Shocking Revelation: Hayley Atwell Opens Up About Tom Cruise Dating Rumors, Calls Their Relationship 'Uncomfortably Intriguing'

Hayley Atwell isn't pleased with the speculation surrounding her alleged relationship with Tom Cruise. The 41-year-old actress considers Cruise, 61, and their director Christopher McQuarrie from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One as "like two uncles," which adds to the discomfort caused by the romance rumors.

"I would think, 'There are some strange rumors, and they feel inappropriate, they feel a bit unclean, it feels grimy, it's not in line with my values,'" she shared with The Independent in a recent interview, published on Saturday, July 8. "Why are assumptions and projections being made about my relationship with my coworker and boss?"

Atwell further expressed her distress regarding the speculation, especially considering Cruise is a colleague. "It's disheartening because it involves people in my real life, my personal life, who have to deal with those rumors," she clarified. "It becomes intrusive."

Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell Richard Milnes/Shutterstock

Cruise, who has faced many rumors himself, provided Atwell with some advice regarding the situation. Atwell remembered her co-star saying, "You are fully aware of who you are and what you stand for. That is all that truly matters. It doesn't matter what others think of you, as long as you stay true to yourself and your values."

Atwell stars alongside Cruise in the upcoming Mission: Impossible movie, set to be released on Wednesday, July 12. Cruise reprises his role as the spy Ethan Hunt, while Atwell portrays a new character named Grace. Atwell clarified that Grace is not a romantic interest for Ethan, as he already has a significant amount of chemistry with Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson).

Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell Cinzia Camela/LiveMedia/Shutterstock

According to Atwell, she and Cruise decided that Grace and Ethan should have more of a platonic relationship. She explained that it was important to earn the audience's acceptance before introducing a romantic dynamic. Atwell also mentioned that both Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie support women empowerment and were against her playing a traditional damsel in distress role.

Earlier this year, Cruise sparked dating rumors with Shakira when they were seen together at a Formula 1 race in Miami. However, an insider confirmed that they were not pursuing a romantic relationship. In 2014, there were rumors of Cruise dating Laura Prepon, but the actress quickly denied the speculation. Cruise was previously married to Nicole Kidman and they have two children together. He later married Katie Holmes in 2006, but they divorced in 2012.

Atwell, for her part, got engaged to musician Ned Wolfgang Kelly in April.