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As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about Tom Cruise’s latest death-defying stunt in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” For over three decades, the Mission: Impossible franchise has been raising the bar with each new installment, largely due to Cruise’s unwavering dedication to performing his own stunts. From scaling the Burj Khalifa to hanging off the side of a biplane, Cruise never fails to push the boundaries of movie spectacle. His relentless commitment to his craft has not only shaped the iconic character of Ethan Hunt but also elevated the franchise into one of the most thrilling and immersive action sagas ever created. But beware, if you haven’t seen it yet, there are SPOILERS ahead!

In “The Final Reckoning,” Tom Cruise outdoes himself once more by executing an awe-inspiring airborne action scene where Ethan pursues and battles Gabriel, both suspended from a biplane. This breathtaking moment is among the riskiest stunts Tom Cruise has ever attempted in his film career. As always with Cruise, this pulse-pounding sequence was accomplished without any use of green screens or body doubles. The death-defying aerial stunt stands out as a notable highlight in the “Mission: Impossible” series, and the behind-the-scenes account showcases just how committed and daring Cruise can be for cinematic excellence.

Yes, Tom Cruise Really Did Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s Plane Stunt

Another Impressive Feat Added To The List

In the breathtaking biplane scene from “The Final Reckoning”, practical effects and daring stunts truly shine. As expected, it was Tom Cruise who bravely executed a perilous stunt, hanging onto an old-fashioned biplane as it zoomed through the sky at 140 miles per hour, 8,000 feet above ground. No digital enhancement, stand-ins, or illusions were used; just Cruise, the open sky, and a significant dose of danger. Director Christopher McQuarrie verified that Cruise endured intense wind force and low oxygen levels while attached to the plane.

In the thrill of the moment, I wasn’t merely standing on that aircraft; I was dynamically executing intricate aerial maneuvers, scaling from the fuselage to the wings. The spectacle required pinpoint precision in timing, immense strength, and an unwavering courage. As per the director, Cruise would start to tire around the 12-minute mark, owing to the rigorous physical exertion and oxygen deprivation. The production team went the extra mile, designing custom camera rigs to capture the breathtaking scene from various perspectives, allowing viewers to truly grasp the peril and grandeur of the feat.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that in today’s era where CGI reigns supreme, the visual effects work in this instance is purely about digitally eliminating the safety harnesses that kept Tom Cruise securely attached to that plane. However, let me clarify, it was not the cables that were holding him; it was Tom himself. The cables were merely precautions to prevent our beloved franchise lead from meeting an untimely demise if something unexpected happened. Cruise’s unwavering commitment to authenticity transforms this stunt into one of the most awe-inspiring moments in Mission: Impossible lore.

How Long It Took Tom Cruise To Do The Final Reckoning’s Plane Stunt

He Prepared For More Than A Year

It takes a long time to perfect stunts like the one Cruise did. In a recent interview on The Tonight Show, he shared that it took him decades to figure out the correct approach for executing such a stunt. After they had figured that out, he spent about a year and half learning wing walking – which is standing on an airplane’s wing while it’s in flight. This training consisted of flight simulations, wind tunnel testing, physical conditioning, and numerous practice flights to master balancing on the aircraft under challenging conditions.

Cruise pointed out that it was his prior experience with flying and mastery of aerial stunts, honed during movies such as Top Gun and Fallout, that enabled him to pull off the daring feat. Every move had to be executed flawlessly because any minor error in altitude, speed, or body position could have led to catastrophe. In fact, during filming, McQuarrie shared that they couldn’t speak verbally while Cruise was performing the stunt; instead, they relied on hand signals.

For a considerable time, Cruise’s commitment has been highly respected. However, this particular task surpassed even his usual limits, pushing him to the brink, both in terms of physical endurance and mental fortitude.

What Tom Cruise Has Said About Filming Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s Plane Stunt

It Made Him Feel Like A Little Kid

Tom Cruise described the stunt as a “long-cherished dream” and shared that he had always aspired to perform something similar. His inspiration for this came from old black-and-white videos of wing walking that he watched as a child. The depth of Cruise’s commitment to conveying stories through physical action is clear in the meticulous planning he undertook for this stunt. For the 62-year-old actor, the purpose was never merely about creating a spectacle; rather, he aimed to make viewers feel as if they were on the edge with him.

Tom Cruise believes these daring maneuvers are crucial for Ethan Hunt’s character development and maintaining the pulse-pounding spirit of the Mission: Impossible series. To him, scenes like the biplane stunt aren’t just about creating awe but preserving the captivating excitement that has been a hallmark of this franchise. In films such as Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Cruise continues to solidify his reputation as one of the remaining genuine action stars who still performs all his own stunts for real.

2025-05-24 15:34