Unmatched, Unstoppable, Unreal: Hayley Atwell Declares Tom Cruise ‘The Best’—Here’s Why!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Hayley Atwell, the British actress best known for her role as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has recently opened up about her professional experience working alongside Tom Cruise in the Mission: Impossible franchise, specifically in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. In an interview with The Guardian published on February 1, 2025, Atwell spoke candidly about Cruise’s unique role in Hollywood and the lasting impact he has had on her as a colleague and mentor.
A Rarefied Air: The Uniqueness of Tom Cruise
In her interview, Atwell shared profound admiration for Cruise, stating, “When I started, I was very aware of the rarefied air around him and how there is no one like him. And there never will be because actors aren’t made like him anymore. He is a one-man studio and, to me, very kind, very professional. And because of that, I felt I was able to try lots of different things. There was never a risk of failure or being unsafe. Tom really likes people to thrive on set.”
Atwell’s statement underscores her respect for Cruise’s unparalleled work ethic, professionalism, and approachability. She acknowledges that working with him allowed her the freedom to experiment in her performance without fear of failure. The quote highlights how Cruise’s leadership and encouragement fostered an environment where she felt safe to take risks and perform complex stunts, which are central to the Mission: Impossible series.
A Deep Professional Collaboration
Atwell’s praise of Cruise is also rooted in their extensive collaboration on Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), where she plays the role of Grace. Her preparation for the role was intensive, involving five months of full-time physical training, learning fight sequences, and even car drifting alongside Cruise. This preparation reflects the demanding nature of the film’s stunts and the leadership that Cruise provides on set, as detailed in the interview with The Guardian.
Atwell’s journey with the Mission: Impossible franchise spans 5.5 years, which has allowed her to form a deep professional relationship with Cruise. Her comments reflect the influence of his mentorship not just in terms of stunts but also on her confidence as an actor. The collaborative environment, according to Atwell, is one where everyone on set is encouraged to perform their best, a testament to Cruise’s leadership style.
Mentorship Beyond the Set
In addition to her comments on working with Cruise, Atwell has shared how Cruise has been a source of personal support. In articles from People and Variety published on March 29, 2025, Atwell reflected on the advice Cruise gave her for handling social anxiety, further illustrating the mentorship dynamic between the two. While these insights don’t directly touch on her famous “no one like him” statement, they further reinforce Cruise’s significant role in shaping Atwell’s experience both on and off the set.
Despite various rumors regarding their personal relationship, Atwell has consistently emphasized their professional rapport, dismissing any distractions from the focus on their collaborative work. This clarity about their relationship further highlights her respect for Cruise and the purely professional bond they share.
A Legacy of Excellence
Atwell’s admiration for Tom Cruise adds to the growing narrative of his profound impact on the Mission: Impossible franchise and the Hollywood industry at large. His ability to inspire those around him, coupled with his unmatched work ethic, has earned him a reputation as a leader in an industry known for its pressures and challenges.
As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning approaches its May 2025 release, Atwell’s reflections on Cruise serve as a testament to the enduring influence of his legacy, not just as a star but as a guiding force for those fortunate enough to work alongside him. With a career spanning decades, Cruise continues to set the standard for excellence, both on screen and behind the scenes.
This detailed analysis of Atwell’s comments about Cruise highlights not only the professional admiration she holds for him but also the deeper mentorship and leadership that define their working relationship, making it one of the most respected collaborations in Hollywood today.
