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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites that were immortalized on screen
In 1989, the appearance of Petra's ancient tomb known as the Treasury [Al-Khazneh] in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade electrified moviegoers. Following the film's release, annual attendance at Jordan's formerly obscure UNESCO World Heritage Site skyrocketed—reaching nearly a million visitors by 2010. Today, the link between the haunting, rock-faced tombs and the Hollywood blockbuster continues to capture the attention of set-jetters. "In the movie, Petra is a prop, a backdrop to Indiana Jones," says Las Vegas resident Andy Hines who visited last April and was struck by the remnants of the vanished Nabatean Kingdom. "But see it in person, and Petra becomes the star, allowing you to appreciate the site's full, rich historical context " Petra isn't the only UNESCO site to enjoy celluloid celebrity. Hollywood has scouted and used dozens of designated cultural wonders as dramatic backdrops, transforming these locales into must-see and must-do destinations—part of a growing trend called set-jetting, that draws travelers to places appearing in hit movies and TV shows. The following list blends cultural significance with cinematic nostalgia—an irresistible draw for travelers seeking meaningful summer vacations. Sydney Pollack's Out of Africa forever linked Kenya's dramatic landscapes with epic romance. The UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of the Kenya Lake System, designated in 2011, features prominently in the film's sweeping aerial shots of the Great Rift Valley, Ngong Hills, and most famously, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep's biplane buzzing Lake Nakuru with its iconic, if terrified, pink flamingos. The three alkaline lakes (Elementaita, Nakuru, and Bogoria) support exceptional populations of lesser flamingos and other migratory birds. Based on Karen Blixen's memoir of running a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya, the 1985 film's panoramic vistas helped define the visual language of the romantic African safari. Today, visitors can experience scenic viewpoints along the Great Rift Valley escarpment and flamingo-flocking at Lake Nakuru National Park. The region's luxury lodges will deliver an Out of Africa experience for a price. (19 of the most romantic destinations in the world.) Few film franchises have transformed a country's global image more completely than The Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand. Tongariro National Park, with its dual World Heritage status (natural and cultural), was the dramatic landscape of Mordor in Peter Jackson's epic trilogy released between 2001 and 2003. Mount Ngauruhoe served as the infamous Mount Doom (filming at the summit was forbidden as the Māori people consider these volcanic peaks sacred.) Tawahi Falls created the perfect setting for Gollum's forbidden pool. The region's profound significance to New Zealand's first people adds cultural depth, not just a cinematic connection. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a rewarding day hike past sulfurous steam vents and snow-dusted volcanic peaks, though winter in the Southern Hemisphere (June to August) makes it challenging. New Zealand's summer months—from December to February—provide better weather for travelers. (How to explore Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand.) When Audrey Hepburn's Princess Ann flees her royal duties in 1953's "Roman Holiday,' she embarks on a Vespa-powered romance with journalist Gregory Peck, scooting past landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum located in the heart of the Eternal City and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. 'It's not only a movie,' says art historian Isabella Calidonna, whose Archeorunning tours showcase the city's heart while avoiding the crowds just as Hepburn and Peck tried to do. 'The film captures the moment visitors discover Rome in all her alluring simplicity,' she says. 'And in a time when over-tourism rules Rome, we need more of it.' Travelers can retrace the lovers' locales, though Calidonna advises doing so in the early morning hours to avoid the crushing summertime throngs. (How to dine like a local in Italy.) Another two-wheeled adventurer, Gael Garcia Bernal as Ernesto "Che" Guevara, stands contemplating the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in The Motorcycle Diaries (2004). The scene captures a pivotal moment in the revolutionary's formative journey across South America and his awakening to social inequalities. Designated a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1983, the Peruvian wonder serves as more than just a stunning set—it functions as a silent, brooding character. However, today's travelers face more stringent regulations than Che did. Advance visitor permits are essential, with options ranging from the classic four-day Inca Trail hike to day trips via train from Cusco. Conservation concerns have led authorities to implement visitor caps, making early planning crucial for travelers interested in seeing the capital of the Incas. (Go on a luxury rail journey through Peruvian mountains.) Few musical moments rival Julie Andrews spinning like a gyroscope atop an Austrian Alp in The Sound of Music (1965). The Von Trapp family's journey through Salzburg's baroque cityscape and surrounding mountains showcases why its historic center earned its UNESCO Cultural World Heritage status in 1996. The city's Mirabell Palace Gardens, Nonnberg Abbey, and Residenzplatz became instantly recognizable to generations of viewers. Beyond the film's landmarks, visitors will discover Mozart's birthplace and other examples