During the filming of Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise narrowly avoided a serious injury when performing a daring stunt that involved leaping onto a plane mid-flight. This intense scene, which took place in the air during a biplane battle, showcased Cruise’s commitment to delivering breathtaking action sequences despite the risks involved. The stunt has drawn wide attention as an example of Cruise’s dedication to pushing the limits in his craft.
The sequence featured Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise, locked in a fierce confrontation with antagonist Gabriel, portrayed by Esai Morales. Cruise’s decision to cling to the side of the aircraft as it flipped upside down made the scene one of the most dangerous in the franchise, highlighting the physical toll that performing such stunts can demand.
The Physical Toll of the Midair Plane Sequence
Behind the scenes, Tom Cruise revealed the stunt took a significant physical toll. Reflecting on the experience, he admitted the challenge of the leap, saying,
Oh, this almost broke my back,
underscoring the pain he endured during the shoot. Director Christopher McQuarrie added that the intensity of the stunt caused Cruise’s fingers to separate at the joints, resulting in swollen and painful hands.
The most grueling moment came when Cruise improvised a move that involved crashing into the side of the biplane. McQuarrie expressed surprise at Cruise’s boldness during the stunt, stating that he never requested such a move, but Cruise’s determination drove him to push beyond expectations. Audiences could witness the strain as Cruise relied on gripping a seatbelt tightly while the plane spun wildly through the air.
Cruise’s Enduring Passion for Action Films and Future Plans
Despite the dangers encountered, Tom Cruise remains steadfast in his commitment to action filmmaking. Now 62 years old, he has no intention of stepping away from physically demanding roles anytime soon. Drawing a parallel to Harrison Ford’s sustained career, particularly with Indiana Jones, Cruise expressed enthusiasm about continuing to perform in action, drama, and comedy films.
At the Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning premiere, Cruise stated,
I will never stop. I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, comedy films – I’m excited.
This statement reflects both his passion for acting and his resilience in maintaining a demanding career over multiple decades.
This final installment of the Mission: Impossible series marks a significant milestone for Cruise. Since originating the role of Ethan Hunt in 1996, he has been the driving force behind the long-running spy thriller franchise. Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning closes the chapter on this defining role, setting the stage for new projects in his career ahead.
