Tom Cruise’s dedication to his craft is unmatched, as evidenced by his recent admission that he passed out while filming a scene for the upcoming “Mission: Impossible” movie. In a candid interview with Empire, the actor shed light on the extreme nature of his stunts in the highly anticipated film, titled “The Final Reckoning,” slated for release this May.
Cruise detailed a harrowing moment during filming, where he can be seen gripping a 1930s biplane soaring through the sky. This heart-stopping sequence, featured on the cover of Empire, exemplifies Cruise’s commitment to authenticity in his roles. The Hollywood A-lister revealed the challenges he faced during this particular stunt, notably the lack of oxygen when sticking his face out at speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour.
“When you stick your face out, going over 120 to 130 miles an hour, you’re not getting oxygen,” Cruise shared. “So I had to train myself how to breathe. There were times I would pass out physically; I was unable to get back into the cockpit.”
His long-time collaborator, Christopher McQuarrie, who both wrote and directed the film, commended Cruise’s unwavering determination and work ethic. McQuarrie praised Cruise’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of action cinema, emphasizing the jaw-dropping stunts featured in the upcoming movie.
“There are stunts in this movie that will melt your brain,” McQuarrie enthused. “There would be a day in Africa – any day in Africa – where Tom would go out and do something that topped anything he had ever done before.”
The duo’s creative partnership has produced some of the most iconic action sequences in recent memory, with Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts setting a new standard for the industry. One such memorable stunt from 2018’s “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” was the HALO jump, a high-risk maneuver typically reserved for military special forces.
HALO, which stands for “high altitude, low opening,” involves jumping out of a plane at altitudes of 25,000 to 40,000 feet before deploying the parachute close to the ground. Cruise’s portrayal of this daring feat required meticulous planning and specialized equipment to ensure his safety during the jump.
“The aircraft is going between these C-17s between 160 and 200 miles an hour, so at that level of turbulence, we had to find a way to exit the aircraft,” Cruise explained. “Then it was, we only got one take a day. I spent the whole day training and at night we would get that one take, and if there was one mistake, that was it, the take was gone.”
Despite facing challenges and setbacks during the filming process, including disagreements with the Royal Air Force over safety concerns, Cruise remained steadfast in his commitment to delivering an authentic and exhilarating cinematic experience. His persistence and passion for his craft have solidified his status as one of the most dedicated and accomplished actors in the industry.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Cruise’s remarkable feats of daring and determination serve as a testament to his unparalleled work ethic and unwavering pursuit of excellence in his craft.
