Entertainment

Tom Cruise Screams at 'M:I 7' Crew for Breaking COVID Protocols in Epic Leaked Rant

"We are NOT shutting this f***ing movie DOWN!!"

Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images

There are few things in this world better than unhinged celebrity rants-unless, of course, you’re the unfortunate person on the other end of the rant. On Tuesday night, Tom Cruise went viral for an audio clip obtained by The Sun in which he dressed down at least two members of his Mission: Impossible 7 crew while they were shooting the movie at the Leavesden Warner Bros. Studios in England. Apparently, a couple of crew members were standing too near each other at a computer screen to be in compliance with the production’s strict COVID-19 protocols, and Cruise laid right into them, to spectacular, extremely quotable effect. Here’s the transcript.

Their unique burden

“We are the gold standard,” he begins in the leaked audio. “They’re back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of US!! Because they believe in us and WHAT we’re DOING!! I’m on the phone with every f***ing studio at night. INSURANCE COMPANIES!! PRODUCERS!! And they’re looking at us, and using us to make their movies.”

Why it matters

“We are creating THOUSANDS of JOBS, you motherfuckers!”

The consequences

“I don’t EVER WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN!! EVER!! And if you don’t do it, you’re fired! If I see you do it again, you’re f***ing gone. And anyone on this crew does it, THAT’S IT! And you, too. And you, too. And you. If you ever do it again, that’s it.”

Zero tolerance policy 

“No apologies. You can tell it to the people who are losing their f***ing homes because our INDUSTRY is shut down. It’s not gonna put FOOD ON THEIR TABLE, or pay for their COLLEGE EDUCATION. THAT’S what I sleep with every night. The FUTURE of this F***ING INDUSTRY!! So, I’m sorry, but I am beyond your apologies. I have told you and now I want it and if you DON’T do it, you’re OUT!”

They are not shutting the movie down

“We are not shutting this FUCKING MOVIE DOWN!!”

Their responsibility

Is it understood? If I see it again, you’re fucking gone. And so are you. So YOU’RE gonna cost him HIS job. If I see it on the set, YOU’RE gone, and YOU’RE gone. That’s it. Am I clear? Do you understand what I want? Do you understand the responsibility that you have?

He’s reasonable

Because I will deal with your reason. And if you can’t be reasonable, and if I can’t deal with your logic, you’re fired. That’s it. That is it. I trust you guys to be here. That’s it. That’s it, guys.

That’s not it. Not at all.

“That’s what I’m thinking about. That’s what I’m doing today. I’m talking to Universal, Paramount, Warner Bros. Movies are going because of us. We shut down, it’s going to cost people their fucking jobs, their homes, their family-that’s what’s happening. All the way down the line. And I care about you guys. But if you’re not going to help me, you’re gone. OK? Do you see that stick? How many meters is that? When people are standing around a fucking computer and hanging out around here, what are you doing? [audio ends]On the one hand, Cruise understands how crucial it is to keep social distancing at work, and this is probably something close to what rattles around in our own heads whenever we see someone touching all the groceries or wearing their mask under their nose. On the other, he’s a boss screaming at his staff.

On the one hand he’s obviously under immense pressure leading a franchise film that was the first major blockbuster to start shooting amid all of this. On the other hand… all that deranged Scientology stuff.

At least we can all agree that it’s important to keep staying as safe as possible in these very uncertain times. That’s what Ethan Hunt would f***ing want.Need help finding something to watch? Sign up here for our weekly Streamail newsletter to get streaming recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.

Emma Stefansky is a staff entertainment writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @stefabsky.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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