of the city's rich musical heritage. Dedicated Sound of Music tours remain popular, though classical music enthusiasts can opt to attend the Salzburg Festival held every summer (the Von Trapps appeared in 1936). The festival typically begins the last two weeks of July and runs through the end of August. (Fans of 'The Sound of Music' can follow in the footsteps of the famous von Trapp family.) Alfred Hitchcock brought the colorful chaos of Marrakesh's ancient walled city to audiences through his thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). The Medina, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site in 1985, provides a labyrinthine backdrop for James Stewart and Doris Day's search for their kidnapped son. Locations such as Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, La Mamounia Hotel, and the twisting souks create a sensory overload perfect for Hitchcock, the master of suspense. Today, the 11th-century neighborhood with its distinctive red architecture perfumed by the competing aromas of saffron, leather, mint, and motorcycle exhaust, offers visitors an immersive and vibrant experience. Early morning and evening explorations help avoid summer's midday heat. (Everything families should know for the ultimate trip to Marrakech.) F.W. Murnau's expressionist vampire film Nosferatu (1922) utilized the medieval atmosphere of Lübeck, founded in 1143 to create its haunting mood. This UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site (designated 1987) showcases the brick Gothic buildings and narrow streets of a once-powerful Hanseatic League trading center located on Germany's Baltic coast. The Salzspeicher (salt storehouses) featured prominently in the film remain largely unchanged a century later. Still weathered by sea mists, they cast the same eerie silhouettes that gave Murnau's vampire tale its horror. 'It looks idyllic during the day and then the light changes and these narrow little lanes become creepy crawly,' says Christel Obenaus who leads walks around Lübeck including one about the film. Self-guided tours also allow visitors to explore Gothic churches and city streets while discovering the maritime history that made it prosperous. Film fans flock to the area in November for the festival Nordic Film Days Lübeck. (Germany's Camino trek rivals Spain's famous pilgrimage—and is a lot less crowded.) The vast, otherworldly landscape of Jordan's Wadi Rum served as a location for films like Dune and The Martian but it first captivated global audiences in Lawrence of Arabia (1962). In one memorable scene, Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) takes up the invitation of tribal leader Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) to 'dine with me in Wadi Rum,' the next cut reveals the UNESCO Mixed Cultural and Natural Site's spectacular rocky scenery. There's authentic history behind the David Lean masterpiece, as the real Lawrence passed through the region during the Arab Revolt of World War One. Today, the country's Bedouin communities maintain ancient relationships with this challenging landscape, offering visitors authentic cultural encounters alongside natural beauty. Desert camping in front of a crackling fire beneath star-filled skies offers the most immersive experience. Tours by 4x4 provide access to a host of film locations. (Here's what it's like to visit Jordan's Wadi Rum for the first time.) When Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft vaulted through the temple ruins of Ta Prohm in Tomb Raider (2001), she introduced millions to the atmospheric wonders of Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park. This 1992-designated UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site showcases the vast religious complexes of the Khmer Empire that ruled here between the Ninth and 15th centuries. The 'Tomb Raider Temple' with its famous tree roots strangling the ancient stones like thick, gnarled tentacles, became one of the park's most photographed locations. Visit early mornings to duck both the crowds and the intense midday heat. A multi-day pass allows visitors to go beyond the action film's locations, discovering Angkor's lesser-known temples. They are as compelling, but without the superstar status. In Siem Reap, an evening drink in the Elephant Bar at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor offers an elegant way to beat the heat. (These hidden temples in Cambodia will take you off the beaten path.) Lastly, perhaps the most fascinating relationship between Hollywood and UNESCO unfolded in Mexico City's Historic Center, a UNESECO Cultural Site since 1987. The opening scenes of Spectre follow Daniel Craig's James Bond through an elaborate Day of the Dead celebration featuring giant skeleton figures and costumed crowds. The 2015 sequence showcases iconic landmarks, including the Zócalo (the city's main square), the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico (Room 327 to be exact), and the Torre Latinoamericana, the city's iconic 1956 skyscraper. What makes it unique is the film's cultural impact—before Spectre, Mexico City didn't have a large-scale Day of the Dead parade like the one depicted. In a remarkable case of art influencing life, Mexican tourism authorities established an inaugural Day of the Dead parade in 2016, directly inspired by the fictional celebration created for the film. They even used some of the props and costumes from the production and referred to it as a "Spectre-style" parade. The event has since become an annual tradition attracting thousands of visitors. (Love spy movies? These iconic London locations play a starring role.) Andrew Nelson is the author of National Geographic's recently published travel book Here Not There. Follow him on Instagram.
