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.
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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.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.