Tom Cruise’s Predictable Stunt at Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony
Tom Cruise’s Olympic Closing Ceremony Stunt: A Mixed Reception
The closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris was a spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide, but Tom Cruise’s dramatic stunt did not receive unanimous praise. The Mission: Impossible actor abseiled off the Stade de France roof, landed amidst a crowd of fans, and rode a motorbike out of the stadium while holding the Olympic flag. This performance marked the handover from Paris to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 games.
The Stunt: Predictable or Thrilling?
Cruise’s High-Octane Performance
The event began with Cruise’s daring abseil from the Stade de France roof, a move that set the tone for his subsequent stunts. Clad in a leather jacket and gloves, Cruise seamlessly transitioned from the roof to the ground, much to the delight of the spectators. He then hopped on a motorbike and rode out of the stadium, holding the Olympic flag high.
A pre-recorded film followed, showcasing Cruise as he traveled through Paris, drove onto a plane, and parachuted down to the ground, landing at the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. The sequence was quintessentially Mission: Impossible, featuring all the elements that fans have come to expect from the franchise.
Public Reaction: Mixed Reviews
Social media was abuzz with reactions to Cruise’s stunt. Some fans found the performance predictable, having anticipated Cruise’s involvement after he was spotted in Paris cheering on the US team in various events. One Twitter user humorously referred to the day as “Tom Cruise Is Gonna Do a Crazy Stunt Day,” while another remarked that the stunt was “totally unsurprising,” likening it to something Cruise might do on a casual Tuesday.
However, not all reactions were critical. Many viewers marveled at the stunt, praising Cruise for executing a series of his favorite high-risk maneuvers. One fan described it as a “Mission Impossible supercut,” highlighting the actor’s jumps, motorcycle ride, and parachute landing. An American viewer even suggested that the stunt set the tone for the upcoming LA games, predicting it would be “obnoxious all over the place.”
Artistic Contrast: France vs. USA
French Elegance vs. American Showmanship
The closing ceremony also featured performances by American musicians Billie Eilish and H.E.R, showcasing Californian talent. The LA band Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song “Can’t Stop” played during Cruise’s Mission: Impossible moment, adding a rock-and-roll flair to the event.
The artistic decisions of the French and American segments of the ceremony drew comparisons. One Twitter user humorously contrasted the two styles: “France: ‘This was nice let’s do some art and some weird stuff to close the show and it’ll be nice.’ America: ‘STAR SPANGLED BANNER. TOM CRUISE. GUITARS. MOTORBIKES. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS.’”
Spectators’ Reactions
Spectators were visibly thrilled when they spotted Cruise atop the stadium. The actor’s dramatic descent and motorbike exit elicited shrieks of excitement from the crowd. The stunt served as a convenient promotional move for Cruise’s upcoming film, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two, set to release in May 2025. This will mark the eighth installment in the franchise, in which Cruise has starred since 1992.
Paramount Pictures’ Statement
A Tribute to Tom Cruise
Shortly after the stunt, Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the Mission: Impossible franchise, released a statement acknowledging Cruise’s contributions to the industry. The statement read, “Today’s closing ceremonies brought our world another incredible moment from Tom Cruise, one that has us looking back on many before it. No matter the mission, he’s always accepted it.”
The statement continued, “We want to take this opportunity to thank Tom for all that he has done for our industry and art forms as both an actor and a producer. He’s consistently strived for the utmost competence across any and all skills that will better the story and experience for the audience.”
Cruise’s Response
In response, Cruise expressed his gratitude and pride in a social media post. “I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve done together. I look forward to sharing our next Mission!” he wrote, hinting at more thrilling adventures to come in the Mission: Impossible series.
FAQs
What was the purpose of Tom Cruise’s stunt at the Olympic closing ceremony?
The stunt was part of the handover ceremony from Paris to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympic Games. It also served as a promotional opportunity for Cruise’s upcoming film.
How did the public react to Tom Cruise’s stunt?
Public reactions were mixed. Some found the stunt predictable, while others were thrilled by the high-octane performance, praising Cruise for his daring maneuvers.
What other performances were featured at the closing ceremony?
American musicians Billie Eilish and H.E.R. performed, showcasing Californian talent. The LA band Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song “Can’t Stop” also played during Cruise’s stunt.
Why was Tom Cruise’s stunt considered predictable by some fans?
Cruise had been spotted in Paris multiple times during the Olympics, leading fans to speculate about his involvement in the closing ceremony.
What did Paramount Pictures say about Tom Cruise’s stunt?
Paramount Pictures released a statement thanking Cruise for his contributions to the industry and teasing aspects of the upcoming Mission: Impossible film.
Conclusion
Tom Cruise’s stunt at the Olympic closing ceremony in Paris garnered a mix of reactions, from admiration to criticism. While some found it predictable, others were thrilled by the high-octane performance that set the stage for the 2028 LA games. The event also highlighted the contrasting artistic styles of the French and American segments, adding a unique flavor to the ceremony. As Cruise continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in film, fans can look forward to more thrilling adventures in the Mission: Impossible series.