National Geographic
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
10 stunning UNESCO sites that were immortalized on screen
In 1989, the appearance of Petra's ancient tomb known as the Treasury [Al-Khazneh] in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade electrified moviegoers. Following the film's release, annual attendance at Jordan's formerly obscure UNESCO World Heritage Site skyrocketed—reaching nearly a million visitors by 2010. Today, the link between the haunting, rock-faced tombs and the Hollywood blockbuster continues to capture the attention of set-jetters. "In the movie, Petra is a prop, a backdrop to Indiana Jones," says Las Vegas resident Andy Hines who visited last April and was struck by the remnants of the vanished Nabatean Kingdom. "But see it in person, and Petra becomes the star, allowing you to appreciate the site's full, rich historical context " Petra isn't the only UNESCO site to enjoy celluloid celebrity. Hollywood has scouted and used dozens of designated cultural wonders as dramatic backdrops, transforming these locales into must-see and must-do destinations—part of a growing trend called set-jetting, that draws travelers to places appearing in hit movies and TV shows. The following list blends cultural significance with cinematic nostalgia—an irresistible draw for travelers seeking meaningful summer vacations. Lesser flamingos—a species found in sub-Saharan Africa and western India—are seen here at Lake Bogoria, that lies in a volcanic region south of Lake Baringo in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. Photograph by / Alamy Stock Photo 1. Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley Sydney Pollack's Out of Africa forever linked Kenya's dramatic landscapes with epic romance. The UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of the Kenya Lake System, designated in 2011, features prominently in the film's sweeping aerial shots of the Great Rift Valley, Ngong Hills, and most famously, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep's biplane buzzing Lake Nakuru with its iconic, if terrified, pink flamingos. The three alkaline lakes (Elementaita, Nakuru, and Bogoria) support exceptional populations of lesser flamingos and other migratory birds. Based on Karen Blixen's memoir of running a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya, the 1985 film's panoramic vistas helped define the visual language of the romantic African safari. Today, visitors can experience scenic viewpoints along the Great Rift Valley escarpment and flamingo-flocking at Lake Nakuru National Park. The region's luxury lodges will deliver an Out of Africa experience for a price. (19 of the most romantic destinations in the world.) 2. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand Few film franchises have transformed a country's global image more completely than The Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand. Tongariro National Park, with its dual World Heritage status (natural and cultural), was the dramatic landscape of Mordor in Peter Jackson's epic trilogy released between 2001 and 2003. Mount Ngauruhoe served as the infamous Mount Doom (filming at the summit was forbidden as the Māori people consider these volcanic peaks sacred.) Tawahi Falls created the perfect setting for Gollum's forbidden pool. The region's profound significance to New Zealand's first people adds cultural depth, not just a cinematic connection. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a rewarding day hike past sulfurous steam vents and snow-dusted volcanic peaks, though winter in the Southern Hemisphere (June to August) makes it challenging. New Zealand's summer months—from December to February—provide better weather for travelers. (How to explore Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand.) 3. Historic Center of Rome, Italy When Audrey Hepburn's Princess Ann flees her royal duties in 1953's "Roman Holiday,' she embarks on a Vespa-powered romance with journalist Gregory Peck, scooting past landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum located in the heart of the Eternal City and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. 'It's not only a movie,' says art historian Isabella Calidonna, whose Archeorunning tours showcase the city's heart while avoiding the crowds just as Hepburn and Peck tried to do. 'The film captures the moment visitors discover Rome in all her alluring simplicity,' she says. 