Tom Cruise says AI is 'coming', but ‘people want to see real things’

Hollywood actor Tom Cruise has acknowledged that artificial intelligence is set to play an increasingly significant role in filmmaking, but said audiences will continue to value authentic, human-driven storytelling.

Speaking at BAFTA’s “Life in Pictures” conversation in London, Cruise reflected on his four-decade career, which includes films such as ‘Top Gun’, ‘Jerry Maguire’, ‘Magnolia’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. He also discussed his upcoming film ‘Digger’.

Cruise was asked by moderator Edith Bowman about AI’s growing influence on the film industry, particularly given the technological innovation associated with the ‘Mission: Impossible’ films. The 2025 release ‘Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning’ featured AI as its central antagonist, according to Variety.


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Cruise highlighted that the human element remains central to cinema.

“Here's the thing: There is nothing like human,” Cruise said, stressing the importance of preserving the theatrical experience. He said cinemas offer audiences an opportunity to come together and experience films collectively.

“I have nothing against streaming or anything like that,” he said, while describing watching films in theatres as “a different art form,” according to Variety.

Cruise also pointed to the strength of the summer box office as evidence of continued audience interest in the shared cinema experience. The US box office grossed a record USD 4.76 billion between May 1 and Labour Day this year.

“People want that experience. They're going to movie theaters,” Cruise said. “I always believe in humanity,” he added.

On AI specifically, Cruise acknowledged that the technology's growing presence in entertainment is inevitable, while urging filmmakers not to lose sight of creativity and authenticity.

“You know, it is coming and it's going to happen,” Cruise said of AI. “But people want to see real things.”

Cruise also discussed ‘Digger’, his upcoming film directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro G Inarritu. He plays a wealthy oil tycoon in the film and underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, including wearing a fat suit and prosthetics.

The actor said the prosthetic makeup initially took 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,” according to Variety.

‘Digger’ is scheduled to release in theatres on October 2 through Warner Bros.

(With inputs from ANI)