event, which supports the Film and TV Charity. The film was shot entirely in VistaVision by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, known for his work on “The Revenant” and “Birdman.”
The film is described as a “comedy of catastrophic proportions” and marks Iñárritu’s first English-language feature in a decade. Warner Bros. Pictures is the global distributor.
Also Read: Tom Cruise Reveals What He and Taylor Swift Talked About at Chiefs Game
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on the biggest moments in entertainment.
Leave a Reply