Tom Cruise took a moment out from the madness of the 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' red carpet to reflect on his love for Aotearoa, and plan his next trip.
Simon Barnett got the opportunity to chat to his life-long hero at the premiere in South Korea, where he introduced himself to the star as being "from New Zealand".
"I love New Zealand," Tom told Simon.
"I heard you do," Simon replied. "Any plans to come back?"
Yeah, I'd love to. I want to come back," Tom said. "I'd like to film there again and just visit my friends. I've got a lot of friends there."
Not only would the Hollywood icon be keen to make another movie on our shores, he's got some "adventures" in mind.
"[I'd like to] go do some speed flying over there, if I can get it."
Back in 2017, Tom thanked "the amazing people of New Zealand" after filming 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' in the South Island.
Before then, he filmed 'The Last Samurai' here in the early 2000s, but he has snuck back for a few low-profile visits in between.
Elsewhere in their interview, Simon took the time to tell Tom how much he respected and admired him.
"You know I have to say this to you - I'm 58, but it's a genuine privilege to meet you because I just respect your work so much. For 30 years. Honestly, you bring to the world and Hollywood," he told Tom.
"I'm not being obsequious. It's just you've brought so much. So I just wanted to say thank you."
Tom was clearly touched by the outpouring of admiration, telling Simon: "You know, that means a lot to me. Thank you very much."
'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' hits Kiwi cinemas on May 17th.
