Tom Cruise has spoken openly about his intense work ethic and approach to filmmaking in his first in-depth interview with a U.S. magazine in over a decade. In a feature for the October issue of GQ, the actor reflected on his reputation for being a perfectionist on set, describing himself as “intense” since childhood and emphasizing his high expectations during productions.

Cruise, known for his longstanding career and dedication to performing his own stunts, acknowledged that this intensity sometimes draws attention from colleagues but said he approaches it with a sense of humor. “When I’m interested in something, I want to learn it. I want to understand it,” he said, highlighting his desire to quickly master his craft and move beyond confusion.

The 64-year-old actor has maintained a prolific output, starring in eight feature films in the past ten years, including the upcoming dark comedy *Digger*. In the film, Cruise takes on the role of Digger Rockwell, an oil baron whose reckless behavior triggers a major ecological disaster. The project, directed by two-time Academy Award winner Alejandro González Iñárritu, is considered one of the year’s most anticipated releases. Cruise called the role “the most challenging character” he has ever played, citing the complexity of the performance that requires precision in timing, rhythm, and language.

Reflecting on his age and career, Cruise expressed a continuing hunger for new challenges. “There’s so much life, and there’s always another dream,” he said, underscoring his belief that maintaining goals is essential to truly living. He also addressed questions about the risks involved in performing his own stunts, noting a comfort with pushing physical and metaphorical boundaries. “I look at life as an adventure,” he explained, adding that he strives to understand people and cultures deeply rather than merely observing them.

The full interview will appear in GQ’s October edition, available next Tuesday.