Tom Cruise Was “Not Happy” With Minority Report Star For Taking 46 Takes On One Line

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Colin Farrell remembers an awkward moment on set with Tom Cruise while filming the 2002 sci-fi movie directed by Steven Spielberg. Farrell had trouble delivering a single line, which apparently bothered Cruise. The film features Cruise as a police officer who predicts and stops crimes before they happen, and Farrell as a government agent who challenges his methods.

Colin Farrell recently shared a funny story on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert about filming with Tom Cruise. He admitted their on-screen tension felt genuine at one point because he struggled to deliver a long line. The reason? He’d stayed out late celebrating his birthday the night before and couldn’t quite remember it!

I had a truly terrible day while filming ‘Minority Report‘. It was my birthday, May 31st, and I surprisingly asked the producers of the $120 million movie if I could possibly have the day off. I even wondered why I thought I deserved to ask!

My scheduled pickup was at 6 a.m. on May 31st, and I spent the previous night getting into trouble. I remember finally going to bed, and the phone rang immediately after I turned off the light. It was the driver, telling me it was 6:10 a.m. I instantly realized I’d messed up.

Farrell remembers walking onto the set and being told by assistant director David H. Venghaus Jr. that his appearance wasn’t appropriate. Farrell, however, wasn’t concerned. He simply asked Venghaus to bring him six Pacifico beers and a pack of 20 Marlboro Red cigarettes. He then continued with his day.

Looking back, it wasn’t a great decision – I ended up in rehab two years later. But at the time, it felt right. Many wise people emphasize living in the moment, and that’s what I was doing then.

I had a couple of beers before heading to set, but things went downhill quickly. I especially remember struggling with the very first line: ‘I’m sure you’ve all grasped the fundamental paradox of pre-crime methodology.’ I just couldn’t get it out, and it really set the tone for a terrible scene.

I recall the team suggesting we step outside for some fresh air. But I thought that if I did, I’d feel even more pressure to perform when we got back inside. So I decided we should just keep working through it. It ended up taking 46 takes, and Tom – who I really care about – wasn’t thrilled with my decision.

Look, everyone knows Tom Cruise is a total workhorse – and I’ve heard it from people who’ve actually worked with him. But it’s not just about his own performance; he expects everyone around him to bring their A-game too. He really pushes the whole team to be their best, which can be demanding, but ultimately leads to some incredible results.

Even though there were some challenges during filming of one particular scene, Minority Report was ultimately a success for everyone involved. Critics loved the movie’s combination of a smart, engaging story and stunning visuals, especially its exploration of what would happen if Tom Cruise’s character were accused of a crime before it even occurred.

I remember when Minority Report came out – it was a huge success, making over $358 million globally! Tom Cruise was already a massive star, of course, but Colin Farrell hadn’t really had that breakthrough role yet. Looking back, that film felt like a launching pad for him. Suddenly, he was everywhere in movies like Phone Booth (2002), The Recruit (2003), Daredevil (2003), S.W.A.T. (2003), Miami Vice (2006), and even the fantastic In Bruges (2008). It’s amazing to see how one role can open so many doors!

Meanwhile, Tom Cruise starred in films such as The Last Samurai (2003), Collateral (2004), Mission: Impossible 3 (2006), and Valkyrie (2008). He also reunited with Steven Spielberg for War of the Worlds (2005). Interestingly, Minority Report remains the only time Colin Farrell worked with either Cruise or Spielberg.

Farrell can now look back and laugh at what happened, and it’s possible he and Cruise could work together again, now that the Mission: Impossible movies are finished. Whether they’ll share the screen again is still uncertain, but Farrell clearly remembers their day working together on Minority Report.

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2025-10-29 21:52