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Tom Cruise introduces ‘intimidating’ Covid-secure robots to patrol Mission: Impossible set

Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible 7 - AP Photo/Andrew Medichini
Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible 7 - AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

The Mission: Impossible films are teeming with handy gadgets, from the famous masks and voice-changers to gloves that let you scale a Dubai skyscraper. Now, Tom Cruise has introduced the latest in Covid technology: two state-of-the-art robots that will patrol the set of Mission: Impossible 7.

According to The Sun, Cruise paid “huge sums” for the robots. They will not only be an intimidating reminder to obey the Covid safety rules when filming resumes this week at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, but can also administer on-the-spot tests to staff.

A source on the film set said: “Tom is so serious about making sure the shoot isn’t shut down that he’s splashed out on these robots as he can’t be everywhere to ensure people are behaving themselves” They added: “The robots are really sophisticated and rather intimidating. It’s like the Terminator only not as violent.”

Cruise has made his feelings about Covid safety extremely clear. His furious tirade, directed at crew members failing to social distance on the Mission: Impossible 7 set, became a viral sensation last month. The Hollywood megastar, clearly feeling the pressure of his own responsibility to the film industry, pointed out that getting movies back on track was “creating thousands of jobs”.

Cruise has already spent serious money on ensuring the M:I franchise filming can continue, including £500,000 on an old cruise ship where cast and crew can isolate. It may seem extreme, but the shoot has run into problems before, with 12 people on set in Venice testing positive for Covid. That led to a crisis call between Cruise, director Christopher McQuarrie and Warner Brothers about how to keep the shoot afloat.

Now, it seems like an almost impossible mission has been accepted - by our robot friends. Who knows: maybe they'll get a cameo in the next movie.