Hollywood has always been a hotbed of drama, but the latest saga involving Ben Affleck, Tom Cruise, and Ana de Armas has set tongues wagging across Tinseltown. Reports emerging in early May 2025 reveal that Affleck, the 52-year-old Oscar-winning actor and director, is grappling with feelings of jealousy and annoyance as his longtime friend Tom Cruise, 62, embarks on a romance with Affleck’s ex-girlfriend, Ana de Armas, 37. The Cuban-Spanish actress, known for her roles in Knives Out and No Time to Die, dated Affleck from March 2020 to January 2021, a relationship that ended amid the pressures of public scrutiny. Now, as Cruise and de Armas are spotted together in romantic settings across London, Affleck’s reaction has sparked a media frenzy, with some of his friends even suggesting a “revenge” romance with Cruise’s ex-wife, Katie Holmes. This unfolding love triangle not only highlights the complexities of Hollywood relationships but also raises questions about friendship, jealousy, and the price of fame.

A Romance Rekindled in the Spotlight

The romance between Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas first sparked rumors on Valentine’s Day 2025, when the pair was seen leaving a restaurant in London’s Soho neighborhood. According to a source cited by The Economic Times, they were carrying doggie bags and stopped to pose for selfies with fans before hopping into a taxi together. Since then, their relationship has been described as “low-key” but increasingly public, with sightings that include a romantic stroll in a London park on de Armas’ 37th birthday on April 30, 2025, and a helicopter ride piloted by Cruise himself. Us Weekly reported that the couple arrived together at a London airport in March, further fueling speculation about their burgeoning relationship.

Cruise, the Mission: Impossible star known for his high-octane action roles and private personal life, has reportedly been “super smitten” with de Armas, as per ARY News. However, de Armas, who values her privacy after the intense media scrutiny during her relationship with Affleck, remains cautious. A source told Us Weekly, “She doesn’t like the public attention. With Ben Affleck, that’s one of the things she didn’t like.” Despite her reservations, de Armas has been seen enjoying Cruise’s company, with the pair spotted at high-profile events like David Beckham’s 50th birthday party in London, followed by a dinner at Core in Notting Hill, as noted by Elle. Their chemistry, though understated, has been enough to capture the attention of fans and media alike, with videos and photos circulating widely online.

Affleck’s Reaction: Jealousy or Justified Annoyance?

Ben Affleck, who has been navigating his own personal challenges following his divorce from Jennifer Lopez in 2024, is reportedly not taking the news of Cruise and de Armas’ romance well. Sources close to Affleck have shared varying perspectives on his feelings. Daily Mail reported on May 9, 2025, that Affleck is “not thrilled” about the relationship, with one insider stating, “Ben is kind of jealous, yup. He really liked Ana a lot, and then she walked away and left him sad. So to see her happy with his friend is kind of weird for him.” The sentiment was echoed by Hola magazine, which noted that Affleck is reflecting on his past romance with de Armas with a sense of nostalgia, particularly after his recent split from Lopez.

Affleck and de Armas’ relationship began on the set of the 2022 thriller Deep Water, where their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into a real-life romance. The couple was often photographed together during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking PDA-filled strolls while adhering to safety protocols, as reported by Us Weekly. At the time, a source told the outlet that Affleck was “very supportive of Ana and tells her how amazing she is,” and their relationship was described as passionate and intense. However, the constant media attention took its toll, and de Armas ended the relationship in January 2021, citing her discomfort with living in Los Angeles—where Affleck’s children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner reside—and the relentless public scrutiny, according to Yahoo.

Now, seeing de Armas with Cruise, a fellow A-lister and someone Affleck has known for years, has reportedly stirred up complex emotions. The Economic Times quoted a source saying, “Affleck still has feelings for Ana de Armas and finds her alleged relationship with Tom Cruise difficult to deal with.” Adding another layer to the drama, some sources suggest that Affleck’s annoyance may also stem from a professional rivalry. Daily Mail noted that Affleck has always been “a little bit jealous” of Cruise’s blockbuster action career, with an insider stating, “Every working actor in Hollywood is jealous of Tom’s success, and Ben is not any different.” However, the same source added that Affleck admires Cruise’s longevity in the industry, hoping to emulate his success in his own career.

Friends Stir the Pot: A “Revenge” Romance with Katie Holmes?

In a twist that could only happen in Hollywood, Affleck’s friends have reportedly suggested that he “get revenge” on Cruise by dating Cruise’s ex-wife, Katie Holmes. Daily Mail reported on May 9, 2025, that Affleck’s inner circle has been teasing him with the idea, seeing it as a playful jab at Cruise. Holmes, who was married to Cruise from 2006 to 2012 and shares a daughter, Suri, with him, has been single since her split from Emilio Vitolo Jr. in 2021. The suggestion, while likely made in jest, has added fuel to the media fire, with outlets like FandomWire and Marca speculating on whether Affleck might actually consider such a move.

