Tom Cruise on AI: ‘People Want to See Real Things’ on Screen

Hollywood star Tom Cruise has acknowledged that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become an increasingly important part of filmmaking but said audiences will continue to seek authentic, human-made experiences on screen.

Speaking at BAFTA’s “Life in Pictures” event in London on Monday, Cruise reflected on his four-decade career and the future of cinema. Asked by moderator Edith Bowman about AI’s impact on filmmaking, Cruise delivered an impromptu speech of around six minutes, emphasising the importance of human creativity.

“Here’s the thing: There is nothing like human,” Cruise said, explaining his continued support for theatrical cinema. He said he had nothing against streaming but described watching films in theatres as “a different art form” because of the way it brings people together.

Cruise pointed to the record USD 4.76 billion US summer box office between May 1 and Labour Day as evidence that audiences still value the shared theatrical experience. “People want that experience. They’re going to movie theatres,” he said.

While acknowledging that AI “is coming and it’s going to happen”, Cruise urged filmmakers not to lose sight of creativity. “But people want to see real things,” he said, adding that creatives should “keep creating”.

His comments also come against the backdrop of a career built partly around practical filmmaking. Top Gun: Maverick, for instance, was widely noted for its use of real aerial photography and practical techniques, while the Mission: Impossible franchise has become known for Cruise performing elaborate physical stunts. The franchise’s 2025 film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning also featured AI as its central threat.

Cruise also discussed Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Digger, in which he plays oil tycoon Digger Rockwell. The film follows a powerful man attempting to prove he can save humanity after a disaster linked to his actions. It stars Cruise alongside Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller and Jesse Plemons.

Cruise underwent an extensive transformation for the role, with a fat suit and prosthetics initially taking six hours to apply before the process was reduced to less than an hour.

Digger will release internationally from September 30 and in North American theatres on October 2, through Warner Bros.