Tom Cruise says he ‘expects a lot’ on set as he opens up about demanding reputation ‘the rumors are true’

Cruise says he gives co stars a warning before filming and expects them to trust his demanding approach

Tom Cruise has seemingly confirmed one of Hollywood’s long running rumours about his working style, admitting that he really is as intense on movie sets as people have claimed.

Speaking to GQ for a new cover story, Cruise addressed his reputation for demanding a lot from the people around him. Rather than reject the description, the actor openly embraced it, saying he tells co stars about his intensity before production begins.

"I work hard, and people that work with me, they know. I expect a lot and I’m upfront about it," Cruise said. He then described his approach to new collaborators by warning them that the rumours about him are true and asking whether they want that experience.

Cruise also acknowledged that his intensity has been part of his personality since childhood. "Even when I was a kid, they were like, ‘Oh, come on, Tom. You’re so intense.’ I’m like, ‘I don’t know what to say. I am intense,’" he told the magazine.

His comments could fuel fresh curiosity about what it is actually like to work alongside one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, particularly given Cruise’s reputation for extraordinary commitment to filmmaking and physical performance.

However, Cruise presented his approach as part of a collaborative process rather than an attempt to dominate a production. He said he wants to understand the work deeply, move through confusion quickly and help everyone involved develop the tools needed to tell the story.

The actor also pushed back against any suggestion that his enthusiasm for cinema means he dislikes television or streaming. Cruise said he has "nothing against cable or TV or Netflix", but explained that he values the communal experience of audiences gathering in cinemas.

His latest comments arrive as Cruise promotes Digger, Alejandro G Iñárritu’s drama and a significant change of pace from the action driven projects that have defined much of his recent career.