Tom Cruise Steps Up to Support Jake Johnson’s Fitness Journey on The Mummy Set

During the filming of The Mummy (2017), Tom Cruise noticed his co-star Jake Johnson facing challenges with the physical demands of their roles. Known for his rigorous fitness routine and commitment to authenticity on set, Cruise went beyond typical professional courtesy—inviting Johnson to train alongside him and his personal team, offering guidance and encouragement that left a lasting impression.

From Comedy to Action: A New Challenge for Jake Johnson

Jake Johnson, famous for his comedic role as Nick Miller on New Girl, was stepping into unfamiliar territory with The Mummy. Cast as Sergeant Chris Vail, a comedic foil to Cruise’s tough-as-nails U.S. Army Sergeant Nick Morton, Johnson was suddenly required to tackle intense physical scenes and stunts. The shift from comedy to action posed a considerable fitness challenge.

Filming began in April 2016 and wrapped by August, placing their interaction and training within this period.

Cruise’s Proactive Support

As Johnson recounted in interviews with Vulture and Thrillist, Cruise didn’t just suggest Johnson get in shape—he offered tangible support. Recognizing the physical requirements of the role, Cruise invited Johnson to train with him and his personal team, giving him access to his private gym, personal trainers, and even his chef-curated meal plans.

Johnson reflected on this generosity: “You are always welcome. I don’t care what I’m doing in there. You’re my castmate. Come in.” This inclusivity was a stark contrast to the often isolating nature of Hollywood productions and stood out as a genuine gesture of camaraderie.

Training Together: More Than Just Workouts

Johnson initially contemplated calling on his New Girl co-star Max Greenfield for CrossFit help but found himself embraced by Cruise’s established regimen. The actor described the experience as “great,” emphasizing how Cruise’s encouragement and the structured environment helped him meet the physical demands of the film.

One telling anecdote involved Johnson being told not to enter the gym during Cruise’s workout—only for Cruise to later clarify that Johnson was always welcome. This underscores Cruise’s dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Impact on Johnson’s Role and Career

Johnson credited Cruise with pushing him through the toughest moments, noting, “There’s probably no one in Hollywood who would’ve done the same for me besides Cruise.” He contrasted Cruise’s hands-on, sincere support with the vague and often superficial “get in shape” advice many actors receive, calling Cruise’s approach “anti-Hollywood.”

The training was crucial, especially as Johnson initially considered leaving the project due to the stunt work. Cruise’s encouragement helped him stay and ultimately perform his role with confidence.

A Testament to Cruise’s Leadership and Generosity

Tom Cruise’s willingness to mentor and support Jake Johnson during The Mummy production highlights not only his dedication to his craft but also his generosity as a colleague. By extending resources and creating a welcoming environment, Cruise exemplified leadership that transcends the screen—a reminder that sometimes, the greatest action happens behind the scenes.