Tom Cruise has become synonymous with heart-stopping stunts, particularly in the Mission: Impossible franchise, where he has consistently pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking. One of the most iconic stunts was the helicopter-train jump in the first Mission: Impossible film, where Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, jumps from a helicopter onto a moving train. This stunt was filmed using a wind generator firing 140 mph winds to emulate the blast, and Cruise performed the jump four times, ending up bleeding, bruised, and cut.
Cruise’s commitment to performing many of his own stunts has resulted in some truly breathtaking sequences that have captivated audiences worldwide. In Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, he clung to the side of an Airbus A400M plane as it took off, reaching speeds of 260 mph. The stunt was incredibly dangerous, with debris and birds posing a significant risk. Cruise was even injured by a pebble at high speed during filming. His dedication to authenticity has raised the bar for action films and has become a hallmark of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Cruise’s stunts have not only thrilled audiences but have also come at a personal cost. In Mission: Impossible – Fallout, he broke his ankle during a roof jump stunt, halting production for seven weeks and costing the studio $80 million. Despite the risks, Cruise remains committed to delivering authentic action sequences that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. His passion for filmmaking and willingness to take risks have made the Mission: Impossible franchise a benchmark for action films.