Washington

Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg has shared fresh insights into his experience of working with Hollywood star Tom Cruise, highlighting the actor’s discipline and collaborative mindset on set.

Speaking at a keynote session during the South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, Spielberg recalled Cruise’s strong work ethic during their collaborations on Minority Report and War of the Worlds.

He noted that Cruise would regularly arrive on set early—often matching the director’s own schedule—to plan the day’s shoot together. Spielberg described this habit as extremely helpful, as it allowed both of them to map out scenes and approach the work in a highly coordinated way.

Cruise’s commitment to his craft extends beyond punctuality. The actor has previously spoken about continuously learning new skills—from music and dance to aviation—so they can eventually be incorporated into his films.

Filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie, who has directed multiple instalments of the Mission: Impossible franchise, also emphasised Cruise’s hands-on approach, noting that he often performs complex tasks himself, including flying aircraft while acting and handling camera work.

On the set of Top Gun: Maverick, which Cruise co-produced, he even designed a specialised training programme for co-stars to prepare them for demanding aerial sequences. Director Joseph Kosinski said the actor drew from his own experience as a trained pilot to ensure the cast could safely handle the challenges.

Actor Glen Powell also praised Cruise’s professionalism, describing him as hardworking, generous, and deeply committed to his work.

READ MORE: Sarah Rizvi: The first Muslim woman IPS officer of Gujarat cadre

Together, these accounts reinforce Cruise’s reputation as a dedicated performer who remains actively involved in every aspect of filmmaking.