The Jaw-Dropping Stunts in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning
So we all knew Tom Cruise hung off a biplane for real in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, which is highly impressive on its own. Yet, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts goes far beyond just hanging from a plane. The adrenaline-pumping scenes are a testament to his commitment and the lengths he will go to make each film unforgettable.
A Leap into the Unknown
One of the most heart-stopping moments in the film occurs after Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, grabs a parachute from the damaged biplane and leaps out. While many viewers might assume that the subsequent flaming parachute scene involved some clever CGI trickery, the truth is far more astonishing. In a daring feat of bravery, Cruise performed the stunt practically. He jumped from a helicopter at 7,500 feet above the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains in South Africa.
The Complexity of the Stunt
The stakes are incredibly high in this scene. As Hunt deploys his parachute, his main chute catches on fire. Faced with an imminent threat, he cuts away his main chute and deploys his reserve chute just in the nick of time. This sequence is not just visually stimulating but also incredibly complex. The team meticulously designed the main parachute to be fuel-soaked, allowing it to ignite dramatically as Cruise leaps into the sky.
To put it in Cruise’s own words: “What I’m going to do is I’m going to be deploying. If this is twisted while it’s burning, I’m going to be spinning and burning. I have to kick out of the twist and then ignite. I got 10 seconds.” The level of precision required and the risks involved are staggering, showcasing the true gravity of the stunt.
Record-Breaking Aerial Feats
In an astonishing recognition of his fearless endeavor, the Guinness Book of World Records declared that Cruise set a record for “the most burning parachute jumps by an individual.” For anyone who knows him, it’s no surprise; Tom Cruise is no stranger to record-breaking stunts. His relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries has made him not just an actor but a phenomenon in Hollywood.
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, highlighted Cruise’s standing in the industry. He stated, “Over his impressively long and consistent career, he’s proved himself to be the most powerful actor in Hollywood and the most bankable star.” This is a testament not only to Cruise’s incredible talent but also to his willingness to put himself in harm’s way for the sake of entertainment.
Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim
The Final Reckoning has largely drawn positive critical reviews, expected to clear the $400 million mark at the box office in the coming days. This bodes well for the franchise, which continues to captivate audiences around the globe. The film is projected to surpass its predecessor, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, confirming that audiences are hungry for both daring stunts and gripping storylines.
Behind the Scenes of the Stunt
If you’re curious to see how this remarkable stunt was brought to life, there’s a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes footage available. It not only shows Cruise conquering the sky but also provides insight into the meticulous planning and choreography that goes into such daring escapades.
For a closer look at Cruise’s audacious stunt and the incredible effort that went into it, check out the video below.
Watch the behind-the-scenes video here.
The impressive reality of stunts in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning underscores Tom Cruise’s unparalleled devotion to his craft. Each leap, each twist, and each moment of suspense heightens the film’s thrill, inviting audiences to hold their breath alongside him.
