In a recent interview, Tom Cruise expressed admiration for his ex-wife, Nicole Kidman, as speculation surrounding his relationship with Ana de Armas continues to swirl. The 62-year-old actor, who was married to Kidman from 1990 to 2001, praised her during a discussion about their 1999 film, Eyes Wide Shut, in an interview with Sight and Sound. "It was a great experience. I was very excited to do it," Cruise shared, reflecting on the film directed by Stanley Kubrick.
While discussing Eyes Wide Shut, Cruise revealed that he had suggested Kidman for the role of Alice, stating, "I suggested Nicole play the role [of Alice] because, obviously, she’s a great actress." This acknowledgment comes amidst rumors of Cruise dating de Armas, who he was first linked to on Valentine's Day. A source recently told Page Six that while Cruise and de Armas enjoy each other's company, there is no evidence to suggest their relationship is romantic.
Kidman, now 57, has also addressed her past with Cruise. In 2022, she mentioned feeling conflicted during her acceptance of the Academy Award for The Hours, revealing that she was still healing from their divorce. "I was struggling with things in my personal life, yet my professional life was going so well," she noted in an interview with author Dave Karger.
Last November, Kidman clarified a viral image from 2001 that suggested she was celebrating her divorce from Cruise. "That’s not true," she said, adding that the moment was from a film and not a reflection of her personal life. Following their split, Kidman married country singer Keith Urban in 2006, with whom she shares two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith.
Meanwhile, Ana de Armas, 37, was recently spotted arriving at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport in a chic beige trench coat and blue jeans. Her stylish appearance followed a helicopter ride from London, where she had been seen with Cruise on multiple occasions, including a romantic stroll through a London park on her birthday last week.
Reports indicate that Cruise has approached de Armas for a leading role in his upcoming film. A source revealed that he believes she is "one of the best in the business" and wants her by his side for the project. Currently, Cruise is busy with several films, including the new installment of Mission: Impossible, which is set to be released on May 23, 2025.
Despite their frequent appearances together, sources maintain that the relationship between Cruise and de Armas may be more professional than romantic. They were seen enjoying a helicopter ride together in late April, and a source mentioned that Cruise is likely mentoring de Armas as she prepares for her upcoming film, Ballerina, which features intense stunts.
De Armas has previously expressed her desire to avoid the public eye, citing her past relationship with Ben Affleck as a reason for her decision to leave Los Angeles. The actress, who dated Affleck from March 2020 to January 2021, has shared that the intense scrutiny surrounding her personal life was overwhelming.
As rumors about Cruise and de Armas continue to circulate, they have been spotted together in various settings, leading some to speculate about the nature of their connection. However, a source close to the pair insists that their relationship is based on friendship and potential collaboration, rather than romance.
In February, they were seen walking through London's Soho neighborhood, where they stopped to take photos with fans. Although they have yet to publicly comment on their relationship, the pair's interactions have sparked curiosity among fans and media alike.
While Cruise's past with Kidman remains a topic of interest, his current connection with de Armas is capturing attention for different reasons. Celebrity matchmaker Alessandra Conti weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Cruise's willingness to be seen publicly with de Armas signals a level of comfort in their relationship.
"The fact that he was seen publicly with Ana is a huge deal," Conti stated. "This is a clear indicator that he is feeling secure about the potential of this romance, though sources are saying that it is merely because they are in a film together." She also noted that both stars are known for being private about their personal lives, which adds to the intrigue surrounding their interactions.
As both actors navigate their respective careers and personal lives, the public remains captivated by their stories. Cruise's recent comments about Kidman reveal a sense of respect for their shared history, while his budding relationship with de Armas adds a new layer of complexity to his narrative.
With his upcoming projects and the continued speculation about his personal life, Tom Cruise remains a prominent figure in Hollywood. Whether it's reminiscing about his past or exploring new connections, Cruise's journey continues to unfold in the public eye.
