With his mastery of elaborate action sequences, Tom Cruise has become a captivating figure, attracting massive audiences eager to witness his daring acts. Whether it’s hanging from a cliff or enduring an ankle injury while leaping between rooftops, he defies all expectations. Tom Cruise surpassed himself with a daring airplane stunt in the film Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.
However, accomplishing such feats requires more than just acting talent. Alongside his extensive list of successful movies, Cruise has garnered a reputation for executing jaw-dropping stunts that put his life on the line. Just when it seems he has reached his limits, he consistently pushes further, displaying remarkable courage and physical prowess. But the airplane stunt might have been too much, even for the actor himself.
How Was The Whole Stunt Designed For Tom Cruise?
The entire sequence had to be written into the script when director Christopher McQuarrie envisioned Tom Cruise, the main star of Mission Impossible, hanging from a cargo plane. True to his adventurous nature, Cruise suggested performing the stunt without the use of green screens or stunt doubles. His proposal showcased his athleticism and daredevil spirit, adding an authentic and exhilarating element to the film.
McQuarrie, Cruise, and stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood orchestrated a total of eight takes for the scene. To achieve the desired effect, they raised the aircraft to an approximate altitude of 5,000 feet, tilting it at a steeper angle than a typical cargo plane during takeoff. It is important to note that clinging to a plane door at a speed of 260 mph is physically impossible for anyone.
While undoubtedly one of Tom Cruise’s most daring stunts in the Mission Impossible series, it is worth noting that he was securely fastened to a full-body harness, which was then connected and affixed to the interior of the aircraft.
Director McQuarrie recalled, “Tom shouts ‘If I’m looking like I’m panicking, I’m acting.'” Cruise later confirmed, “There’s a moment I was going down the runway, I was like ‘Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.'”
Tom Cruise Defying Death As Always
Executing a high-speed stunt of this nature carried inherent risks. To mitigate any potential dangers, multiple rehearsals were conducted without Tom Cruise to determine the optimal shooting conditions. The crew meticulously planned for the plane to take off under ideal weather conditions, ensuring a clear and unobstructed environment for the actor’s smoothest possible flight experience. Every precaution was taken to maximize safety and create the optimal setting for the successful execution of the scene.
In addition, Tom Cruise had to wear specially designed contact lenses to shield his eyes from wind and potential debris during the stunt. Following his safe and successful landing after the eighth take, director Christopher McQuarrie’s final task was to remove the wires and additional cameras that had been attached to the plane during filming.
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation can be streamed on Paramount+.
Source: Youtube
