LONDON: Hollywood star Tom Cruise is reportedly growing uneasy over Ben Affleck’s continued contact with actress Ana de Armas, fuelling speculation of rising tension between the two actors.
According to Globe magazine, Cruise, 63, believes Affleck is “crossing the line” by regularly reaching out to the 37-year-old Cuban–Spanish actress, whom he has been linked with since February.
The Top Gun actor is said to be “fiercely protective” of de Armas, with sources claiming he “doesn’t trust Ben and doesn’t like the idea of him creeping around.”
Affleck, 53, dated de Armas for about a year in 2020 before their relationship ended amicably. The pair reportedly “vowed to stay in touch,” which has led to ongoing communication.
While Affleck maintains a similarly cordial relationship with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, Cruise feels the Argo star should “respect boundaries and not poke his nose where it doesn’t belong,” the magazine reported.
Cruise and de Armas have been spotted together in recent months, including holding hands during an outing in Vermont, where the actress owns a multimillion-dollar home.
A source, cited by the Globe magazine, said that Cruise “really likes it there” but is also considering buying a grander estate in the United Kingdom as the couple explores a “long-term future” together.
Reports from Star Magazine further suggested that Cruise and de Armas are looking at properties in Britain, with engagement rumours intensifying.
“After they’ve decided where to live he’ll almost certainly announce the engagement. It’s definitely happening,” an insider told the outlet.
While neither Cruise nor de Armas has commented publicly on the romance, friends of the pair have told People magazine that they have “become incredibly close.”
The actors star together in the upcoming thriller Deeper, adding further fuel to speculation surrounding their off-screen relationship.
Cruise, who has been married three times previously, is known for his high-profile relationships.
De Armas, one of Hollywood’s rising stars, has gained international recognition through roles in Knives Out, Blonde, and the upcoming Ballerina, a spin-off of the John Wick franchise.
