Fans were excited when Steven Spielberg decided to adapt H.G Wells’ classic ‘War Of The Worlds.’ It marked Spielberg’s return to the alien realm since his ‘E.T‘ and ‘Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.’ As a cherry on top, Spielberg’s sci-fi spectacle was led by none other than Tom Cruise. The biggest star and the biggest filmmaker were a match made in heaven!
However, Steven Spielberg’s relations with Tom Cruise deteriorated during the promotional press tours for the film. The filmmaker was upset with his star’s eccentric behavior. Despite the film’s success, Spielberg believed it took away from all the extra press the film could have used. It was the last time they would ever work.
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Steven Spielberg Blamed Tom Cruise For His Unprofessionalism
Steven Spielberg‘s version of the H.G. Wells classic was set in Brooklyn, New York. It starred Tom Cruise as dock worker Ray Ferrier. Divorced, he has a hard time maintaining a relationship with his children, 10-year-old daughter Rachel and teenage son Robbie (Justin Chatwin). But with the alien invasion striking planet Earth, he must rush to lead them to safe passage in an increasingly hostile world.
Critics and the public loved the movie, grossing over $603 million worldwide and scoring Oscar nominations. However, the relationship deteriorated due to Tom Cruise’s antics during his appearance on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show.’ The infamous couch jump angered the filmmaker, who hoped Cruise could talk about the film instead.
Tom Cruise made things worse by later lashing out at Brooke Shields for taking anti-depressants to treat post-partum depression. The film may have been a success, but Spielberg was angry at Tom Cruise for taking his eye off the ball. This unprofessionalism was the reason Spielberg has since not collaborated with Cruise.
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Are Tom Cruise And Steven Spielberg On Good Terms Now?
Certain partnerships don’t work, and it’s not for the lack of trying. While Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg were an incredible pairing, their relationship didn’t last after ‘War Of The Worlds.’ Spielberg went on to work with other A-listers like Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. And Tom Cruise made more blockbuster hits, eventually making ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’
The ‘Top Gun‘ sequel has seemingly made things alright between them. ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ made a global box office of $1.493 billion, with many declaring it the best movie of 2022. Spielberg’s meeting with Cruise made headlines at 2023’s Governor’s Ball luncheon for Oscar nominees. The filmmaker hugged Cruise and credited him with saving Hollywood’s ‘a**.’ Seems like they’ve let bygones be bygones.
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