In the midst of contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Tom Cruise took the initiative to speak with representatives from both parties. The discussions covered a range of important issues, including artificial intelligence (AI), project promotion, and the concerns of stunt professionals. FilmmakerFocus has confirmed this information.
During a bargaining session call last month, Cruise passionately urged the AMPTP to understand the significance of SAG-AFTRA’s request for guardrails around generative AI. He also expressed support for the actors guild’s proposals on behalf of stunt coordinators and performers. However, the specific details of these proposals have not yet been shared by the guild.
Cruise also encouraged SAG-AFTRA to consider allowing its members to promote studio projects, even in the midst of a strike. This discussion was not specifically related to his latest blockbuster spy film, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” as its PR campaign had already concluded. Instead, it acknowledged the influential role that actor PR plays in shaping box office results, which are crucial for theaters post-pandemic and for the acting profession as a whole.
As one of the world’s biggest stars, Cruise’s thoughts on the industry’s path forward during these challenging times have always been closely examined. He fought to release “Top Gun: Maverick” in theaters during the pandemic, and his efforts paid off as the film grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide and received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Steven Spielberg even credited Cruise with “saving Hollywood’s ass” as it sought to recover from the effects of Covid-19.
Prior to the release of his new “Mission: Impossible” film, Cruise made a point of encouraging moviegoers to support other films like “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” on the big screen. He emphasized the importance of the entire industry, stating, “This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theaters. Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesn’t get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie.”
“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, and more, was released on July 12 and has already grossed over $235 million. However, the release of “Dead Reckoning Part Two,” originally scheduled for June 28, 2024, may be delayed if the actors’ strike is not resolved soon. The strike began on July 14 after more than a month of negotiations.
The news of Cruise’s efforts to lobby the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA was first reported by THR.
