Over his decades-long presence in Hollywood, Tom Cruise has soared to the highest heights of his career with his acclaimed projects and his laser-focused dedication to achieving greatness. However, there are a few roles that the actor absolutely despised, irrespective of the films making a great deal of success.
One of such hated roles is his appearance in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut alongside his then-wife Nicole Kidman. Although Tom Cruise admitted hating his role as Dr. Bill, the actor, claimed that he might have regretted his decision if he had rejected the opportunity.
Tom Cruise Hated His Role in Eyes Wide Shut
Growing as an actor and showing courage with his roles in Hollywood, Tom Cruise has now turned into a globally acclaimed star. Having tunnel vision for his career, the actor achieved a great deal of success in the film industry. However, the actor didn’t always enjoy playing his characters.
According to Deadline, Tom Cruise appears to have a love-hate relationship with Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 movie Eyes Wide Shut. Appearing in the film alongside his then-wife Nicole Kidman, the duo played the role of a married couple even in the psychological drama.
“I didn’t like playing Dr. Bill. I didn’t like him. This guy’s holding everything in for such a long time. And he never broke out.”
Admitting that he hated playing the role of Dr Bill aka William Harford, Tom Cruise discussed facing immense trouble while shooting Kubrick’s movie for 15 months.
Tom Cruise Would Have Regretted Rejecting the Film
According to Deadline reports, Stanley Kubrick set the Guinness World Record with Eyes Wide Shut, after shooting the movie continuously for 15 months. In this tenure, the filmmaker immersed Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in his project and tricked the duo with his mind games to draw the most out of their performances.
Stanley Kubrick even made Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman confront their real-life personal issues in joint therapy sessions and prevented them from communicating during production. These extreme measures that the filmmaker took in an attempt to create his cult classic, majorly affected Cruise’s health. Developing an ulcer the actor suffered terribly while shooting.
“It was unpleasant. But I would have absolutely kicked myself if I hadn’t done this.”
But somehow, despite his miserable condition, unpleasant filming experience, and hatred for his character, Tom Cruise confessed that he would have regretted his decision if he had rejected the opportunity. Starring in Stanley Kubrick’s project was worth every suffering, for Cruise.
Eyes Wide Shut is streaming on Max.
Read more: Even Stanley Kubrick Gave Up On 1 Film That Ridley Scott Made To Look Like a Piece of Cake
