Spielberg Praises Tom Cruise’s Work Ethic & On-Set Collaboration

Steven Spielberg revealed that Tom Cruise consistently arrived on set before him during the production of Minority Report (2002) and War of the Worlds (2005), demonstrating a collaborative spirit and dedication to the filmmaking process. Spielberg shared the anecdote during a keynote event at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, while promoting his upcoming film, Disclosure Day.

“Tom Cruise showed up every morning when I showed up,” Spielberg said. “I show up before the crew. So I get to the set sometimes at 6:30 in the morning. On Minority Report and on War of the Worlds, Tom would insist on getting there when I got there so we would map out the whole day … which was really helpful for me.”

Cruise’s commitment to his craft is well-documented within the industry. In a 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Cruise explained his approach to preparation, stating, “I will learn a skill, and I know eventually I’m going to use it in a movie, whether it’s the piano or having more time to dance, or parachuting or flying airplanes or helicopters. The wonderful thing is you’re never there. It can always be better.”

Spielberg’s comments echo broader industry sentiment regarding Cruise’s professionalism. In 2023, Spielberg told Cruise at the Academy Luncheon that “you saved Hollywood’s ass and you might have saved theatrical distribution,” adding that Top Gun: Maverick “might have saved the entire theatrical industry.” This statement came after Cruise championed a theatrical release for Top Gun: Maverick, resisting pressure to move the film to streaming during the pandemic. The film ultimately grossed $718 million domestically and $1.5 billion worldwide.

The two directors have a long-standing professional relationship, having previously collaborated on Minority Report and War of the Worlds. Cruise is currently slated to star in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s upcoming film, Digger.