Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tapped into his TV and film comedian roots when meeting with American acting celebrity Tom Cruise in his presidential headquarters in Kiev on Monday night.
As Mission Impossible star Cruise walked in, Zelensky exclaimed:
“You’re good-looking! Like in a movie,” according to video excerpts released Tuesday by his office.
Cruise, 57, responded to the gushing welcome by laughing and quipping:
“It pays the rent.”
Zelenskiy also pointed out that a recently passed law on subsidies for foreign film-makers in Ukraine is meant to attract investment in the country’s economy.
On his Facebook page Zelensky posted a photo with a smiling Cruise, writing:
“I am happy that Ukraine is starting to attract world-class stars."
Cruise, who arrived in Kyiv at Zelenskiy's invitation, was said to be interested in filming one of his new movies in the country.
Netizens took to twitter displaying a mixed reaction to the meeting, with some finding the moment more than a bit “cringeworthy.”
Others were more interested in the project that led the Hollywood actor to Ukraine.
Many launched into a social media debate regarding the height of the two men:
Of course, there was also a caption competition: