Tom Cruise learns the brutal reality of Anime production straight from Studio MAPPA. Hollywood blockbusters rely on death-defying stunts, months of physical conditioning, and massive practical effects, but when it comes to the grueling demands of modern animation, even Hollywood's most notorious perfectionist was left astonished. Known for pushing the boundaries of live-action cinema, Tom Cruise recently got a firsthand look at the staggering craftsmanship behind one of anime’s biggest global sensations - Jujutsu Kaisen. 

In a surprising industry crossover that bridges the gap between Hollywood spectacles and Japanese animation, Studio MAPPA revealed to the superstar actor just how much time, labor, and intense dedication go into bringing the world of sorcery to life.

As MAPPA celebrates its 15th anniversary with a special Tokyo exhibition running through December 7, 2026, the studio recently welcomed Hollywood star Tom Cruise and director Alejandro G. Iñárritu during their promotional visit for Digger. The pair got a tour of the studio with animator Tadashi Hiramatsu to compare live-action filmmaking with the intricate craft of anime production. While taking a look at the elaborate artwork of Jujutsu Kaisen, Tom Cruise asked Hiramatsu about the time it takes just a single episode of the Anime to be completed.

“When you take everything into consideration, it’s around two to three months,” Hiramatsu replied.

Evidently fascinated by the intricate mechanics of the craft, Cruise turned the conversation toward the medium's changing methods, asking Hiramatsu whether contemporary animators still rely on traditional hand-drawing or if the industry has shifted predominantly to digital tools.

Hiramatsu noted that his own artistic foundation was built using traditional paper and pencil. He explained that while younger generations of animators increasingly lean toward digital platforms, he still firmly believes that starting out by drawing on physical paper remains an essential step for artistic development. 

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The trio also sat for a conversation about Digger - the latest Tom Cruise vehicle - and Hiramatsu had a lot to say about the film.

The trio of Tom Cruise, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and Tadashi Hiramatsu then transitioned into a broader creative exchange about their respective crafts. Hiramatsu shared that he had already viewed Digger twice, offering high praise for its technical and artistic execution. He noted that the cinematography, color palette, score, and sound design were all exceptional, complemented by standout performances that left him feeling the film is the kind of work uniquely built to be experienced inside a movie theater.

In response to Hiramatsu's observations, Cruise elaborated on the cinematic experience, explaining that when meticulously captured practical footage is projected onto a massive screen, it generates a striking sense of depth that rivals the immersive feel of a 3D presentation. Delighted by the animator's thoughtful reaction, Iñárritu expressed his appreciation, remarking that knowing a fellow creator fully grasped their artistic vision made all the hard work worthwhile.

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Did you know about this lengthy production timeline attached to Jujutsu Kaisen already? Do let us know.