Tom Cruise's jaw-dropping stunt at the 2024 Paris Olympics involved meticulous planning, collaboration, and unwavering determination. Despite years of experience as a stunt coordinator, Freddy Bouciegues acknowledges the crucial role played by stunt doubles in ensuring safety.
In the aftermath of Tom Cruise's unforgettable stunt performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the behind-the-scenes story has emerged, revealing the meticulous planning and collaboration that made the heart-stopping feat a reality.
Casey Wasserman, LA28 president and chairperson, shared insights into the genesis of the stunt, explaining that Cruise had insisted on performing it himself. "He finished filming 'Mission: Impossible' at 6 p.m. in London, got right on a plane, landed in L.A. at 4 a.m., and filmed the scene where he pulls onto a military plane," Wasserman said. "In L.A., he does two jumps out of the thing. He didn't like the first one, so he did a second jump. Then he helicoptered from Palmdale to the Hollywood sign, filmed from 1 until 5, helicoptered to Burbank Airport, and flew back to London."
Tom Cruise's Olympic Stunt: Inside the Planning and Execution
While Cruise's unwavering commitment is commendable, Freddy Bouciegues, a Hollywood stunt coordinator, emphasizes that stunt doubles play a crucial role in ensuring safety on movie sets. "Actors still need stunt doubles for safety," Bouciegues said. "Tom Cruise is an incredible athlete, but even he can't defy gravity. Stunt doubles are trained to perform dangerous stunts safely and minimize the risk of injury."
Wasserman credited seasoned TV producer Ben Winston with executing the complex stunt. The idea was initially pitched to Cruise via Zoom, with the original plan involving a stunt double. However, Cruise insisted on doing the stunt himself. "I'm in," Cruise said. "But I'm only doing it if I get to do everything."
Tom Cruise's Olympic Stunt: Inside the Planning and Execution
Winston was initially hesitant, acknowledging the numerous shooting days and rehearsals required. However, Cruise's unwavering determination and willingness to collaborate ultimately led to the successful execution of the stunt.
Wasserman praised the French team for their remarkable efforts in organizing the 2024 Paris Olympics. "The French team deserves a lot of credit," he said. "They reminded people why people fall in love with the Olympics. To me, the greatest thing they did was they energized the people of France."
Tom Cruise's Olympic Stunt: Inside the Planning and Execution
On the night of the closing ceremony, Cruise descended from the top of the Stade de France after H.E.R. sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." After walking through a sea of competitors, Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass handed Cruise the flag for him to bring it back to the States in a symbolic nod to the hand-off from Paris to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Olympics.
In a pre-recorded clip, Cruise rode through town and onto a plane before making his way to the top of the Hollywood sign in L.A., which by then was configured to show the Olympic rings. Cruise's performance showcased his unwavering dedication to entertaining audiences and his willingness to go above and beyond to create unforgettable moments.
Tom Cruise's Olympic Stunt: Inside the Planning and Execution
