Tom Cruise Surprises Cannes Crowd to Celebrate ‘Mission: Impossible’ Director Christopher McQuarrie

May 14, 2025: In a surprise appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Tom Cruise joined a masterclass event to honor his longtime collaborator and Mission: Impossible filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie.

The event, dedicated to McQuarrie’s contributions to modern cinema, turned emotional and insightful as the director reflected on his journey, creative philosophy, and nearly two-decade partnership with Cruise. “When I met him, I was going to quit the business,” McQuarrie admitted. He credited their relationship to a shared “love of cinema,” describing Cruise as a lifelong student who’s always eager to learn and empower those he works with.

Cruise, who has collaborated with McQuarrie on 11 films including Jack Reacher, Edge of Tomorrow, and five Mission: Impossible entries, praised the director’s commitment to storytelling. “He doesn’t come in to write for me, he comes in to write for the voice of the actor,” said Cruise.

McQuarrie emphasized that character is always at the heart of the story, calling it “what’s etched in stone.” He also shared concerns about the future of cinema, particularly as streaming services reshape the industry. “Streaming is in danger of driving the industry into extinction,” he warned, suggesting that while digital platforms offer creative freedom, they often limit films to niche audiences.

He praised blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, which bring people into theaters and help create space for smaller, auteur-driven films like Anora. “I worry for the fate and survival of cinema,” McQuarrie said, underlining the importance of theatrical experiences in sustaining film culture.

When asked about his Oscar-winning screenplay for The Usual Suspects, McQuarrie acknowledged its legacy but remained focused on the future of filmmaking and his mission to keep storytelling alive on the big screen.