Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Mission Impossible star Hayley Atwell reveals Tom Cruise's advice to overcome social anxiety

A topic that resonates with many, including those working in the intense world of Hollywood

Hayley Atwell Reveals Tom Cruise’s Advice on Social Anxiety

Atwell explained that Cruise’s advice helped her focus on identifying the sources of her anxiety

Getty

Hayley Atwell has opened up about the helpful advice Tom Cruise gave her on how to cope with social anxiety, a topic that resonates with many, including those working in the intense world of Hollywood. Atwell, known for her role as Peggy Carter in Marvel films and for starring alongside Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023), revealed how Cruise's wisdom has helped her deal with nervousness in large social gatherings, something she’s not immune to despite her prominent career.

As Atwell prepares to reprise her role in what is expected to be the last chapter of the Mission: Impossible series, The Final Reckoning, due for release in May, her reflections on social anxiety offer an insightful perspective on how even the most successful stars experience self-doubt. She recently discussed this on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, explaining how she often battles the feelings that come with being in a room full of people.


Atwell acknowledged that social anxiety is common, especially in the present day, when personal insecurities can often be exacerbated by the pressures of social media and public perception. She candidly shared how, in such situations, she tends to overthink and withdraw, constantly questioning whether she seems awkward or out of place.

This is where Tom Cruise’s advice came into play, something that has stuck with Atwell since their time working together on Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning. According to Atwell, Cruise gave her a pep talk about reframing her experience. Rather than retreating inward and allowing the anxiety to take over, Cruise encouraged her to focus on the external. “Try doing the opposite. Try to look out, look around the room, and go, ‘Where is it? Where is the thing that I have attached to my insecurity?’”

Atwell explained that Cruise’s advice helped her focus on identifying the source of her insecurity, whether it’s a particular person or an uncomfortable memory. Instead of retreating into herself, Cruise suggested confronting the anxiety head-on by acknowledging it and giving it a name. “Where does it live outside of me and, if I look at it for long enough, the anxiety then can have a name,” Atwell recalled. This method, according to Atwell, helps in transforming the overwhelming feeling of anxiety into something more manageable and actionable.

She revealed that once she could name the anxiety, whether it was jealousy, loneliness, or insecurity, the feeling would dissipate, allowing her to address it. This shift in perspective has proven to be an invaluable tool in her personal and professional life, especially in the high-pressure world of Hollywood.

In addition to this profound advice, Atwell shared that working with Cruise on set has been an enriching experience. She described him as “very kind, very professional,” and admitted to being in awe of his presence when she first started working alongside him. “When I started, I was very aware of the rarefied air around him and how there is no one like him,” Atwell said. “He is a one-man studio.” She went on to praise how Cruise fosters an environment where others can thrive. “Tom really likes people to thrive on set,” she added, emphasizing the positive atmosphere that encourages creativity without fear of failure.

As the release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning draws near, Atwell discussed the prospect of the franchise coming to an end. Despite the film’s title, Atwell mused, “I mean, look, they called it The Final Reckoning,” but was quick to acknowledge the possibility that the Mission: Impossible saga could continue. “On the other hand, ‘Tom Cruise’ and ‘final’ are oxymorons, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes, ‘Wait, maybe…’” With Cruise’s relentless drive and love for action-packed filmmaking, it’s hard to believe Mission: Impossible could ever fully come to a close.

Whether or not The Final Reckoning is indeed the end of the Mission: Impossible saga, Atwell’s reflections on working with Tom Cruise offer a glimpse into what makes him not only an exceptional actor but also a mentor to those around him. His influence extends beyond the big screen, with his thoughtful advice about confronting personal insecurities resonating with Atwell and many others in the industry.

- YouTubeYoutube/ Paramount Pictures

As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning gears up for its release on 21 May, fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the action-packed franchise, one that has captured audiences for over two decades. Whether this is truly the final mission or not, there’s no doubt that Cruise’s legacy in the world of action films, and his impact on his colleagues, will endure.

More For You

Jonas Brothers

From Camp Rock to global tours — the Jonas Brothers’ two-decade glow-up is unmatched

Getty Images

The Jonas Brothers turn 20: The band that soundtracked a whole generation

What were you doing in 2005? Because somewhere in New Jersey, three boys with matching outfits, side-swept fringes, and more ambition than stage time were getting ready to take over the world. Fast forward 20 years, and the Jonas Brothers, Nick, Joe, and Kevin aren’t just a band. They’re a time capsule, a comeback story, and proof that growing up doesn’t mean fading out.

As they hit the big 2-0, we’re not just celebrating songs. We’re talking glow-ups, heartbreaks, breakups, makeups, and a tour that’s basically a love letter to fans across generations. Buckle up, nostalgia is coming in hot.

Keep ReadingShow less
Love You

Scenes from Love You, the 95-minute Kannada film made entirely using over 30 AI tools

Instagram

Kannada priest makes India’s first AI film without actors or crew on £9,500 budget

In a quiet village near Bengaluru, a temple priest has done something no one expected. He made a full-length Kannada film without hiring a single actor, technician or musician. Narasimha Murthy, who serves at the Hanumantharai Temple in Siddehalli, created Love You, a 95-minute film entirely powered by Artificial Intelligence.

Murthy didn’t come from a film background, nor did he have access to a big team. Instead, he joined hands with Nuthan, a graphic designer who taught himself how to use AI tools. Together, the two-man team used around 30 different AI applications to design the cast, create visuals, generate drone-like shots, compose music and even script dialogues. The film cost £9,500 (₹10 lakh) to make, most of which went into buying software licences, and took just six months to complete.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tina knowles and Beyoncé

Tina Knowles reflected on the unwavering support of her daughters

Getty

'With them, I could get through anything': Tina Knowles on her daughters’ support during cancer battle

Tina Knowles, the mother of global music stars Beyoncé and Solange, has publicly shared her recent experience with breast cancer, revealing how a missed mammogram may have delayed its detection.

In an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, the 71-year-old businesswoman and philanthropist said she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in her left breast. The diagnosis came after doctors discovered two tumours during a mammogram appointment she had postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh makes a statement in sheer black couture at the Thunderbolts London premiere

Getty Images

Florence Pugh stuns in see-through dress at 'Thunderbolts' London premiere, breaking red carpet rules

At the premiere of Thunderbolts in London on 22 April, Florence Pugh stunned attendees with her bold fashion choice, confidently showcasing a striking Elie Saab couture gown. Known for her daring style, the 29-year-old actress embraced a gothic look, wearing a sheer black dress with intricate lace tulle.

The design featured cut-outs around her midriff, offering glimpses of her torso while maintaining an air of elegance. The gown’s detailed sequins and floral appliqué added a touch of sophistication to the sultry ensemble, which was completed with black strappy heels.

Keep ReadingShow less