Charlie Vickers Claims Tom Cruise Cheated at Freediving
In a recent interview covered by The Guardian, actor Charlie Vickers accused Tom Cruise of cheating at freediving by using supplemental oxygen. Vickers, who stars as Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings, made the playful allegation while comparing his own breath-holding abilities to those of Cruise during a wider discussion of pop culture, comedy, and personal anecdotes.
Vickers stated that while he can reach a personal limit of four minutes underwater on normal air, actors in major action franchises often utilize an oxygen mask beforehand to saturate their blood. Smart Data Week reported that the actor specifically declared, “Tom Cruise cheated at freediving. That’s the headline,” contrasting his own unassisted efforts with the preparatory breathing techniques used on productions like Mission: Impossible and Avatar.
From Amateur Basil Fawlty to Sauron
Long before portraying Tolkien’s dark lord, Vickers cultivated a deep passion for comedy. He recounted playing Basil Fawlty in an amateur student production of Fawlty Towers at Queen’s College in Melbourne. The production encountered logistical hurdles when the campus theatre closed, forcing the cast to perform inside a circus tent on a university oval during the dead of winter.
"That’s the headline. Tom Cruise cheated at freediving." pic.twitter.com/xXmW6hurT8
His costume required a real mustache that he had to color in with makeup, alongside a shaved head that necessitated a wig for early promotional posters. Despite his early comedic pursuits, Vickers eventually transitioned to serious drama at drama school, ultimately landing the role of Sauron, a character J.R.R. Tolkien described as representing a wholly evil will.
Unusual Proposals and Celebrity Missteps
Beyond his screen work, Vickers shared several personal stories, including a muddy proposal to his wife in the fairy-filled woods of Hampshire. Rather than kneeling directly in the thick mud while wearing jeans, the actor executed a deep lunge to simulate the traditional proposal posture. also noted a cringeworthy celebrity encounter in which Vickers waved across a room at Mo Farah, only to realize the athlete was looking elsewhere while a friend watched the entire interaction.
When discussing personal style, Vickers addressed the ongoing debate over the ideal length of men’s shorts. Having long, thin legs and remaining sensitive about his knees and ankles, he admitted to experimenting with shorter cuts during the summer heat, though he noted that style icon Harry Styles possesses significantly more muscular legs to pull off the look.
Musical Talents and Culinary Dislikes
Vickers revealed a hidden talent for playing the drums, having performed in a sixth-grade rock band called No Name Yet and a subsequent jazz group named Over the Limit. He humorously suggested a future musical showdown between Sauron and Finrod based on a lyrical sing-off found in The Silmarillion. On the culinary front, the actor admitted a strong aversion to cheese across the board, alongside charcuterie boards featuring cold meats, noting that growing up in Australia did not expose him to heavy pre- or post-dinner cheese traditions.
Season Three Premiere on Prime Video
Smart Data Week confirmed that Charlie Vickers will reprise his role when The Lord of the Rings: The Rings returns for its third season, scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on November 11, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlie Vickers
How long can Charlie Vickers hold his breath underwater?
Vickers stated that he can hold his breath for approximately four minutes while breathing normal air without any supplemental oxygen preparation.
What musical instruments does Charlie Vickers play?
He plays the drums, having performed in school bands such as No Name Yet and Over the Limit during his youth.
When does season three of The Rings premiere?
Prime Video has scheduled the season three premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings for November 11, 2026, as reported by Smart Data Week.
Keep reading