Tom Cruise is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on screen. Known for his daring stunts and commitment to his craft, the action star brought his movie magic to the world stage during the Olympics. The closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Games was nothing short of spectacular, and Cruise played a major role in making it an unforgettable event.
The Epic Stunt at the Closing Ceremony
On Aug. 11, 2024, the Stade de France in Paris was buzzing with excitement as the world waited to see what the Mission: Impossible 8 star had in store. Cruise didn’t disappoint. He executed an epic stunt that began with him rappelling from the roof of the stadium, a sight that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The moment was so grand that it felt like watching one of his blockbuster films in real-time.
But the stunt didn’t stop there. Cruise then appeared in a prerecorded segment, filmed in Los Angeles, where the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held. In this sequence, he was seen climbing the iconic Hollywood sign, which had been given a special makeover for the occasion, with the two O’s transformed into the Olympic rings. It was a perfect blend of Hollywood glamor and Olympic spirit.
The Planning and Secrecy Behind the Stunt
Pulling off a stunt of this magnitude required meticulous planning. Ben Winston, the executive producer and creative director of Fulwell 73 Productions, played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. According to Winston, the entire process took a year and a half. The secrecy surrounding the stunt was tricky, with numerous leaks along the way. For instance, back in March, a video surfaced of Cruise being filmed by paparazzi while he climbed the Hollywood sign. Despite these challenges, the team managed to keep the full scope of the stunt under wraps until the big day.
Cruise, who has always been hands-on with his stunts, insisted on doing the entire sequence himself, without the help of a stuntman. Winston recalled Cruise saying, “I’m in, but I want to do the whole thing.” This level of dedication is what makes Cruise stand out in the industry, and it’s no wonder that the Olympics team wanted him to be part of the closing ceremony.
The Big Day: Cruise Takes Center Stage
When the Games kicked off, Cruise was there in the stands, soaking in the atmosphere. But his real moment came during the closing ceremony, just as H.E.R. finished singing the U.S. national anthem. Cruise made his dramatic entrance, descending from the roof to the ground, where he was greeted by medal-toting athletes. Among them were some of the biggest names in sports, including gymnast Simone Biles.
In a symbolic gesture, Cruise took the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and, with a nod to his Top Gun character Maverick, hopped on a motorcycle and cruised out of the arena. But the spectacle didn’t end there. The prerecorded bit that followed was pure Cruise: he was seen riding through Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as a stunning backdrop, before boarding a plane. Once airborne, he folded the flag, tucked it away, and then jumped out, skydiving into L.A. It was a seamless blend of live action and cinematic flair, a true testament to Cruise’s star power.
The Aftermath: A Proud Moment
After the event, Cruise shared a selfie from the stadium’s roof, captioned, “Thank you, Paris! Now off to L.A.” This summed up the whirlwind experience perfectly. The hardest part for Winston and his team was not only executing the stunt but also keeping it a secret for so long. In the end, though, they managed to pull it off without spilling the beans, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The entire process took over a year and a half, but the pride and excitement felt by everyone involved made it all worthwhile.
A Star-Studded Finale
The Olympic flag didn’t stay with Cruise for long. Once he landed in L.A., other athletes took over. Mountain biker Kate Courtney, former sprinter Michael Johnson, and skateboarder Jagger Eaton were among those who carried the flag to the beach, where a concert was held to celebrate the handover to Los Angeles for the 2028 Games. The concert featured performances by major artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop, and Dr. Dre, adding a fittingly epic conclusion to the event.
A Memorable Olympics
In the world of entertainment and sports, few moments stand out as truly unforgettable. The 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony was one of those moments, thanks in no small part to Tom Cruise. His commitment to the stunt, the careful planning, and the seamless execution all contributed to a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. As Cruise continues to push the boundaries in his film career, it’s clear that he’s also leaving a lasting mark on the world of live events.
