This Is the Daring Feat Tom Cruise Performed at the 2024 Olympics
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What happens when Hollywood’s biggest action star takes center stage at the Olympic Games? How does Tom Cruise blend his trademark daredevil stunts with the grandeur of the Olympics?
At the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, Cruise delivered a spectacle that left audiences gasping and debating. His entrance was as breathtaking as it was audacious. But what drove him to pull off such a daring performance, and how did his stunt set the stage for the next Olympic host city?
Let’s look into the details of a closing ceremony that not only captivated viewers but also stirred conversations far beyond the stadium.
Tom Cruise’s Spectacular Entrance at the Olympics
The 62-year-old star descended on safety wires, landing on the stadium stage amid cheers from the audience. He was greeted by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.
In a symbolic gesture, Biles passed the Olympic flag to Cruise, marking the handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games.
Cruise, ever the adrenaline junkie, then took part in a pre-recorded segment that saw him ride a motorcycle with the Olympic flag through the streets of Paris.
The footage transitioned to Cruise boarding a military cargo plane, skydiving over the Hollywood Hills, and landing in front of the iconic Hollywood sign, which had been modified to display the Olympic rings.
Star-Studded Performances Light Up the Ceremony
The high-energy ceremony also featured a range of performances, including sets by H.E.R., Billie Eilish, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre added to the festivities with a dynamic performance of “The Next Episode,” enhancing the vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
The closing ceremony was not without its controversies, including an unexpected moment when a fan forcefully kissed Cruise as he interacted with the crowd. The incident sparked a lively debate on social media regarding personal boundaries and consent in fan-celebrity interactions.
The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded with the U.S. and China sharing the lead in gold medals, both securing 40 each, while the U.S. topped the overall medal count with 126.
The event officially closed with a stunning fireworks display and a performance by French R&B singer Yseult, who sang a rendition of “Comme d’habitude.”
Looking ahead, Los Angeles is gearing up for its role as the next Olympic host. The city will welcome the world in 2028, with Cruise’s daring stunt serving as a thrilling prelude to the upcoming Games.
10 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Tom Cruise’s Insane Movie Stunts
Tom Cruise is renowned for his thrilling movie stunts, and his dedication to performing them himself has made him a legend in Hollywood. From daring skydives to high-altitude motorcycle jumps, here are 10 jaw-dropping facts about Tom Cruise’s most insane stunts:
1. Real Skydiving in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’
In “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” Cruise took skydiving to new heights—literally. The actor performed a high-altitude jump from 25,000 feet. This remarkable feat required over a year of preparation and more than 100 jumps to perfect.
2. Motorbike Cliff Jump in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’
Cruise’s stunt game reached new levels with a jaw-dropping motorbike cliff jump in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One.” The daring stunt involved riding off a cliff and parachuting to safety. Therefore, it took two years of meticulous planning and over 106 jumps to execute.
3. Hanging from a Plane in ‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’
For “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” Cruise clung to the side of an Airbus A400M as it took off. This thrilling scene saw him reaching speeds of 140 mph while performing the stunt himself, making it one of the most exhilarating moments in the franchise.
4. Building Climb in ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’
In “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” Cruise scaled the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Despite being harnessed, Cruise did much of the climbing himself, reaching dizzying heights of over 1,700 feet.
5. Zero Gravity Scenes in ‘Oblivion’
For “Oblivion,” Cruise tackled zero-gravity stunts using a custom-built rig that allowed him to float and perform as if he were in space. This groundbreaking technology helped create some of the film’s most visually stunning scenes.
6. Fighter Jet Training for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
To bring authenticity to “Top Gun: Maverick,” Cruise trained in real fighter jets and performed complex aerial maneuvers. His hands-on approach ensured that the flight scenes were as realistic as possible.
7. Underwater Breath-Holding in ‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’
In “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” Cruise showcased his extraordinary lung capacity by holding his breath underwater for over six minutes. This impressive feat was part of an intense submerged escape scene.
8. Wing-Walking in ‘Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation’
Another thrilling stunt from “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” featured Cruise performing wing-walking on a plane flying at 5,000 feet. The scene was shot with the plane in motion to add an extra layer of realism.
9. Helicopter Chase in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’
Cruise piloted a helicopter for a high-octane chase scene in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” His extensive training in helicopter maneuvering contributed to the film’s intense aerial sequences.
10. Falling Through a Building in ‘Mission: Impossible III’
In “Mission: Impossible III,” Cruise executed a spectacular fall through a building. The stunt combined harnesses and CGI to ensure both safety and realism, showcasing his commitment to delivering heart-pounding action.
The legendary actor’s stunts are more than just cinematic thrills; they’re a testament to his bravery and dedication to his craft. Therefore, Tom Cruise’s entrance at the Olympics is proof of that dedication. His willingness to push the boundaries of action filmmaking continues to captivate audiences and set new standards for the genre.
Did you enjoy the Olympics this year? What was your favorite moment? How did you feel about Tom Cruise and the closing ceremony? Are you looking forward to Los Angeles in 2028? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
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