Tom Cruise has said little about his past with Nicole Kidman—until now. A recent interview has stirred old memories and sparked fresh controversy.
Renowned actor Tom Cruise has broken his long silence regarding ex-wife Nicole Kidman, offering rare public praise more than twenty years after their highly publicized separation.
In a recent interview with the British Film Institute’s Sight and Sound magazine, 62-year-old Top Gun: Maverick star Tom Cruise opened up about his work with legendary director Stanley Kubrick on the 1999 psychological drama Eyes Wide Shut.

During the conversation, Cruise revealed a surprising behind-the-scenes detail: he was the one who recommended then-wife Nicole Kidman for the role of Alice. “It was basically he and I getting to know each other,” Cruise recalled. “And when we were doing that, I suggested Nicole play the role [of Alice]. Because obviously she’s a great actress.”
The film—Eyes Wide Shut, a sexually charged thriller featuring Cruise and Kidman as a couple grappling with intimacy and trust—was among their final collaborations before their 2001 divorce. Though Cruise’s comments appear complimentary, they’ve stirred mixed reactions online, reopening old wounds for some longtime fans.
The actor’s remarks prompted swift backlash across social media, with critics questioning both his motives and timing. Many expressed skepticism over the sudden praise. “Why now?? Keep quiet don’t say nothing from anyone. He is not really a nice guy,” one user commented, echoing a broader sentiment of mistrust.

The criticism only intensified as more users chimed in with unfiltered opinions. “She got the best man compared to him. Tom Cruise is nothing compared to her hubby now,” one person wrote, referencing Kidman’s marriage to country singer Keith Urban. Others were even more blunt, accusing Cruise of mistreating her during their relationship. “He really did her dirty,” read one cutting remark, while another simply stated, “Can’t stand him.”
Comments like “How sad” and “Nicole dodged a bullet by divorcing his nonsense” reflected a widespread sentiment that Cruise’s praise was both too little and too late. One user summed up the prevailing mood: “I doubt she cares much about what he has to say about her. She has built a beautiful life with Keith Urban.”
Cruise and Kidman were married for ten years, forming one of Hollywood’s most high-profile power couples throughout the 1990s. Their relationship, often under intense media scrutiny, came to an official end in 2001 with a divorce that captivated the public and press alike.
Following their separation, both actors went on to navigate new chapters in their personal lives. Nicole Kidman found lasting love with country music star Keith Urban, marrying him in 2006. The couple has since built a quiet, enduring partnership, often praised for their mutual support and grounded family life.
Tom Cruise, on the other hand, entered another headline-making relationship, marrying actress Katie Holmes in 2006. Their union captured significant media attention, particularly due to Cruise’s public declarations of love. However, that relationship also came to an end, with the couple divorcing in 2012—closing the book on another high-profile Hollywood romance.

More recently, Cruise has sparked fresh speculation about his love life after being romantically linked to Spanish-Cuban actress Ana de Armas. Rumors began swirling after a video surfaced online showing the two walking side by side during what appeared to be a casual birthday outing for de Armas, accompanied by a small group of her friends. The footage quickly ignited chatter among fans and media outlets, many questioning whether the pair’s connection might be more than just friendly.
The pair first sparked romance rumors a few months ago after being spotted together in London, fueling curiosity about a potential relationship. At the time, social media users were quick to draw comparisons between Ana de Armas and Cruise’s ex-wife, Nicole Kidman, with many remarking on the striking resemblance between the two actresses. The speculation has only grown since, with fans and tabloids closely watching for any signs of confirmation.
Dressed in his signature effortlessly cool style, Cruise appeared relaxed and confident as he moved through the transportation venue. He wore a dark, slightly unbuttoned shirt that subtly showcased his toned physique, paired with sleek black pants that completed the understated, polished look.
A black backpack was slung casually over one shoulder, lending a practical touch to his ensemble, while a matching jacket in hand suggested he was ready for whatever the day—or evening—might bring. Flashing his trademark smile, the actor exuded the kind of charm that has long made him a fixture of Hollywood’s A-list.
Cruise’s trademark tousled hair, slightly windblown, gave him the look of a man constantly on the move, exuding an effortless charm. His charismatic energy was palpable as he engaged with those around him, radiating the kind of star power that has defined his career for decades.
Walking beside him, Ana de Armas embodied an understated elegance. The Deep Water star wore a long, dark coat that added a sophisticated edge to her ensemble, with a simple yet stylish top subtly peeking through. Her long brunette locks cascaded over her shoulders, framing her radiant complexion and adding to her graceful presence.
Pairing her elegant outfit with white sneakers, de Armas balanced high fashion with comfort, her soft smile and confident stride exuding an aura of quiet star power. The effortless grace with which she carried herself only added to the intrigue surrounding the pair.
According to media outlet Deuxmoi, Cruise and de Armas were spotted together “for the second day in a row,” fueling further speculation about a potential romance brewing between the two. The constant attention from fans and media has only amplified the buzz, leaving many eager to see whether this new connection will blossom into something more.
As images of Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas surfaced online, it didn’t take long for social media to erupt with reactions—many of which focused on de Armas’ striking resemblance to Cruise’s famous ex-wife, Katie Holmes.
“She’s looking like his ex Katie Holmes 🤔,” one user remarked, sparking a flurry of agreement from others. Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “She looks like a young version of his ex-wife, Katie Holmes.” The comparison quickly became a trending topic, with fans and followers noting the uncanny similarity between de Armas and Holmes, adding another layer of intrigue to the rumors surrounding Cruise’s potential new relationship.
The resemblance didn’t go unnoticed, sparking an immediate response from one Facebook user who enthusiastically chimed in, “That’s what I was about to say!! You are right.” The comparisons continued to pour in, with one netizen pointing out, “Another Katie—both are natural brown hair,” while another simply labeled de Armas as, “Katie Holmes 2 😮.”
The conversation took a curious turn as some users speculated on Cruise’s romantic preferences, with one commenter noting, “He’s got a type.” These observations sparked further debate, with many drawing parallels between his past relationships and the present, adding yet another layer to the ongoing buzz about the actor’s personal life.
While much of the conversation centered on the resemblance to Katie Holmes, some fans chose to focus on a different aspect of the pairing—how well Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas seemed to look together. One admirer gushed, “That’s a very attractive couple!” Others echoed the sentiment, appreciating the chemistry between the two stars and imagining the potential of their rumored relationship.
This lighter, more positive take offered a refreshing shift from the comparison-heavy discussions, suggesting that, for some, the duo’s connection might be the true draw rather than just their physical similarities to Cruise’s exes.
While de Armas and Cruise being spotted together may be recent, public buzz about the actor’s love life is nothing new. Over the years, Cruise has often found himself at the center of speculation regarding his romantic relationships, from his high-profile marriage to Katie Holmes to his past with Nicole Kidman. His personal life has long been a subject of intense media scrutiny, with fans and critics alike eagerly analyzing every new development.
This latest chapter, with de Armas, continues the pattern, keeping Cruise’s love life in the public eye, whether it’s comparisons to exes, potential new romances, or the ongoing curiosity about his relationships. It’s clear that no matter who the actor is linked with, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on his personal affairs.