Tom Cruise Shatters Action Movie Records with Impossible ‘Mission: Impossible’ Stunt

Across the Mission: Impossible movie franchise, Tom Cruise has consistently elevated the thrill factor with his daring, breathtaking stunts. His latest installment, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, is a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled journey that underscores his commitment to going the extra mile in crafting the ultimate action sequence. And after a string of seemingly unattainable stunts, this performance has set a new standard for what an action film can be.

In the movie “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” the skillfully performed stunts elevated the excitement to unprecedented levels. Not just limited to typical car chases, this film transformed one such chase into a thrilling motorcycle pursuit. Furthermore, it showcased an exhilarating underwater feat where the actor had to remain submerged for an astounding six minutes. However, it’s the awe-inspiring opening scene of Tom Cruise hanging precariously from the side of an airplane that truly defied logic and surpassed all notions of what an action film could achieve.

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Cruise Never Shies Away From the Impossible

Similar to Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise doesn’t back down from perilous tasks. Known for performing his own death-defying feats, the actor has pushed the limits of danger in the Mission: Impossible series, reaching extraordinary heights and depths that challenge gravity – and undoubtedly make the studio’s insurance team hold their breath. In Fallout, Cruise prepared for a HALO jump by skydiving over 100 times. For Ghost Protocol, he made headlines by scaling the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and found himself on lists of the best movie stunts ever. However, the most daring stunt in Rogue Nation might have been the most risky yet, showcasing his courage and providing a heart-pounding spectacle.

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In an exclusive backstage video titled “Cruising Altitude,” the actor calmly tells director Christopher McQuarrie, “If I appear scared, it’s just part of the act.” Filming on the side of an Airbus, with winds above 100 mph and no shield from weather or airborne debris, added a genuine touch to his performance. For this dangerous stunt, Tom Cruise was tethered to the plane by only one safety line as it ascended sharply.

McQuarrie describes the intensity of this ascent as such that it might have dislodged Cruise from the aircraft, regardless of safety measures taken. The stunt itself was precariously close to calamity, even with all safety precautions in place. Factors like a bird strike, debris hurtling toward Cruise with the impact of a bullet, and gravity were unpredictable elements they couldn’t fully prepare for.

Cruise Is Dedicated to the Action and Getting the Shot

The night preceding the shooting event, Cruise confessed that he had a restless sleep. Alongside the director, crew members, and a representative from the aircraft company, they all arrived on set. There was doubt amongst them whether the plane’s structure could withstand the demands of the scene. Yet, through teamwork with the stunt coordinator, these apprehensions were somewhat alleviated. The focus shifted towards devising strategies to reduce Cruise’s risk during filming.

As a dedicated movie buff, I found myself in a unique situation while filming, where my character’s wardrobe didn’t allow for much protective gear. However, I was equipped with ear protection and special contacts to safeguard my eyes. To lessen the risk of an unexpected bird strike, I decided to stay close to the plane’s body during certain scenes. As for factors like strong winds and exhaust fumes, I could only endure brief periods of exposure due to their potentially harmful effects.

During an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Cruise confessed that he had doubts about the plan while performing the stunts. He admitted that he even questioned whether it was a wise decision. However, during the actual performance, his focus was solely on the scene. As the ground seemed to disappear beneath him, Cruise said he thought about the audience and the shots. Remarkably, after the initial successful filming, the actor went on to execute this stunt another seven times.

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2025-06-03 22:03