In a lighthearted and unexpected turn during her recent appearance on The Tonight Show, British actress Hayley Atwell recounted a humorous incident that offered fans a rare glimpse into the personal dynamic between her and her Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning co-star, Tom Cruise. The story, which quickly went viral following the interview aired on May 24, 2025, involved Atwell’s two French bulldogs, an awkward movie night, and Cruise’s legendary composure.
A Movie Night Gone Awry—With Dogs
According to Atwell, the incident took place during a casual movie night at Tom Cruise’s residence. As the two actors relaxed to watch a film, Atwell brought along her beloved French bulldogs, Wolfie and Iris. The small but opinionated pets, who Atwell describes as “unabashed attention seekers,” immediately took a liking to Cruise.
“I warned him they were clingy, but they made themselves right at home—on his lap,” Atwell told host Jimmy Fallon. “They wouldn’t budge.”
The charming chaos, however, didn’t end with affectionate snuggling. As Atwell explained, French bulldogs are infamous for their digestive issues, especially their tendency to pass gas. True to form, both dogs began emitting what Atwell delicately referred to as “less-than-pleasant aromas” throughout the film. Embarrassed, she whispered an apology to Cruise during a quiet moment in the movie, saying, “Sorry for all the tootin’!”
The anecdote drew laughter from the studio audience, especially as Atwell described how Cruise, unfazed and polite as ever, remained composed and even cracked a small smile. “He didn’t flinch,” she said. “He’s the most gracious person—honestly, it was a test of character, and he passed.”
A Moment That Humanized an Icon
Tom Cruise, well known for his intense on-screen persona and high-octane stunts in the Mission: Impossible franchise, has long cultivated a reputation for professionalism and charm off-screen. Atwell’s story added a relatable, even endearing, layer to that image, revealing Cruise as not just an action star, but also a man who can handle an awkward encounter with humor and grace.
Social media users and fans reacted enthusiastically to the story, with many praising Cruise’s poise and Atwell’s candidness. “This is the most human Tom Cruise has ever sounded,” one user tweeted, while another joked, “Forget the stunts—this was the real Mission Impossible!”
Promoting “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”
Atwell’s interview comes as part of the ongoing promotional tour for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth film in the long-running franchise. Released earlier in May, the film continues the saga of Ethan Hunt, portrayed by Cruise, and his elite IMF team as they face their most dangerous mission yet. Atwell reprises her role as Grace, a skilled thief and reluctant ally to Hunt, following her debut in the previous installment.
The film has garnered strong reviews for its tightly choreographed action sequences, high production value, and performances from its ensemble cast. Atwell’s chemistry with Cruise has been particularly noted by critics, adding depth to the franchise’s typical adrenaline-fueled narrative.
A Career on the Rise
For Atwell, 2025 marks another high point in a career that has successfully bridged British theater, prestige television, and Hollywood blockbusters. Best known for her role as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Atwell has continued to build a diverse portfolio, including roles in period dramas and voice acting projects.
Her ability to balance high-stakes action with grounded, comedic storytelling—as evidenced by this now-famous anecdote—has only increased her popularity. With the success of the latest Mission: Impossible film and her engaging media appearances, Atwell continues to solidify her status as both a critical and fan favorite.
Celebrity Pets Steal the Spotlight
Wolfie and Iris, the true scene-stealers of the story, have made occasional appearances on Atwell’s social media and are fan favorites in their own right. Following the broadcast of The Tonight Show, Atwell shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the dogs lounging on a plush couch with the caption: “Hollywood’s real divas.”
Their unexpected moment with Cruise not only delighted audiences but also highlighted the increasingly personal and humorous tone that celebrities are bringing to interviews. In an age where relatability is a valuable trait, Atwell’s candor and Cruise’s good-natured response resonated with fans worldwide.