Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise is known for his epic action scenes and nerve-wracking stunts, but the Mission: Impossible star occasionally views the screen himself. Simon Pegg, the British actor who stars alongside Cruise in the MI series, recently revealed on social media that the American superstar has viewed a British sitcom favourite.
In a recent Threads Q&A session, Pegg invited fans to ask questions, making it clear that he couldn’t talk about his own movies or TV shows due to SAG/AGTRA strike rules. Owen Smith, a Threads user, took the opportunity to ask, “Do you know if Tom Cruise has ever watched Spaced? It’s this sort of question that keeps me up at night.” For those unaware, Spaced is a beloved Channel 4 sitcom written by and starring Pegg alongside W1A’s Jessica Hynes.
Pegg’s answer was simple yet surprising: “Yes he has.” Although the Star Trek actor didn’t disclose Cruise’s thoughts on the show, it’s safe to say that the Hollywood icon probably enjoyed it, given the sitcom’s universal appeal and a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
This revelation comes amidst news that Pegg and Spaced director Edgar Wright are gearing up for a new film project, exciting fans of their previous works, including the Cornetto trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End).
In addition to their professional relationship in the Mission: Impossible series, Pegg and Cruise also share a friendly rapport off-screen. Pegg jokingly said of his co-star’s high-intensity lifestyle, “[Tom is] a one off, I need to be sitting in an armchair watching the TV, he would never do that.” Now it seems Cruise takes a break from his action-packed life to enjoy some British humour!
Regarding his friendship with Cruise, Pegg told Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, “It’s always been a very easy relationship.” He continued, “I mean, he loves (the fame) and it energises him and spurs him on.” Apparently, Pegg also enjoys poking fun at Cruise’s high-profile status, stating, “I always make fun of him for it, you know, about the things that he can access.”
Despite their closeness, Pegg respects Cruise’s privacy, refusing to pry into his co-star’s personal life or beliefs. He explained, “I don’t ask him about stuff like that because I feel that would be me abusing my privileged access that I get to him. My relationship with him is just very simple and amiable. We’re friends.”
So there you have it! While Tom Cruise may be flying helicopters and performing death-defying stunts, he also possibly enjoys kicking back with a good episode of Spaced now and then!