Tom Cruise’s stance on the Netflix streaming service — probably not what you expected

Let's be honest, Tom Cruise and the world of streaming aren't exactly a match you'd put money on. The man's basically cinema's last true adrenaline junkie, throwing himself off buildings so we have at least one reason to go out to the pictures. But it turns out his own view on Netflix and the like isn't quite what you'd expect – and, to be fair, he's unusually chilled about it (for Tom Cruise, anyway).

Here's what Cruise told GQ when asked about what he had to learn early on in life: "I was living in many different schools, and it taught me about human behavior, about life, but it’s a journey." He then linked it back to cinema, adding: "So movies are—this is about humanity. I have nothing against cable, TV, or Netflix. I think it’s great. Create jobs and everything. But what I like about cinema is that it brings all of us together in a room to share an experience. I say, 'Understand the tools, then go create what you want to create.'"

Translation: Cruise isn't on some anti-Netflix crusade. Does he love it? Not really. But he reckons there's nothing wrong with it existing – and you've got to admit, saying it 'creates jobs and everything' is a very Cruise way to give something a thumbs up.

Never a Netflix Man

Despite the oddly positive take, Cruise has never actually made a Netflix film or produced anything for the service. Not a single original, no small cameo in a streaming-only action romp – the bloke's always been about getting films out in cinemas. If you spot a Cruise film on Netflix, Prime, or wherever, it'll be on a licensing deal, not because he fancied releasing it there first. That goes for all the big ones: Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, Edge of Tomorrow, Jack Reacher, The Last Samurai, Magnolia, Vanilla Sky – they pop up on streaming now and then, but they weren't made for telly screens in the first place.

Tom Cruise has never developed an original film or series for Netflix—every Cruise-led project has been theatrical, not streaming.

What's Next for Cruise?

If you want brand new Cruise – and let's face it, the stunts are what keep half of Hollywood's insurance companies awake at night – he's got a full slate lined up. Next up is a dark comedy, Digger, with Cruise playing a character called Digger Rockwell. It's got Alejandro González Iñárritu behind the camera, and it's set for release in cinemas on 2 October 2026. At 64, Cruise apparently still prefers the film set over the sofa, if that's any sort of surprise.

• Digger: October 2026, Cruise stars, Iñárritu directs
• Days of Thunder 2: Sequel announced, Anne Hathaway on board
• Top Gun 3: Officially in the works, script in progress
• Broadsword: WWII action drama, led by Mission: Impossible's Christopher McQuarrie

And for those curious about Cruise's approach on set (yes, the rumours), he was candid in that GQ chat – he's up front about pushing himself and anyone working with him, saying he's honest about his intensity. Sure, films may find their way onto Netflix months later, but Tom Cruise? Still very much a creature of the cinema.