Tom Cruise hailed over 'smart' response to question about Trump’s Hollywood tariffs at 'MI 8' event

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Cruise isn't just jumping off cliffs and racing motorcycles at over 100 mph — he’s also dodging politics like a pro.

While promoting 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' in Seoul on Thursday, May 8, Cruise and his all-star squad — including director Christopher McQuarrie — were all set to hype up the final chapter of the franchise. 

But a reporter went off-script, asking the cast how President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on movies made outside the US might hit the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, which is filmed across the globe.

“I’d like to ask this question to anybody who’s up for it,” the reporter began, via a translator. “I watched this film and I saw that it was filmed in many different locations around the world, including Africa. Of course, we all are aware of the tariffs that President Trump has been imposing on overseas productions and films. So, is this particular movie under that tariff? And how much of the film was shot overseas?” 

Cruise didn’t even blink. Instead, he leaned over and quietly told the moderator off-mic, “We’d rather answer questions about the movie. Thank you.” 

The moderator said she thought that was a “fair response” and moved the conversation along, Variety reported.

Fans hail Tom Cruise on social media over his response to tariff question

Tom Cruise was lauded by fans on social media for his response when asked about Donald Trump's tariffs on Hollywood movies made outside the US.

"Tom Cruise is one of the last Stars. Keep politics outta your movie," one posted on X.

"Imagine that! An actor who does NOT tell half his audience to go to he11??????" another wrote.

"See how easy it is not to alienate half your audience," someone else noted.

"That’s how an actor should handle a question like that. He’s there for the movie he made for the fans. Not to tell fans how to think or vote or be politically, economically, socially. He wants people to enjoy his movies Why is this so hard to understand?" a comment read.

"And just like that…he added $100 million to the box office of the movie. A smart artist does not limit the scope of its audience playing the dumbass political opinions game," another offered.

Donald Trump and his Hollywood tariffs

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the USA, are being devastated.” 

“This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” he added.

But no official policies are in place yet. White House spokesperson Kush Desai said, “Although no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, the administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trump’s directive to safeguard our country’s national and economic security while ‘Making Hollywood Great Again.’”

Meanwhile, plenty of other blockbusters are still filming abroad — 'Avengers: Doomsday', Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey', and last year’s 'Wicked', 'Dune: Part Two', and 'Deadpool & Wolverine', all took the international route.

As for the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, it’s no stranger to jet-setting. The latest instalment was shot in the UK, Norway, and South Africa. With over $4 billion raked in globally from the franchise so far, it was totally worth the production costs.

'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' releases in theaters on May 23.

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