Topline
In a leaked audio tape obtained by The Sun, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise can be heard screaming at Mission: Impossible crew members for not observing Covid-19 social distancing restrictions on the film’s U.K. set, warning that they threatened to jeopardize the film’s production, and the entire movie industry.
Key Facts
Cruise was reportedly yelling at two crew members for standing within two meters of one another on the Mission: Impossible 7 set, which, like many films, has seen production disrupted by the pandemic, including shutdowns and delays.
“I’m on the phone with every fucking studio at night, insurance companies, producers, and they’re looking at us and using us to make their movies,” Cruise shouted, emphasizing that they are “creating thousands of jobs.”
Cruise said that anyone continuing to break the rules would be fired and that they can tell their apologies to “the people that are losing their fucking homes because our industry is shut down.”
Crucial Quote
“We want the gold standard. They’re back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us! Because they believe in us and what we’re doing!” Cruise was heard to say in the leaked recording. Production at British studios, which are used to shoot many Hollywood blockbusters, reopened in May while many American productions continue to face delays even with strict on set rules.
Key Background
The entertainment industry has been hit especially hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with production put on hold and moviegoers unwilling or unable, due to restrictions, to see films in theaters. Many major films face continued theatrical delays or are being released straight onto streaming platforms. Mission: Impossible 7 is no exception to this rule and had to abandon shooting in Venice when the pandemic hit Italy earlier this year. Cruise reportedly spent $665,000 on two cruise ships himself to house crew on a location shoot in Norway in a bid to avoid any further delays.
Further Reading
Tom Cruise Tears Into ‘Mission: Impossible 7’ Crew for Not Following COVID-19 Safety Protocols (Variety)