The idea of a “revenge romance” is particularly intriguing given the history between Affleck, Cruise, and Holmes. Holmes, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since her divorce from Cruise, shares a connection with Affleck through their mutual experiences as high-profile parents navigating Hollywood’s complexities. Moreover, Affleck and Cruise have another woman in common: Gwyneth Paltrow. Affleck dated Paltrow on and off from 1997 to 2000, while Cruise shared a brief on-screen kiss with her in Austin Powers in Goldmember, as Paltrow revealed in an interview cited by Daily Mail. These overlapping connections highlight the incestuous nature of Hollywood relationships, where personal and professional lines often blur.

De Armas’ Perspective: A Preference for Privacy

Ana de Armas, caught in the middle of this drama, has made it clear that she prefers to keep her personal life out of the public eye. Her relationship with Affleck, which was highly publicized, left her wary of the spotlight. In a 2022 interview with Elle, de Armas described the attention on her romance with Affleck as “horrible,” a sentiment that has shaped her approach to relationships since. Us Weekly reported that her preference for privacy is one of the reasons she’s unsure about going the distance with Cruise, despite his clear affection for her. “Tom likes that about her,” the source added, noting that Cruise appreciates de Armas’ desire to fly under the radar.

De Armas’ cautious approach is evident in her low-key outings with Cruise. Unlike her time with Affleck, where the couple was often photographed in affectionate poses, de Armas and Cruise have kept their interactions more discreet, surrounded by security during public appearances. On her 37th birthday, de Armas was seen in a casual pale-pink T-shirt and skinny jeans, accessorized with a Louis Vuitton cross-body bag, while Cruise stayed close, ensuring their outing remained private despite the paparazzi, as reported by Daily Mail. This contrast underscores de Armas’ growth in handling high-profile relationships, learning from her past experiences to prioritize her comfort and privacy.

Affleck’s Personal Struggles and Family Focus

Amid the buzz surrounding Cruise and de Armas, Affleck has been focusing on his family. Daily Mail reported on May 10, 2025, that Affleck was spotted picking up his two youngest children, 16-year-old Seraphina and 13-year-old Samuel, from school in Los Angeles. The actor, dressed casually in a pink polo and khakis, appeared relaxed as he spent time with his kids, suggesting that he’s finding solace in fatherhood amid the Hollywood drama. Affleck shares his children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, with whom his divorce was finalized in 2018, and his recent split from Lopez has reportedly left him reflective about his past relationships, including his time with de Armas.

Pinkvilla noted that Affleck is “leaning on family” as he navigates the emotional fallout of seeing de Armas with Cruise. The outlet reported that Affleck’s time with his children provides him with comfort and grounding, even as the media frenzy around the love triangle intensifies. This focus on family highlights Affleck’s attempt to maintain stability in his personal life, a stark contrast to the chaos of his romantic history, which includes high-profile relationships with Garner, Lopez, and now the lingering shadow of de Armas.

Cruise’s Charm Offensive: A New Chapter with De Armas

Tom Cruise, meanwhile, appears to be going all out to impress de Armas. Daily Mail reported on May 12, 2025, that Cruise spent a staggering amount of money to take de Armas to the airport in his private helicopter, a gesture that underscores his desire to win her over. The Mission: Impossible star, who has been married three times—to Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes—has had a relatively quiet romantic life in recent years, with his last relationship with Russian socialite Elsina Khayrova ending in 2024, according to ARY News. His pursuit of de Armas, however, has been marked by grand gestures, from piloting helicopter rides to celebrating her birthday in style.

Cruise’s affection for de Armas is evident, but her uncertainty about the relationship adds a layer of complexity. The Economic Times reported that their romance is still in the “early stages,” with de Armas taking it slow due to her discomfort with public attention. This dynamic raises questions about the longevity of their relationship, particularly given Cruise’s high-profile status and the inevitable media scrutiny that comes with it. Additionally, Daily Mail noted that de Armas, who is reportedly Catholic, may face challenges in aligning with Cruise’s well-documented involvement with Scientology, a factor that has historically complicated his relationships.

A Hollywood Love Triangle for the Ages

The saga of Ben Affleck, Tom Cruise, and Ana de Armas is a quintessential Hollywood love triangle, blending romance, jealousy, and the ever-present specter of fame. Affleck’s reported annoyance, fueled by both personal and professional envy, contrasts with Cruise’s smitten pursuit of de Armas, while de Armas herself navigates the relationship with caution, prioritizing her privacy above all. The suggestion of a “revenge” romance with Katie Holmes adds a playful yet provocative twist, highlighting the interconnected web of relationships in Hollywood.

As this drama unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining personal connections in the glare of the public eye. For Affleck, the situation is a test of emotional resilience as he balances his feelings with his responsibilities as a father. For Cruise, it’s an opportunity to forge a new connection, albeit one that requires navigating de Armas’ boundaries. And for de Armas, it’s a chance to redefine her approach to love, learning from her past while exploring a future with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Whether this love triangle will lead to reconciliation, revenge, or simply a new chapter for all involved remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Hollywood’s drama mill shows no signs of slowing down.