Colin Farrell revealed that he needed nearly 50 takes to complete a single scene while filming Minority Report, highlighting a difficult moment on set. The actor shared this experience during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, recounting how it tested both his patience and that of co-star Tom Cruise.
The Challenging Scene on Minority Report Set
In the 2002 science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg, Farrell portrayed Department of Justice agent Danny Witwer. He recalled receiving an early call for a pickup to go to the set after a night out and admitting that he drank a couple of beers before filming began alongside Tom Cruise. Farrell struggled in particular with a line that caused repeated takes.
“I will never forget the line I had that I couldn’t get out. It was, ‘I’m sure you’ve all grasped the fundamental paradox of pre-crime methodology,’”
Farrell said.
Despite the crew offering him a chance to take a break outside, Farrell declined, deciding instead to proceed and push through the scene. He ended up doing 46 takes to get it right.
“Tom wasn’t very happy with me. Tom, who I love, was not very happy!”
Farrell added, reflecting on the tension caused by the prolonged shooting.
Minority Report’s Impact and Cast Highlights
Minority Report, starring Tom Cruise, takes place in a futuristic world where the Precrime division uses ‘precogs’ to prevent crimes before they occur. Alongside Farrell and Cruise, the cast included Max von Sydow and Samantha Morton. The film earned nearly $360 million globally and has since been regarded as a sci-fi classic. It also marked the start of a notable run for Cruise, who went on to star in films such as Collateral and The Last Samurai, as well as taking on an iconic cameo as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder.
Farrell’s Recent Roles and Upcoming Projects
Farrell recently portrayed Oz Cobb in The Batman and The Penguin, receiving praise for his work, and is confirmed to return in The Batman 2. Despite acknowledging that he doesn’t have many scenes in the upcoming movie, Farrell expressed confidence in director Matt Reeves’s vision.
“I’ll be there for whatever,”
Farrell said about the upcoming film.
This performance track adds to Farrell’s diverse career, while Minority Report remains a defining part of his early filmography.
