Tom Cruise Closes 2024 Paris Olympics by Skydiving into LA from Stade de France

Tom Cruise brought his signature action-packed flair to the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday, making a grand entrance that thrilled spectators and athletes alike. The 62-year-old actor, known for performing his own stunts, showcased his daring nature with a spectacular display that marked the symbolic handover of the Olympic Games to Los Angeles, set to host the event in 2028.

Cruise began his awe-inspiring performance by descending from the top of Stade de France, suspended in mid-air by safety wires. This dramatic entrance was met with roaring applause from the crowd, hyping up the audience for the rest of the evening’s festivities.

With the electrifying notes of H.E.R.’s guitar performance in the background—she had just played the National Anthem—Cruise confidently strode across the stage to greet a lineup of athletes and well-wishers. His walk across the stage was a moment of high energy and excitement that further enlivened the closing ceremony.

Once on the stage, Cruise met with Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, and gold medalist Simone Biles, sharing handshakes and smiles in a gesture of camaraderie and optimism for the next Olympics.

Taking center stage, Cruise was then entrusted with the Olympic flag. In a move straight out of one of his action films, he dashed toward a waiting motorcycle, attached the flag securely to the bike, and rode out of the stadium in a thrilling sequence that had the entire audience on the edge of their seats.

What followed was a cinematic experience: a pre-recorded segment where Cruise was seen navigating the bustling streets of Paris before boarding a plane with the Olympic flag in tow. The video then transitioned to Cruise flying toward Los Angeles. In a highly anticipated moment, he jumped from the plane, soaring through the skies of L.A., creating an unforgettable image as he passed by the iconic Hollywood Sign, cleverly modified for the occasion with two of its “O”s transformed into Olympic rings.

Cruise’s appearance wasn’t just a random stunt but a testament to his reputation for performing extreme feats, many unprecedented in the annals of action cinema. His commitment and meticulous preparation have always been key components of his work. Back in June 2023, while promoting “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” in Rome, Cruise discussed one particularly perilous stunt—a motorcycle jump off a cliff into a base jump. He revealed that this heart-stopping maneuver was the very first scene filmed for the movie, a choice driven by a mix of strategic planning and sheer audacity.

Reflecting on the preparation for the stunt, Cruise mentioned, “Well, we know either we’re gonna continue with the film or we’re not,” adding some humor to the high stakes of the situation. He emphasized the exhaustive planning that went into the scene, noting that he had been honing his skills in motorcycling, car racing, aerobatics, parachuting, and operating helicopters for years. All these experiences culminated in that intense moment, executed flawlessly on the first day of filming.

“You have to be razor-sharp when you do something like that,” Cruise explained. “It was very important as we were prepping the film that actually was the first thing [to shoot], because I don’t want to drop that and go shoot other things and then have my mind somewhere else. Everyone was prepped, let’s just get it done.”

Cruise’s stunt at the Paris Olympics not only highlighted his enduring appeal but also set an exhilarating tone for the preparations and expectations leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. His involvement added an extra layer of excitement and spectacle, making the closing ceremony a memorable experience for all who witnessed it.

Source: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images, Steph Chambers/Getty Images, Fabrizio Bensch- Pool/Getty Images, Jamie Squire/Getty Images