Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, known not only for his acting but also for his strict adherence to certain rules on set. Over the years, many of Cruise’s co-stars have spoken out about the strange and sometimes outrageous rules that he makes them follow. Here are some of the most notable examples:
- No one can run on screen with Tom Cruise.
According to actress Thandie Newton, Cruise has a rule that he must always be the one running on screen. “The only time anyone runs onscreen with Tom is if it’s a wide shot,” she said in a 2018 interview with Vulture. “He has to run onscreen by himself.”
- No one can touch his hair.
In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Annabelle Wallis, Cruise’s co-star in The Mummy, revealed that he has a rule that no one is allowed to touch his hair. “There was a whole thing that went on about keeping the hair perfect,” she said.
- No one can use a cell phone on set.
Cruise is famously anti-cell phone, and according to a 2013 report from The Hollywood Reporter, he has a rule that no one can use their phone on set. Instead, he provides everyone with walkie-talkies for communication.
- No one can look him in the eye.
In a 2012 interview with Playboy, comedian Russell Brand claimed that Cruise has a rule that no one can look him in the eye. “I’m a Buddhist, I’m always looking at people’s eyes,” Brand said. “But Tom Cruise has a rule that you can’t look at him directly, and he has to enter rooms before you and you can’t talk to him directly.”
- No one can criticize Scientology.
Cruise is a devout Scientologist, and according to a 2015 report from Vanity Fair, he has a rule that no one can criticize the religion on set. Actress Leah Remini, who left Scientology in 2013, claimed that Cruise would “lose it” if anyone questioned his faith.
- No one can leave during a shoot.
In a 2018 interview with Late Show host Stephen Colbert, actor Simon Pegg revealed that Cruise has a rule that no one can leave during a shoot, even if they need to use the bathroom. “He doesn’t go to the bathroom, he just doesn’t,” Pegg said.
While some of these rules may seem bizarre or even controlling, they are all part of Cruise’s commitment to his craft and his desire to maintain a certain level of professionalism on set. Despite the criticisms that have been leveled at him over the years, there is no denying that Cruise is one of the most successful and iconic actors of his generation.
