HOLLYWOOD star Tom Cruise has shared his views on the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, saying that while the technology is inevitable, audiences will continue to value authentic, humandriven storytelling. Speaking at BAFTA's "Life in Pictures" conversation in London, Cruise reflected on his four-decade career, spanning acclaimed films such as Top Gun, Jerry Maguire, Magnolia, and the Mission: Impossible franchise, while also looking ahead to his upcoming film Digger. During the conversation, moderator Edith Bowman asked Cruise about AI's impact on the film industry, noting that the Mission: Impossible films have often been at the forefront of technological innovation, with 2025's Mission: Impossible -The Final Reckoning even featuring AI as its central antagonist, as per Variety. Responding to the question, Cruise stressed the importance of the human element in cinema.

 

"Here's the thing: There is nothing like human," Cruise said, adding that one of the reasons he remains committed to preserving the theatrical experience is because it brings people together. "I have nothing against streaming or anything like that," he said, while describing watching films in theatres as "a different art form.” The actor pointed to the strong performance of this summer's box office, which grossed a record USD 4.76 billion between May 1 and Labour Day, as evidence that audiences continue to seek out shared cinematic experiences. "People want that experience. They're going to movie theaters," Cruise said, adding, "I always believe in humanity.” Digger is scheduled to be released in theatres on October 2.