Tom Cruise, who turned 61 this week, has performed what is being hailed as the 'biggest and most dangerous stunt in cinema history' for the upcoming film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. The scene, which took years of planning, sees Cruise drive a motorcycle off a cliff and parachute into a Norwegian valley.
Director Christopher McQuarrie described the stunt as 'far and away the most dangerous thing we've ever attempted,' noting that Cruise was heavily involved in the master plan to coordinate experts across various disciplines. The actor underwent extensive training, including over 13,000 motorcycle jumps and 500 skydives.
Co-star Simon Pegg expressed concerns about the risks, telling Deadline: 'Tom is jumping off cliffs on a motorbike... it's genuinely dangerous stuff.' Stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood revealed Cruise would perform over 30 jumps a day, becoming 'just a machine.'
To prepare, a motocross track was built where Cruise practiced 80ft tabletops 13,000 times. A replica ramp and quarry filled with cardboard boxes were created in England to simulate the jump, which was later filmed in Hellesylt, Norway in 2020. A GPS chip recorded Cruise's jumps and speed to ensure accurate camera and drone placement.
Cruise noted the key was hitting specific speeds without a speedometer, relying on the 'sound and feel of the bike.' He used the wind for lift when departing the bike. BASE jumping coach Miles Daisher praised Cruise's spatial awareness, calling him 'the most aware person I've ever met.'
The film, which features several other wild stunts, is set for release on July 12. Cruise expressed his love for performing stunts, continuing his reputation for fearless on-screen action.
