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What Did Tom Cruise Say About Nicole Kidman Amidst Ana de Armas Buzz
In a rare departure from his usually private personal life, Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise has spoken out about his ex-wife, Nicole Kidman. The comments follow a bout of circulating rumors that have linked the "Top Gun: Maverick" star to "No Time To Die" actress Ana de Armas.
Cruise Reveals Role in Kidman's Casting for Kubrick Film
Speaking to British Film Institute publication Sight and Sound, Cruise, 62, remembered his experience sharing scenes with Kidman, 57, on Stanley Kubrick's critically acclaimed 1999 movie "Eyes Wide Shut." The two were married from 1990 until their divorce in 2001 and appeared together as a married couple with difficult issues of cheating in the erotic thriller.
Tom Cruise confirmed that he was the one behind Kidman's casting for Alice Harford. "It was really he and I getting to know each other," Cruise remembered of his early meetings with the iconic director, Stanley Kubrick. "And when we were doing that, I said, 'Let Nicole play the part [of Alice]. Because obviously she's a wonderful actress.”
His praise marks a significant moment, as Cruise has seldom spoken publicly about his marriage to Kidman since their divorce over two decades ago. The last known instance was in a 2002 Vanity Fair interview where he briefly touched upon their separation, stating that he wished her well.
Intense Filming Past; Current Dating Speculation
Nicole Kidman has said before about the grueling and singular experience of working on "Eyes Wide Shut" with Cruise and the notoriously demanding Kubrick. In an interview with The New York Times in 2020, she recalled stories of how they would relax after emotional scenes by going go-kart racing in the dead of morning. She also recalled fondly having dinner with Kubrick and his family on set.
At the same time, Cruise has been in the news for his alleged relationship with Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas, 37. The couple has been sharing pictures together in London on more than one occasion, sparking speculations of their romantic relationship. They were recently seen taking an easy walk through a London park on de Armas's birthday, April 30th.
Rumors about actors' professional meetings and public outings have persisted, despite sources denying any potential future collaborations. The chemistry displayed in public outings raises questions about their relationship.
New Romantic Triangle? Cruise's Rare Kidman Mention
Adding fuel to the drama, news has emerged claiming that Ben Affleck, whom de Armas had earlier dated, is allegedly "jealous" over her alleged intimacy with Cruise. Insiders have alleged that he liked Ana de Armas a lot and was dismayed by the two's break-up in early 2021.
Cruise, already in London, is also preparing for the release of the highly popular "Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning," which releases later this month. He was recently spotted on top of a London IMAX cinema, apparently as part of promotion for the film.
His very occasional acknowledgment of Kidman's ability arrives at a pertinent time, amid the hype about his private life and future working projects. Whether they will only serve to keep his previous love life in the headlines or that current rumored affair with de Armas is anybody's guess. Still, it cannot help but give us a look into one big part of Cruise's past and his persistent admiration for his previous wife's skill.