Tom Cruise Stays Silent: The Only Two Questions He Refused to Answer in Korea
Tom Cruise, famously dubbed “Kind Uncle Tom” by Korean fans for his unwavering charm and approachability, made his 12th visit to South Korea on May 8, lighting up the stage at the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning press conference.
While Cruise was his usual gracious self smiling, reflecting on his love for Korea, and sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the upcoming blockbuster there were two rare moments when the Hollywood veteran chose silence over soundbites.
The Two Questions He Wouldn’t Touch
When asked whether The Final Reckoning would truly mark the end of the Mission: Impossible saga, Cruise offered a tactful non-answer: “This film is the pinnacle of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise over the past 30 years. I don’t want to say more so audiences can watch and enjoy it.”
Yet he added a hopeful note for fans: “‘Mission: Impossible’ was the first film I produced. It’s a privilege to apply what I’ve learned to future projects.”
Later, Cruise was asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films a question that noticeably shifted the tone. He responded with, “I didn’t quite hear that,” signaling his decision to steer clear of political commentary. The moderator quickly added, “A wise answer,” diffusing the tension as the cast and crew exchanged brief glances of surprise.
Warm Moments, Stunt Stories, and a Penguin Surprise
Despite those two moments of deflection, Cruise remained deeply engaged for the rest of the event. “It’s a beautiful and warm country,” he said about Korea. Director Christopher McQuarrie and cast members Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Greg Tarzan Davis also charmed fans especially Klementieff, who delighted the crowd by revealing, “My mother is Korean. Korea means a lot to me.”
Cruise’s excitement for The Final Reckoning was palpable. “This is the peak of the franchise,” he said, describing daring stunts that included hanging from a spinning plane 2,000 meters in the air and underwater scenes with a 50kg diving suit in pitch-black conditions.
“Even sticking your head out of a car is hard, but walking on an airplane wing? That was beyond difficult,” he remarked, noting he trained extensively in breathing and spatial awareness for the underwater shots.
Korean favorite Pengsoo lightened the mood with a cheeky question: “Did you hang from the plane wing on your way to Korea this time?” a line that had Cruise and the audience laughing.
What to Expect from The Final Reckoning?
Set to premiere on May 17, the film marks the eighth and possibly final entry in the iconic action franchise. McQuarrie described it as “a breathing action film” combining blockbuster spectacle with emotional storytelling. “While the scale has increased, the narrative is more intimate,” he said. The film is also making headlines for being officially invited to screen out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival, a first for the series.
And after four decades in Hollywood, is Cruise slowing down? Not a chance. “I’m still just warming up,” he told reporters with a confident smile. The Mission, it seems, is far from over.