'And in a time when over-tourism rules Rome, we need more of it.' Travelers can retrace the lovers' locales, though Calidonna advises doing so in the early morning hours to avoid the crushing summertime throngs. (How to dine like a local in Italy.) Machu Picchu, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru, has been a filming location for The Motorcycle Diaries and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Photograph by Jonathan Irish, Nat Geo Image Collection 4. Machu Picchu, Peru Another two-wheeled adventurer, Gael Garcia Bernal as Ernesto "Che" Guevara, stands contemplating the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in The Motorcycle Diaries (2004). The scene captures a pivotal moment in the revolutionary's formative journey across South America and his awakening to social inequalities. Designated a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1983, the Peruvian wonder serves as more than just a stunning set—it functions as a silent, brooding character. However, today's travelers face more stringent regulations than Che did. Advance visitor permits are essential, with options ranging from the classic four-day Inca Trail hike to day trips via train from Cusco. Conservation concerns have led authorities to implement visitor caps, making early planning crucial for travelers interested in seeing the capital of the Incas. (Go on a luxury rail journey through Peruvian mountains.) 5. Historic Center of Salzburg, Austria Few musical moments rival Julie Andrews spinning like a gyroscope atop an Austrian Alp in The Sound of Music (1965). The Von Trapp family's journey through Salzburg's baroque cityscape and surrounding mountains showcases why its historic center earned its UNESCO Cultural World Heritage status in 1996. The city's Mirabell Palace Gardens, Nonnberg Abbey, and Residenzplatz became instantly recognizable to generations of viewers. Beyond the film's landmarks, visitors will discover Mozart's birthplace and other examples of the city's rich musical heritage. Dedicated Sound of Music tours remain popular, though classical music enthusiasts can opt to attend the Salzburg Festival held every summer (the Von Trapps appeared in 1936). The festival typically begins the last two weeks of July and runs through the end of August. (Fans of 'The Sound of Music' can follow in the footsteps of the famous von Trapp family.) Local artisans buy leather in bulk at a souk in Marrakech, Morocco. Photograph by Erika Skogg, Nat Geo Image Collection Marrakesh is known for its intricate and vibrant tile work, a hallmark of Moroccan architecture, as seen here at the Ben Youssef Madrasa in the city. Photograph by Erika Skogg, Nat Geo Image Collection Ornate lanterns, teapots, and mirrors are just a few items for sale at this souk in Marrakesh. Photograph by Erika Skogg, Nat Geo Image Collection 6. Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco Alfred Hitchcock brought the colorful chaos of Marrakesh's ancient walled city to audiences through his thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). The Medina, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site in 1985, provides a labyrinthine backdrop for James Stewart and Doris Day's search for their kidnapped son. Locations such as Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, La Mamounia Hotel, and the twisting souks create a sensory overload perfect for Hitchcock, the master of suspense. Today, the 11th-century neighborhood with its distinctive red architecture perfumed by the competing aromas of saffron, leather, mint, and motorcycle exhaust, offers visitors an immersive and vibrant experience. Early morning and evening explorations help avoid summer's midday heat. (Everything families should know for the ultimate trip to Marrakech.) 7. Hanseatic City of Lübeck, Germany F.W. Murnau's expressionist vampire film Nosferatu (1922) utilized the medieval atmosphere of Lübeck, founded in 1143 to create its haunting mood. This UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site (designated 1987) showcases the brick Gothic buildings and narrow streets of a once-powerful Hanseatic League trading center located on Germany's Baltic coast. The Salzspeicher (salt storehouses) featured prominently in the film remain largely unchanged a century later. Still weathered by sea mists, they cast the same eerie silhouettes that gave Murnau's vampire tale its horror. 'It looks idyllic during the day and then the light changes and these narrow little lanes become creepy crawly,' says Christel Obenaus who leads walks around Lübeck including one about the film. Self-guided tours also allow visitors to explore Gothic churches and city streets while discovering the maritime history that made it prosperous. Film fans flock to the area in November for the festival Nordic Film Days Lübeck. (Germany's Camino trek rivals Spain's famous pilgrimage—and is a lot less crowded.) 8. Wadi Rum, Jordan The vast, otherworldly landscape of Jordan's Wadi Rum served as a location for films like Dune and The Martian but it first captivated global audiences in Lawrence of Arabia (1962). In one memorable scene, Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) takes up the invitation of tribal leader Auda Abu Tayi (Anthony Quinn) to 'dine with me in Wadi Rum,' the next cut reveals the UNESCO Mixed Cultural and Natural Site's spectacular rocky scenery. There's authentic history behind the David Lean masterpiece, as the real Lawrence passed through the region during the Arab Revolt of World War One. Today, the country's Bedouin communities maintain ancient relationships with this challenging landscape, offering visitors authentic cultural encounters alongside natural beauty. Desert camping in front of a crackling fire beneath star-filled skies offers the most immersive experience. Tours by 4x4 provide access to a host of film locations. (Here's what it's like to visit Jordan's Wadi Rum for the first time.) The North Gate at the Angkor Thom Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photograph by Diane Cook, Len Jenshel, Nat Geo Image Collection 9. Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia When Angelina Jolie's Lara Croft vaulted through the temple ruins of Ta Prohm in Tomb Raider (2001), she introduced millions to the atmospheric wonders of Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park. This 1992-designated UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site showcases the vast religious complexes of the Khmer Empire that ruled here between the Ninth and 15th centuries. The 'Tomb Raider Temple' with its famous tree roots strangling the ancient stones like thick, gnarled tentacles, became one of the park's most photographed locations. Visit early mornings to duck both the crowds and the intense midday heat. A multi-day pass allows visitors to go beyond the action film's locations, discovering Angkor's lesser-known temples. They are as compelling, but without the superstar status. In Siem Reap, an evening drink in the Elephant Bar at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor offers an elegant way to beat the heat. (These hidden temples in Cambodia will take you off the beaten path.) 10. Historic Center of Mexico City, Mexico Lastly, perhaps the most fascinating relationship between Hollywood and UNESCO unfolded in Mexico City's Historic Center, a UNESECO Cultural Site since 1987. The opening scenes of Spectre follow Daniel Craig's James Bond through an elaborate Day of the Dead celebration featuring giant skeleton figures and costumed crowds. The 2015 sequence showcases iconic landmarks, including the Zócalo (the city's main square), the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico (Room 327 to be exact), and the Torre Latinoamericana, the city's iconic 1956 skyscraper. What makes it unique is the film's cultural impact—before Spectre, Mexico City didn't have a large-scale Day of the Dead parade like the one depicted. In a remarkable case of art influencing life, Mexican tourism authorities established an inaugural Day of the Dead parade in 2016, directly inspired by the fictional celebration created for the film. They even used some of the props and costumes from the production and referred to it as a "Spectre-style" parade. The event has since become an annual tradition attracting thousands of visitors. (Love spy movies? These iconic London locations play a starring role.) Andrew Nelson is the author of National Geographic's recently published travel book Here Not There. Follow him on Instagram.
Fox News
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Tom Cruise praises ex-wife Nicole Kidman in rare comments as romance rumors with Ana de Armas heat up
Tom Cruise is fondly remembering an experience with ex-wife Nicole Kidman. Cruise, who was married to Kidman from 1990 to 2001, spoke to Sight and Sound magazine about his collaboration with legendary director Stanley Kubrick for 1999's "Eyes Wide Shut." In the erotic thriller, Cruise and Kidman co-star as a married couple, something Cruise now says was his idea. "It was a great experience," he told the outlet of making the movie, according to Deadline. "I was very excited to do it. I knew Stanley's movies very well, and I was introduced to him through ["The Firm" director] Sydney Pollack. So, Stanley called Sydney 'cause he wanted me to make a movie. He sent me a fax. "I flew out to his house, and I landed in his backyard. I read the script the day before, and we spent the day talking about it. I knew all of his films. I spoke to Scorsese about him and Sydney Pollack … so I knew what he did and how he worked. Then it was basically he and I getting to know each other. And when we were doing that, I suggested Nicole play the role [of Alice]. Because obviously she's a great actress." He called making the movie "a very unique experience" and recalled that when they arrived to film, "the script was just an idea. We [were] constantly rewriting the scenes and shooting the scenes and then reshooting the scenes to really find the tone of the film." Cruise and Kidman met while filming another movie together, "Days of Thunder," and they adopted two children together, Isabella and Connor, during their marriage. After Cruise filed for divorce in 2001, citing "irreconcilable differences," Kidman married country star Keith Urban in 2006. The two are still together and share two daughters. Cruise also remarried in 2006 to actress Katie Holmes. They welcomed one daughter, Suri, before divorcing in 2012. More recently, the actor has been linked romantically to "Knives Out" actress Ana de Armas. The two have been spotted together multiple times in recent