Cruise 'scared to act with Will Smith'

Tom Cruise is scared to appear in a movie with Will Smith in case he is outshone, according to US sources.

The actor reportedly turns down every role suggested by his close friend because he is afraid his performance would compare unfavourably to his co-star's.

An insider told the National Enquirer: "Tom's a great guy, but he sees Will as competition - a movie like I Am Legend is the kind of role Tom used to get offered first.

"The feeling is that Tom fears he'll suffer by comparison if he acts alongside Will. He hasn't really worked with another strong male lead since Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man."

The source added that Smith is unconcerned by Cruise's refusal to star alongside him, saying: "He knows how Tom is, and it's not going to end their friendship if they never appear on screen together."