Tom Cruise reflects on 40 years of The Color of Money

Tom Cruise is looking back at an important moment in his acting career as he celebrates the 40th anniversary of his 1986 sports drama The Color of Money. The Hollywood star reflected on his experience working with legendary actor Paul Newman and acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, crediting them with sharing valuable lessons about cinema that have stayed with him throughout his career.

On Saturday, October 17, the 64-year-old American actor and film producer shared a special message on Instagram to mark the milestone. In his post, Cruise described working with Newman and Scorsese as a privilege, explaining how their knowledge and guidance helped shape his understanding of filmmaking during his early years in the industry.

Cruise revealed that he had met both men separately several years before joining the film. During those meetings, they shared their thoughts and experiences about cinema, leaving a lasting impression on the young actor.

Before those encounters, Cruise had already admired their work on screen. However, he wanted to learn more about their filmmaking styles and creative approaches. To do so, he created a personal study plan and watched their films in chronological order, beginning with their earliest projects and continuing through their work at that time.

After securing a role in The Color of Money, Cruise repeated the process, studying the filmographies of both Newman and Scorsese to deepen his understanding of their artistic contributions.

The actor explained that his preparation allowed him to appreciate their work beyond simply watching their performances. It also helped him recognise the thought, experience and creative decisions that went into making their films.

Cruise expressed lasting gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside the two industry legends. He praised their generosity in sharing their knowledge and offering insights throughout the production process.

According to the actor, observing Newman and Scorsese at work provided valuable lessons that he could carry into future projects. Their approach to cinema helped him understand different aspects of acting and filmmaking, making the experience particularly meaningful at such an early stage of his career.

Cruise also acknowledged the talented cast and crew who contributed to the film. He thanked everyone involved in the production, describing the opportunity to work with them as an honour and a pleasure.

He emphasised that the knowledge and experience he gained while making the movie continued to influence him long after filming ended. Even four decades later, the lessons from the project remain an important part of his professional journey.

Released in 1986, The Color of Money featured Newman, Cruise and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. The sports drama became a significant project in Cruise’s early career, bringing him together with established Hollywood talent and giving him the opportunity to learn from experienced filmmakers.

The anniversary has offered Cruise a chance to revisit the memories of making the film and recognise the impact that collaboration can have on an actor’s development.

Tom Cruise’s latest film

Away from reflecting on his earlier work, Cruise has also been attracting attention with his latest film, Digger. The satirical black comedy, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, was released in theatres on October 2, 2026.

The film has generated interest among moviegoers following its release, adding another project to Cruise’s long career in Hollywood. As of mid-October 2026, Digger had reportedly earned approximately $41 million at the worldwide box office.

The total included around $16.5 million from domestic markets and $24.5 million from international territories.

From his early experiences on The Color of Money to his latest cinematic projects, Cruise continues to look back on the people and opportunities that have shaped his career. His anniversary message highlights the importance of learning from experienced artists and carrying those lessons forward, even as the film industry continues to change.