Tom Cruise’s Unpaid Olympic Stunt: How the Hollywood Star Thrilled The World For Free

Dan Lalonde
Sep 11, 2024
3 min read

OLYMPICS CLOSING SHOW STUNTS VIDEO BELOW ARTICLE:

Tom Cruise, the action star known for performing his own daring stunts in the "Mission: Impossible" series, shocked fans worldwide when he pulled off an audacious feat at the Paris 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony. However, what may surprise you even more is that the actor did it all without earning a dime.

Tom Cruise’s Olympic Adventure: A Spectacle in Paris and Beyond

On August 11, 2024, Tom Cruise took the stage at the Stade de France in Paris, participating in the grand finale of the Olympic Games. Cruise's task was not just to wave to the crowd or make a ceremonial appearance. Instead, the Hollywood icon was involved in a meticulously planned and thrilling stunt that showcased his unwavering commitment to doing his own action sequences.

During the ceremony, Cruise leaped from the roof of the stadium to accept the official Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Olympian Simone Biles. From there, he rode a motorcycle through the bustling streets of Paris, hopped onto a plane near the Eiffel Tower, and skydived into an area near the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles—all part of a pre-recorded segment that amazed audiences globally.

A Hollywood-Level Production, but No Paycheck for Cruise

This spectacular feat was the brainchild of Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Speaking at the CNBC X Boardroom panel, Wasserman revealed that the production was essentially a 15-minute live TV show for which he enlisted "the best person in the world" to pull off the action-packed sequence—Tom Cruise.

"We were initially thinking there’s no way we’re getting this," Wasserman explained. "We thought we’d get just a few hours of filming time and maybe a stunt double for some of the scenes. But about five minutes into the presentation, Tom Cruise goes, ‘I’m in. But I’m only doing it if I get to do everything.’”

True to his word, Cruise performed all of his stunts personally, from jumping off the stadium roof to the breathtaking skydives near the Hollywood sign. His dedication to the craft was on full display, but it wasn’t motivated by money. Wasserman confirmed that Cruise didn’t take a paycheck for his participation in the Olympic spectacle.

Behind the Scenes: A Grueling Timeline for Cruise

Wasserman shared fascinating details about Cruise’s hectic schedule leading up to and during the stunt. The actor wrapped up filming "Mission: Impossible" in London at 6 p.m., immediately boarded a plane to Los Angeles, and landed at 4 a.m. From there, he filmed the scene of pulling up to a military plane, executed two skydives, and continued shooting until 5 p.m. before flying back to London—all in under 24 hours.

“He didn’t like the first jump, so he did a second one,” Wasserman said, highlighting Cruise’s perfectionist nature. “Then he helicoptered from Palmdale to the Hollywood sign, filmed from 1 until 5, helicoptered to Burbank Airport, and flew back to London.”

This relentless pace and dedication to perfection underline why Cruise remains one of the most celebrated action stars in Hollywood. He didn’t just participate in the Olympics; he embodied the spirit of a world-class athlete, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and doing it for the sheer thrill.

Mission Accomplished: Cruise’s Legacy of Daring Stunts

Tom Cruise’s involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony will be remembered as one of the most daring performances in Olympic history. By refusing a paycheck and taking on every challenge himself, Cruise once again demonstrated why he’s a standout figure in both the film industry and the world of extreme stunts.

His contribution to the ceremony was more than just a Hollywood cameo; it was a testament to his dedication, passion, and love for thrilling audiences. For Cruise, it wasn’t about the money—it was about the mission. And as always, mission accomplished.