In a rare and highly anticipated interview for the British Film Institute’s Sight & Sound magazine, actor Tom Cruise spoke publicly about his second ex-wife, Nicole Kidman, for the first time in over two decades. Cruise’s brief yet pointed remarks have reignited interest in one of Hollywood’s most famous former power couples, whose marriage and subsequent divorce have remained virtually unaddressed by the superstar actor since their split in 2001.
A Surprise Endorsement for Eyes Wide Shut
Advocating for Kidman’s Casting
During his conversation with Sight & Sound—conducted via the entertainment trade site Deadline—Cruise revealed that he had personally lobbied for Nicole Kidman to be cast in Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 erotic thriller Eyes Wide Shut. “It was basically he and I getting to know each other,” Cruise explained, “and when we were doing that, I suggested Nicole play the role [of Alice]. Because obviously she’s a great actress.” His public recognition of Kidman’s talent marks the first substantive compliment he has offered since their divorce.
The Significance of the Role
Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick’s final film, stars Cruise as Dr. Bill Harford opposite Kidman’s character Alice Harford—roles that required both actors to delve deeply into themes of marital fidelity, jealousy and erotic fantasy. Kidman’s performance was widely praised at the time for its subtlety and emotional depth, and Cruise’s confirmation that he championed her for the part sheds new light on his behind-the-scenes influence and respect for her craft.
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Twenty-Three Years of Silence
Cruise’s Vanishing Comments on Marriage
Since filing for divorce from Kidman in February 2001 after a decade together, Cruise has consistently avoided discussing his former spouse in interviews. His last known public comment about her came in 2002, when he tersely acknowledged their shared children—Isabella Jane and Connor—and urged interviewers to “mind their own business.”
Past Remarks and Defensiveness
In a 2002 Vanity Fair interview, he said only, “She knows why, and I know why. She’s the mother of my children, and I wish her well,” before lashing out at the journalist: “Honestly, people should mind their own business. And get a life of their own… My personal life isn’t here to sell newspapers.” Since then, Cruise has steadfastly maintained that his personal relationships remain off-limits, choosing instead to spotlight his film projects and charitable work.
Remembering a Hollywood Power Couple
From On-Set Romance to A-List Wedding
Cruise and Kidman first met in April 1989 on the set of Tony Scott’s racing drama Days of Thunder. Their instant chemistry led to a high-profile romance and a lavish wedding on December 24, 1990—an event attended by Hollywood royalty and televised around the world. Kidman, 23 at the time, adopted her well-known Australian accent and took Cruise’s surname, becoming “Nicole Kidman Cruise” during their decade of marriage.
Collaboration and Adoption
The couple worked together twice more on-screen: in Ron Howard’s family adventure Far and Away (1992) and in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Behind the cameras, they adopted two children from internationally recognized adoption agencies—Isabella Jane in 1992 and Connor Anthony in 1995. Kidman has described those years as a “very private” time, shielding the children from media scrutiny and preserving the family’s anonymity.
The Unraveling and Aftermath
A “Mutual” Decision?
Cruise stunned Hollywood in early 2001 when he filed for divorce, citing “different points of view.” While initial statements framed the split as amicable, Kidman later revealed in interviews that she was blindsided, saying she felt “hurt” and betrayed by the abrupt end to their marriage. Biographers and insiders have speculated on the pressures of early fame, Cruise’s devotion to Scientology and Kidman’s own rising star power as contributing factors.
Kidman’s Reflections on the Marriage
In a 2023 conversation with Marie Claire, Kidman opened up about feeling “like a trophy” early in her marriage. She recalled wearing couture gowns and the pressure to remain silent at high-profile events: “I thought, I don’t deserve to be here. I felt it was my job to put on a beautiful dress and to be seen and not heard.” Over the years, she has spoken more freely about reclaiming her voice and forging an independent career—culminating in her 2023 Best Actress Oscar win for The Hours and a recent Emmy for The Undoing.
Cruise’s Recent Comments in Context
What Has Changed?
Cruise’s decision to publicly compliment Kidman in 2025 marks a departure from his prior silence. In Sight & Sound, he framed his support for Kidman’s casting less as a personal disclosure than as a professional endorsement, emphasizing her acting prowess. “Obviously she’s a great actress,” he said, underscoring that, despite the personal history, his respect for her professional talents endures.
Media and Fan Reactions
Fans and entertainment journalists responded with a mixture of surprise and nostalgia. Social-media posts rediscovered vintage photos of the couple on film premieres and red carpet events, with many expressing delight that Cruise had finally acknowledged Kidman’s skill. Entertainment Weekly called the remarks “a long-overdue acknowledgment,” while Vanity Fair’s online forum buzzed with speculation about whether further reflections on their relationship might follow.
The Broader Significance for Both Careers
Kidman’s Continual Reinvention
In the 23 years since their divorce, Nicole Kidman has become one of the most versatile actresses of her generation—transitioning from mainstream blockbusters to prestige television and independent films. Her body of work has earned her a rare EGOT-adjacent status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar nominations) and a reputation as a fearless performer, taking on challenging roles in Lion, Big Little Lies and Being the Ricardos.
Cruise’s Enduring Stardom
Tom Cruise, meanwhile, has become synonymous with action-adventure cinema, headlining the Mission: Impossible franchise, Top Gun sequels and global box-office blockbusters. He remains a formidable presence in Hollywood and an ardent Scientologist—continuing to court controversy with outspoken views on mental health and personal privacy. His revelation about Kidman suggests a willingness to relax his media guard, at least slightly, as he approaches his seventh decade.
What Comes Next?
Potential for Further Dialogue
Observers will watch Cruise’s media appearances closely for any further mentions of Kidman or insights into their shared past. The timing—coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Eyes Wide Shut’s release—adds poignancy. Some insiders speculate that Cruise may revisit reflections on their relationship in future interviews or memoir projects, particularly as he prepares for philanthropic initiatives and the release of new films.
Kidman’s Response (If Any)
Nicole Kidman has not publicly responded to Cruise’s recent comments. Known for her measured and private approach to personal matters, she may choose to let his words stand on their own. In the past, she has emphasized forward momentum, focusing on family and her current projects, including the upcoming series Expats and her ongoing role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Conclusion
Tom Cruise’s first substantive public remarks about Nicole Kidman in 23 years mark a significant moment in the lore of Tinseltown’s most enduring on- and off-screen partnership. By revealing his support for her casting in Eyes Wide Shut and acknowledging her talent, Cruise has offered fans both a glimpse behind the curtain and a measure of closure. As both actors continue to thrive professionally, their shared legacy—defined by iconic cinema, international acclaim and a private family life—remains one of Hollywood’s most captivating chapters.
