An audio recording of Tom Cruise calling crew members on the set of the latest film “Mission: Impossible” in London has gone viral. The actor, who is also producing the film, can be heard with explosives towards the team not to follow COVID-19 security protocols.
Sources close to the production told Reuters and Variety that the audio, which was first obtained by The Sun, is authentic.
In the recording, which has been widely shared on social media, Cruise addresses two people he apparently saw too close to each other, in violation of social distancing rules.
“If I see you do it again, you’re not there anymore,” Cruise says. The full explanation recording takes three and a half minutes.
Samantha Zucchi / Insidefoto / Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
“We’re the gold standard,” he says. “They’re in Hollywood making movies right now because of us. Because they believe in us and what we’re doing. I’m on the phone with all the night shit studios, insurance companies, producers and they look at us and they use us to make their films. We’re creating thousands of jobs, mom mom. I don’t want to see it ever again. Never! “
COVID-19 has carried out many industries and, although the production of films with security restrictions is now allowed in many cities, it was initially suspended at the beginning of the pandemic.
“No apologies,” Cruise tells crew members. “You can tell people who lose their homes because our industry is closed. He won’t put food on the table or pay for his college education. With that I sleep every night. The future of this industry sucks!”
He continues, “I told you, and now I want to, and if you don’t, you’re out. We’re not going to close this f *** ing movie! You understand? If I see it again, no more you are. “
After a couple of minutes, Cruise’s anger gives way to a more pleading tone. He reiterates that crew members have a responsibility and that not following the protocols would lead to the closing of the film, which would cost them the job.
It is unclear on what day the audio was recorded. On Wednesday, London settled on “Tier 3: Very High Alert,” meaning there are stricter restrictions, closing bars, pubs and restaurants, except for takeaways, closing theaters and banning indoor social gatherings.
According to Film London, Level 3 guides still allow movies and television films to continue. However, there is a list of protocols that must be followed by productions, including social distancing, greater cleaning of the equipment, and a reduction in the number of people present.
According to Reuters, production on the seventh “Mission: Impossible” closed in February while filming in Italy. Filming resumed in September and moved to London in December. The film, by Paramount Pictures (a division of ViacomCBS), will be released in November 2021.
CBS News has contacted Paramount Pictures for comment and is pending a response.