Tom Cruise Refused On-Screen Kiss With Annabelle Wallis in The Mummy
Annabelle Wallis opened up about an awkward moment on The Mummy set when Tom Cruise turned down a kissing scene in front of hundreds. Discover what happened behind the scenes of this troubled blockbuster and why the chemistry just wasn’t there.
When Universal rolled out their 2017 reboot of The Mummy with Tom Cruise and Annabelle Wallis, expectations were sky-high. The film was meant to launch a new monster franchise, but things quickly went off the rails. Wallis, who played Cruise’s love interest, recently shared a cringe-worthy story about a scene that never made it to the big screen.
Behind the Scenes: A Kiss That Never Happened
Wallis recounted her experience on set, describing how she was excited for a pivotal romantic moment. She said,
…I arrive on set and am like c’mon Tom, it’s about to be the best day of your life. And then he goes, ‘Yeah about that. Alex, can we have a chat? I’m not feeling that. I’m not feeling the kissing scene.’ And he talked himself out of kissing me in front of 900 people. Can you imagine what I felt like? Not good.
Despite being cast as the main couple, the two never shared an on-screen kiss. Wallis admitted the rejection was embarrassing, especially with so many people watching. Fans expected sparks, but the moment fizzled before it even began.
The Dark Universe and a Box Office Letdown
The studio had big plans for The Mummy, hoping to kick off a shared universe of classic monsters. Tom Cruise was brought in to anchor the franchise, but the film struggled to connect with audiences. With a budget between $125 and $195 million, it managed to pull in about $410 million worldwide, falling short of blockbuster status.
Directed by Alex Kurtzman, the movie featured a cast that included Sofia Boutella, Russell Crowe, Jake Johnson, and Wallis. The story unfolded across Iraq and London, blending action, adventure, and horror. But critics and viewers alike felt the film lacked depth, especially when it came to character development and romance.
Missed Opportunities and Lack of Chemistry
Many felt Wallis was underused, her role reduced to little more than a sidekick. Her previous work in shows like Peaky Blinders and The Tudors showed she could handle complex characters, but The Mummy gave her little to work with. The script didn’t allow for much chemistry between her and Cruise, making their relationship feel forced and unconvincing.
It was a stark contrast to the dynamic between Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in the 1999 version, whose on-screen connection was a highlight. Even though Wallis credited Cruise with saving her during a dangerous stunt, their characters never clicked in the way audiences hoped.
Streaming Now
Despite its rocky history, The Mummy is currently available to stream on Netflix and Prime Video.
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