In a nostalgic throwback to their early careers, Tom Cruise recently reminisced about his time filming Interview with the Vampire alongside Brad Pitt, revealing that the two actors used to unwind by racing go-karts after long days on set. This revelation came during Cruise's appearance at CinemaCon, where he was presenting the Director of the Year award to his longtime collaborator Christopher McQuarrie.
At the event, held on April 3, 2025, Cruise expressed excitement about Pitt's upcoming film F1, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Joe Kosinski. "Brad’s got a new movie with Jerry Bruckheimer and Joe Kosinski. I can’t wait to see that this summer. It’ll be awesome," Cruise told the audience. His enthusiasm for Pitt's latest project was palpable, as he added, "It’s great to see Brad driving; he’s very good. Believe me, I’ve raced against him. When we were doing Interview with the Vampire, we’d go and race go-karts. We’d literally finish and go drive go-karts all night, and he was a hell of a driver.”
While Cruise fondly recalls their go-kart races, Pitt has had a different perspective on filming Interview with the Vampire. In a past interview with Entertainment Weekly, he described the experience as miserable, stating, "It felt like six months in the fucking dark." He initially approached the role of Louis with enthusiasm, but as filming progressed, he grew frustrated with the character's development. Pitt even confided in his friend, producer David Geffen, about wanting to exit the project. However, when Geffen informed him that it would cost $40 million to withdraw, Pitt decided to stick it out, explaining, "I’ve got to man up and ride this through, and that’s what I’m going to do."
Despite the challenges, both actors have moved on to significant projects. Cruise is set to release Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning on May 23, 2025, while Pitt's F1 is slated for a June 27, 2025, release. The film will see Pitt portraying a retired Formula 1 driver making a comeback to the racing world, a role that aligns with the actor's real-life passion for driving.
During his presentation at CinemaCon, Cruise took a moment to highlight McQuarrie's contributions to the film industry, calling him his "creative brother" and recounting their collaborative history. Cruise noted that McQuarrie had also played a vital role in the writing and editing of Pitt's World War Z, showcasing the interconnected nature of Hollywood's elite.
McQuarrie, in turn, expressed gratitude during his acceptance speech, thanking his family, the studio, and audiences for their support. He specifically acknowledged Cruise, saying, "It’s been an honour and a privilege to work with you, to learn from you, and to put you in harm’s way for other people’s entertainment. I love you, brother."
As Cruise looks forward to the release of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, he remains supportive of his peers in the industry. His playful anecdotes about racing with Pitt serve as a reminder of the camaraderie that can exist even amidst the competitive landscape of Hollywood. The upcoming summer releases of both actors' films are highly anticipated, promising to deliver thrilling experiences for fans.
With both Cruise and Pitt continuing to push boundaries in their careers, their shared history adds a layer of depth to their individual journeys. As they prepare to hit the big screen once again, audiences can expect a blend of nostalgia and excitement, underscoring the enduring appeal of these two Hollywood icons.
