Tom Cruise allegedly expressed his frustration with crew members on the set of “Mission: Impossible 7” after he saw them breaking COVID-19 guidelines.
Leaked audio obtained and published Tuesday by The Sun appears to capture Cruise shouting, “If I see you do it again you’re f---ing gone,” at crew members who he believed were breaching protocols.
Variety and The New York Times confirmed the authenticity of the recording with two sources close to the production. NBC News has not yet verified the recording or when and where the apparent incident took place.
“We are the gold standard,“ the audio appears to capture Cruise yelling. “They’re back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us. Because they believe in us and what we’re doing. I’m on the phone with every f---ing studio at night, insurance companies, producers and they’re looking at us and using us to make their movies. We are creating thousands of jobs, you mother-------. I don’t ever want to see it again. Ever!”
Cruise has been strict about enforcing COVID-19 guidelines on the set of the film in Britain, and scolded the crew for taking advantage of the safe environment that the team in place helped create, according to Variety.
“You can tell it to the people who are losing their f---ing homes because our industry is shut down. It’s not going to put food on their table or pay for their college education. That’s what I sleep with every night — the future of this f---ing industry!” Cruise allegedly shouts. “So I’m sorry, I am beyond your apologies. I have told you, and now I want it, and if you don’t do it, you’re out. We are not shutting this f---ing movie down! Is it understood? If I see it again, you’re f---ing gone.”
Cruise reportedly pointed out specific members of the crew, telling one: “You’re going to cost him his job.”
Cruise's representative, his attorney and Paramount Pictures have not immediately responded to NBC News' requests for comment.
“Mission: Impossible 7” was recently hit with delays in October when 12 people on set in Italy tested positive for COVID-19. Production resumed a week later and returned to the U.K. two weeks ago. “Mission: Impossible 7” is directed by Christopher McQuarrie and set to release on Nov. 19, 2021.