As production of Mission Impossible 7 wraps in Abu Dhabi, locally-based talent that worked on set are raving about the experience they shared in working with Tom Cruise and the rest of the cast and crew.
“It was a life-changing experience,” said one UAE-based actor, speaking anonymously to Esquire Middle East due to the nature of non-disclosure agreements.
Cruise, who never posted publicly during his time in the UAE but was photographed meeting with various friends and dignitaries in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has been lambasted in foreign news outlets, with sources calling his working style a “nightmare”, particularly due to his singular focus on strict adherence to COVID-19 safety mandates.
Cast and crew based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, however, had a positive experience with Cruise.
“He just really wanted to COVID protocol to be respected, and it was!” said another UAE-based actor.
“In times of COVID, we are all quite happy to have a job and know that our health and safety was looked after,” said a senior crew member based in the UAE.
The cast and crew were not just impressed by Cruise’s focus on safety, but on the way that he dealt with even minor cast and crew members from the Emirates.
“I was surprised how sweet and respectful he was with everyone in the crew and crowd. He was really friendly. It was a fantastic experience,” said a Dubai-based actor.
“He’s amazing,” they continued.
“Tom treated all of our background and crew with respect and engaged in a friendly manner when he could,” confirmed the senior UAE-based crew member.
Cruise has long had an affinity for the UAE, coming often to film and visit. Towards the end of his stay, he visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi, taking photos with Emirati fans.
“Every time I meet him, he tells me, ‘I love Abu Dhabi, I love your country’,” he said one fan Hamed AlHosani on Twitter.
Upon announcing the wrap of production in the UAE, Christopher McQuarrie was particularly effusive in praising Abu Dhabi’s cast and crew for the experience they had filming in the emirate.
“Of the many challenges we’ve faced on our journey, none will be greater than outshining the gifts Abu Dhabi has given us,” McQuarrie said on Instagram.
McQuarrie went on to thank all the key players involved in the film’s production in Abu Dhabi.
“On behalf of our entire cast and crew, sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to the Government of Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mohamed Al Mubarak, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, twofour54, Etihad Airways and CEO Tony Douglas, ADAC and CEO Shareef Al Hashmi, HM Ambassador to the UAE Patrick Moody, The United States Marine Corp and all of our incredible military personnel,” said McQuarrie.
“And, of course, thanks to our extraordinary local cast, crew and the very fine people of Abu Dhabi. We shall most sincerely miss you until we see you again.”
The cast and crew have since returned to London to put finishing touches on the seventh film.
Despite reports to the contrary, source on set confirmed to Esquire Middle East that production finished as planned, with the cast and crew flying out when they had initially expected to.
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