During the production of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise’s stunt team had to step in to prevent him from repeatedly attempting a highly perilous stunt. The sequence, known on set as Inferno Descent, involves Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt jumping from a biplane while his parachute bursts into flames mid-fall. Concerned about Cruise’s safety, director Christopher McQuarrie and stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood took the unusual step of hiding critical equipment to stop the actor from making more attempts than necessary.
The decision came in light of the extreme risks involved, as Cruise was literally setting fire to his gear before jumping thousands of feet and free-falling toward the ground. The stunt team recognized the severe danger this posed, prompting their strict control over how many times the stunt was repeated in the air.
Wade Eastwood’s Efforts to Protect Cruise
Wade Eastwood shared his perspective in an interview with Empire Magazine, explaining his choice to take action discreetly.
But I actually hid the last burning parachute because I didn’t want him to do it anymore.
—Wade Eastwood, Stunt Coordinator
This measure was not unexpected, given the extreme nature of the stunt and Cruise’s dedication to performing his own action sequences. The stunt involves igniting the parachute while mid-air, presenting a high risk of injury or worse, which Eastwood and McQuarrie were determined to minimize.
The Flaming Parachute Stunt’s Place in the Film and Records
The intense parachute sequence occurs at a critical moment in the film’s storyline, where Ethan Hunt moves to stop a rogue artificial intelligence named The Entity. Beyond its narrative importance, the stunt garnered attention for its technical achievement. Cruise set a Guinness World Record for completing 16 jumps on fire, allowing the filmmakers to capture the scene from multiple angles and deliver a visceral adrenaline rush to the movie’s climax.
Tom Cruise’s History of Performing His Own Stunts
Cruise’s commitment to authentic stunts is well-established throughout the Mission: Impossible series. Prior to The Final Reckoning, he tackled other daunting feats, such as scaling the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and clinging to the exterior of a military aircraft in Rogue Nation. These efforts have contributed to the series’ reputation for realistic, breath-taking action.
Now in his sixties, Cruise continues to push the limits of stunt work, though it is likely that as he ages, he may pass on the most physically demanding sequences to others despite his current persistence.
Box Office Success and Series Continuation
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is the eighth entry in what many believe to be the final chapter of the franchise. The film directly follows events from Dead Reckoning Part One and has already achieved significant box office success, grossing over $576 million worldwide. Domestically, it surpassed its predecessor’s earnings more than two weeks ago and remains popular even as the summer blockbuster season progresses.
The Impact of Cruise’s Stunt Choices on Action Filmmaking
Cruise’s willingness to execute dangerous stunts, including the flaming parachute, sets a distinct standard in the film industry, influencing how action sequences are envisioned and shot. While the risks are evident, his approach adds a level of realism and intensity that resonates with audiences and raises expectations for authenticity in major productions. The stunt team‘s protective actions demonstrate the tension between thrilling spectacle and safety concerns in high-stakes filmmaking.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is currently playing in theaters worldwide, inviting viewers to experience Cruise’s final stunt-driven chapter as Ethan Hunt.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. When was Tom Cruise diagnosed?
A. When Tom Cruise was seven, he found out he had dyslexia, a condition that makes reading difficult. This made it hard for him to read both in high school and when he started acting. Despite this challenge, Cruise did not let his reading difficulties stop him from pursuing his goals.
Q. What is Tom Cruise’s religion?
A. Beyond his movie career, Cruise has been a vocal supporter of the Church of Scientology, leading to public debates and attention about his role in the group. He is also passionate about flying and has been a licensed pilot since 1994.
Q. What syndrome does Tom Cruise have?
A. Tom Cruise was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disorder affecting reading, when he was seven. This made reading difficult for him in high school and early in his acting career.
Q. How many face surgeries has Tom Cruise had?
A. Many celebrities choose to get facelifts after they turn 40. However, Tom seems to have mostly avoided surgery. In 2014, a source close to him mentioned that he dislikes plastic surgeries. He worries that they might not look good and could make him look unnatural, like a cartoon version of himself.
