Back in Time Today
Tom Cruise, famed for his daredevil persona, has risked life and limb for the sake of cinematic authenticity.
Over the years, Cruise has performed some of the most perilous stunts imaginable, often without a stunt double.
Here are eight instances where his commitment to realism nearly cost him dearly.
1. The Last Samurai – Almost Decapitated by a Sword
During the filming of “The Last Samurai,” Tom Cruise found himself in a harrowing situation. In a scene involving a mechanical horse, the machinery unexpectedly stopped, leaving Cruise in a precarious position.
Co-star Hiroyuki Sanada wielded a sword in a choreographed fight sequence. Sanada’s blade swung dangerously close to Cruise’s neck, missing him by mere inches. Had the timing been slightly off, it could have resulted in a fatal injury.
Despite the scare, Cruise continued with the production, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the craft.
2. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation – Hanging Off a Flying Plane
In “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” Tom Cruise took on the breathtaking stunt of hanging off the side of a flying plane. Insistent on authenticity, Cruise was strapped to an actual Airbus A400M.
The aircraft soared at heights over 5,000 feet, creating a scene of intense drama. A sudden gust of wind or a bird strike could have proven deadly. Yet, Cruise’s commitment to delivering an exhilarating experience for the audience kept him going.
His tenacity and bravery made the scene one of the film’s most iconic moments.
3. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol – Scaling the Burj Khalifa
Tom Cruise scaled new heights, both literally and figuratively, in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” He climbed the towering Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, with minimal safety apparatus.
This daring stunt required immense concentration and physical strength. A single misstep could have sent him plummeting to the ground, hundreds of stories below. Yet,
Cruise’s fearless pursuit of realism pushed him to complete the feat, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most daring actors.
4. Mission: Impossible – Fallout – The Helicopter Chase
In “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” Tom Cruise took the pilot’s seat for a high-speed helicopter chase. This nail-biting sequence required him to navigate through treacherous canyons at breakneck speeds.
Cruise’s precision flying left little room for error. One wrong maneuver in the tight, rocky terrain could have ended in disaster.
His unyielding determination to perform his stunts added authenticity to the heart-stopping scene, elevating the film’s action to new levels.
5. Mission: Impossible – Fallout – Rooftop Jump Gone Wrong
While filming “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” Tom Cruise attempted a daring rooftop jump that went awry. As he leaped between buildings in London, he miscalculated the landing, resulting in a painful ankle snap.
Despite the severe injury, Cruise pulled himself up and heroically continued the scene. His resilience and dedication to the role are a testament to his professionalism and passion for cinema.
Even with a broken foot, Cruise’s performance remained undeterred.
6. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation – Holding His Breath for 6+ Minutes
Tom Cruise pushed his physical limits in “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” by holding his breath for an astonishing six minutes. This underwater scene required intense training and mental fortitude.
A single blackout or timing error during the shoot could have resulted in drowning. Yet, Cruise’s unwavering determination to achieve the perfect take spurred him on. His ability to push boundaries and defy expectations is truly remarkable.
7. Jack Reacher – High-Speed Car Chase
In “Jack Reacher,” Tom Cruise took the wheel for a high-octane car chase that left audiences breathless. Cruise performed all his driving stunts, reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph through narrow city streets.
Without the aid of CGI or a stunt double, one wrong move could have resulted in a catastrophic crash. Cruise’s skill and precision behind the wheel added an authentic thrill to the sequence, showcasing his dedication to the role.
8. Top Gun: Maverick – Actual Jet Maneuvers
For “Top Gun: Maverick,” Tom Cruise once again ascended to the skies, performing actual jet maneuvers. Training with Navy pilots, he flew in real fighter jets, enduring forces up to 7.5 Gs.
Any medical issue or mechanical failure could have had dire consequences. Cruise’s fearless nature and dedication to realism brought an unparalleled level of excitement and authenticity to the film’s aerial sequences.