Christchurch radio host Simon Barnett has fulfilled a lifelong dream, meeting and interviewing his childhood hero, Tom Cruise.

Barnett finally came face to face with the Hollywood star at the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning red carpet event in South Korea, where he and More FM co-host Lana Searle were invited to walk the carpet and meet the man who has inspired him since he was 20.

In a warm exchange, Barnett described the moment as a genuine career highlight. “It’s a privilege to meet you,” he told Cruise. “I just respect your work so much — for 30 years, what you’ve brought to the world and Hollywood… thank you.”

Cruise opened up about his connection to New Zealand, his love for adventure, and what continues to drive him at 61 years of age.

“I’d love to come back,” Cruise said. “I want to film there again and visit my friends. I’ve got a lot of friends there. Go have some adventures, maybe do some speed flying.”

Barnett referenced a comment Cruise made during a press conference earlier that day — that he had become comfortable being afraid.

“I’ve always been that way,” Cruise said. “Even as a child, I climbed the tallest trees, I’d sneak out on the roof at night to look at the stars. The neighbours would call my family and say, ‘I think there’s a child on the roof.’ But I’ve always had a great sense of adventure. I don’t let fear stop me from doing what’s important in life.”

When asked if he ever truly rested, given his non-stop work ethic, Cruise replied, “I don’t. I never have. I’m constantly studying, constantly learning. I’m just very, very interested in life. I’ve got a passion for people, for humanity, for movies. I don’t rest.”

Cruise spoke about his collaboration with director Christopher McQuarrie, and the motto they repeat after every film: “We can do better.” He said that relentless pursuit of improvement drives everything he does.

“There’s always another level. You can always get better. I’m constantly striving to improve myself — learning new skills, studying history, art, lighting, lenses. Filmmaking is all-encompassing. It challenges you on every level — and I love that.”

When asked what motivates him after decades at the top of his game, Cruise said, “It’s my interest in this art form. My interest in life and people. There’s always another mountain to climb. You never arrive. I’m always moving forward.”