Seoul, South Korea — At a recent promotional event for “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” Tom Cruise and his co-stars aimed to keep the conversation focused on the film. The press conference showcased the final installment of the long-running action franchise, but when a reporter diverted the discussion to address President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on films shot outside the U.S., Cruise quickly redirected the focus back to the movie.
During the event, a reporter inquired about how the tariffs could impact the film, which was shot in various international locations, including Africa. The moderator translated the question, emphasizing awareness of the implications of these tariffs on foreign productions.
In response, Cruise discreetly communicated off-mic to the moderator, expressing a desire to keep the dialogue centered on the film. The moderator agreed, labeling Cruise’s response as appropriate and promptly suggested moving on to another question.
Cruise’s publicist has yet to comment on the matter. The “Mission: Impossible” series has consistently attracted global audiences, raking in over $4 billion at the box office. The latest film, set for release later this month in the United States, was filmed in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Norway, and South Africa.
Trump’s tariff proposal, announced recently, aims to counter growing international competition for American filmmakers and studios. He claimed that foreign countries are offering incentives that lure U.S. productions away, dubbing it a threat to national security. The president also called for a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S., emphasizing a push for domestic filmmaking.
Amid rising concerns over international productions, other films like “Avengers: Doomsday” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” are currently being filmed abroad, following the trend of major titles like last year’s “Dune: Part Two” and the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” is set to hit theaters on May 23, wrapping up an era of thrilling escapades for Cruise and his character, Ethan Hunt. As the film approaches its release, industry insiders will be watching closely to see how the evolving political landscape may impact the broader film industry.