Hollywood star Tom Cruise has spoken in support of human creativity in filmmaking as artificial intelligence continues to gain a larger role in the entertainment industry.
During a BAFTA “Life in Pictures” conversation in London on Monday night, Cruise acknowledged that AI is becoming an increasingly important part of Hollywood but said he believes audiences will continue to value authentic performances, real experiences and stories created by people.
When moderator Edith Bowman asked him about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on filmmaking, Cruise responded, “There is nothing like human.”
The actor connected his views on filmmaking with his long-standing support for the theatrical movie experience. He pointed to the strong performance of cinemas during this year’s summer season as an indication that audiences continue to appreciate watching movies on the big screen.
“People want that experience. They’re going to movie theaters,” Cruise said, while emphasizing that he continues to believe in humanity.
Cruise acknowledged that artificial intelligence will inevitably become part of the filmmaking process as the technology develops.
“You know, it is coming and it’s going to happen. But people want to see real things,” he said.
His comments were met with applause from attendees at the BAFTA event.
Rather than directly rejecting AI technology, Cruise encouraged filmmakers and other creative professionals to remain focused on their craft as new tools reshape the industry.
“What you put attention on, you give life,” he told the audience.
Cruise also highlighted the importance of the many craftspeople involved in producing a movie. His comments recognized the contribution of professionals working behind the camera, alongside actors and other performers who appear on screen.
The actor has previously discussed concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in Hollywood. During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA negotiations, Cruise advocated for stronger protections concerning the use of AI in the entertainment business.
His latest remarks come as Hollywood continues to debate how artificial intelligence could affect acting, visual effects, screenwriting, production and other areas of filmmaking. Questions surrounding creative ownership, performer protections and the role of human artists remain part of the wider industry discussion.
The BAFTA event also gave Cruise an opportunity to discuss his upcoming movie Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the filmmaker behind The Revenant.
Cruise plays a wealthy oil tycoon in the film and underwent extensive prosthetic makeup to transform for the role. According to the actor, the makeup process initially required approximately six hours.
Discussing the project, Cruise said he had never read a movie like Digger before. He described it as “the most original film” and one of the most moving projects he has worked on.
Digger is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2 through Warner Bros., giving audiences another opportunity to see Cruise in a role that required a significant physical transformation.
