LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (X17online) - Tom Cruise returned to the 'Today' show set for the first time since he verbally sparred with host Matt Lauer nearly three years ago.

A contrite Cruise told Lauer he didn't intend to coma across as "arrogant" when he criticized Brooke Shields for taking anti-depressants.

"After looking at it I really thought it's not what I intended. I thought in looking at myself that I came across as arrogant," Cruise said.

"I absolutely could have handled that better," he said.

Cruise currently making rounds on talk-shows to promote his new movie, "Valkyrie," where the actor plays a would-be assassin of Adolf Hitler.

"Valkyrie" opens on Christmas day.