Kenneth Branagh Calls Tom Cruise “Underestimated” Actor

April 28, 2025: Actor and director Kenneth Branagh has paid a heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend and co-star Tom Cruise, calling him an “underestimated” actor despite Cruise’s immense success in blockbuster franchises like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun. Branagh’s praise comes as Cruise is set to be honoured with the British Film Institute’s (BFI) highest honour, the BFI Fellowship, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the film industry, particularly his work in the UK.

In an interview, Branagh, who starred alongside Cruise in the 2008 war drama Valkyrie, discussed Cruise’s impressive range and talent, often overshadowed by his action-star image. Branagh highlighted that while Cruise is known for his high-octane roles, the actor’s true skill in delivering deeply emotional performances is sometimes overlooked.

“He’s an underestimated actor, for whom a golden age of performance beckons,” Branagh remarked, emphasizing that Cruise’s cinematic work combines thrilling spectacle with sincere emotional depth. “His range is remarkable, and I believe there is more to come,” Branagh added, pointing out that Cruise’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level is what truly sets him apart from other Hollywood stars.

Branagh also shared insights into Cruise’s off-screen character, describing him as refreshingly humble. According to Branagh, Cruise enjoys quiet nights in traditional British pubs, where he is respected by locals but avoids drawing unnecessary attention. “He finds a quiet corner, enjoys the atmosphere, and is always gracious when he gets spotted,” Branagh said, revealing the actor’s down-to-earth nature.

Cruise, whose career spans over four decades, will be honoured with the BFI Fellowship this year. The accolade will be celebrated with a month-long retrospective of his films, reflecting his significant contributions to the global and UK film industries. In response to the honour, Cruise expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m truly honoured. I’ve been making films in the UK for over 40 years and have no plans to stop.”

As Cruise continues to break new ground in the entertainment industry, Branagh’s tribute serves as a reminder of the actor’s versatile talents beyond his action-packed roles.