months, including in London on de Armas' birthday April 30. In a photo and video captured by a bystander and shared on X, Cruise was seen wearing a white polo T-shirt with dark blue jeans while de Armas sported a light-colored T-shirt with jeans, white sneakers and a brown cross-body bag. The day before de Armas' birthday, Cruise and the Cuba native were photographed as they disembarked a helicopter flown by the "Mission Impossible" star. Two weeks earlier, the pair were spotted after another helicopter ride. On April 13, Cruise and de Armas exited the actor's helicopter in London that took off from Madrid, Spain. At the time, a source told People the pair were not romantically involved and were accompanied on the trip by director Doug Liman. The group is reportedly working on a new project, but no additional information was provided. Romance rumors began to swirl when de Armas and Cruise were photographed together for the first time the night before Valentine's Day in London.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tom Cruise makes rare comment about ex Nicole Kidman as girlfriend Ana de Armas seen solo after couple's trip
and Nicole Kidman have been divorced for more than two decades, but the actor still has respect for his ex-wife's talents. Cruise, 62, who was seen strolling in London with girlfriend Ana de Armas before she returned solo to the U.S. on Saturday, is in the city to receive a distinguished fellowship from the British Film Institute. In a leadup to the award, which will be celebrated on Monday, the Oscar nominee spoke to the organization's Sight and Sound magazine. When looking back at his then controversial film Eyes Wide Shut, directed by the late Stanley Kubrick, Cruise admitted he suggested his then-wife for the role of his onscreen spouse. 'It was a great experience. I was very excited to do it. I knew Stanley's movies very well and I was introduced to him through Sydney Pollack. So Stanley called Sydney 'cause he wanted me to make a movie. He sent me a fax,' he explained. 'I flew out to his house and I landed in his backyard. I read the script the day before and we spent the day talking about it. I knew all of his films. I spoke to Scorsese about him and Sydney Pollack… so I knew what he did and how he worked. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman have been divorced for more than two decades, but the actor still has respect for his ex-wife's talents His current flame, Ana De Armas, 37, was spotted arriving in the U.S. on Saturday, looking happy and healthy with a huge smile, despite coming without the movie star by her side 'Then it was basically he and I getting to know each other. And when we were doing that, I suggested Nicole play the role [of Alice]. Because obviously she's a great actress.' Cruise said the story of a successful doctor who explores the world of clandestine sexual encounters after his wife reveals her fantasies to him was a joint effort with the director. 'It was a very unique experience – not a large crew. We arrived in the summer and basically we just started testing… the script was just an idea,' he admitted. 'We [were] constantly rewriting the scenes and shooting the scenes and then reshooting the scenes to really find the tone of the film.' The erotic thriller received a lukewarm reception from critics and audiences, but more than made up for its $60 million budget, which included Cruise's $20m fee and Kidman's reported $6.5 million salary. Kidman, 57, revealed in a 2023 essay for The Hollywood Reporter that 'Stanley had to coax me into some of the sexuality in the film in the beginning, but we shot things that were a lot more extreme that didn't end up in the movie.' 'I did feel safe - I never felt it was exploitive (sic) or unintelligent. He was very different with women than he was with men. He has daughters, so he was very paternal with me.' Kubrick died in March 1999 at age 70, just months before the film's release. Cruise reportedly shocked Kidman, when he filed for divorce in February 2001, citing 'irreconcilable differences.' Former Church of Scientology member Mike Rinder alleged in his book A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology, that Cruise's membership and Kidman's refusal to join the church was a factor in the split. There have also been reports that the Top Gun: Maverick star is estranged from his daughter Suri, 19, who now goes by Suri Noelle, because she is not a Scientologist and the religion reportedly members stay away from loved ones who do not share in their beliefs. His current flame, Ana De Armas, 37, is reportedly Catholic, like Kidman, so it is unclear how successful the relationship will be in the long term. She was spotted arriving in the U.S. on Saturday, looking happy and healthy with a huge smile, despite coming without the movie star by her side. After he receives his award on Monday, Cruise will dash off to Cannes where his latest film Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning will screen at the film festival on Wednesday.
