Bridge building for Viacom and Cruise

Sumner Redstone

Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone wants to be friends again with Tom Cruise. The actor's antics over his romance with Katie Holmes and his aggressive defence of Scientology were reasons cited by Redstone when he broke ties with Cruise last year.

Cruise has since signed a deal with MGM to resurrect the United Artists movie studio.

Although Redstone has not talked to Cruise since breaking ties, he said this week he hopes the two can resume their friendship.

"He was a great friend," Redstone told People magazine. "And I look forward to being his friend again."

Redstone said he was surprised that his original comments were as explosive as they were.