Introduction

In a recent episode of the podcast “Reign With Josh Smith,” actress Hayley Atwell opened up about her experiences with social anxiety and how her “Mission: Impossible” co-star, Tom Cruise, played a pivotal role in helping her confront it. Atwell, who debuted as Grace in the highly anticipated “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” in 2023, is set to reprise her role in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” this upcoming summer.

Confronting Social Anxiety

Atwell highlighted the growing conversation around social anxiety, a struggle that many face in today's society. “Social anxiety tends to be something that people talk about a lot at the moment, right? And how a lot of people do have social anxiety at some point,” she shared. During her podcast interview, Atwell revealed how she often feels the urge to retreat inward, questioning whether others perceive her as awkward or odd when entering a room filled with strangers.

Tom Cruise's Impact

However, Tom Cruise offered her some invaluable advice that transformed her perspective. He encouraged her not to shy away from her feelings but instead to confront them. “He told me: 'Try to look out, look around the room, and go… Where is it? Where is the thing that I have attached to my insecurity?'” Atwell explained. By identifying the source of her anxiety, whether it was a person that reminded her of a past school bully or someone she felt intimidated by, she was able to confront and label her feelings.

The Power of Naming Anxiety

“What I discovered was that naming my anxiety would help dissolve it,” Atwell said. This approach allows her to tackle the root of her anxieties instead of letting them fester. For Atwell, this advice became a powerful tool to manage her fears: “If you are scared of something, just keep looking at it. Just try not to close your eyes or turn away. Just keep looking at it, and it will often give you information about what to do to overcome it.”

Atwell and Cruise's On-Screen Chemistry

Though “Dead Reckoning” garnered mixed reviews and performed moderately at the box office with $571 million globally, Atwell and Cruise’s on-screen chemistry received high praise from critics and fans alike. This film marks Atwell’s second significant Hollywood franchise after her iconic portrayal of Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Praise for Tom Cruise

Atwell has consistently praised Cruise, describing him as “very kind, very professional” in earlier interviews. “When I started, I was very aware of the rarefied air around him and how there is no one like him,” she remarked. “He is a one-man studio. And because of that, I felt I was able to try lots of different things. There was never a risk of failure or being unsafe. Tom really likes people to thrive on set.”

Conclusion

Atwell's journey reveals not just the struggles of social anxiety, but also the strength that comes from supportive mentorship in the competitive world of Hollywood. Stay tuned for more insights on her experiences and role in the upcoming installment of the beloved “Mission: Impossible” series!