Behind the Scenes of Tom Cruise's Epic Stunt in Mission: Impossible 7

Behind the Scenes of the Rogue Stunt in Mission: Impossible 7

The latest installment in the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise, Dead Reckoning Part One, hits theaters on July 12th, 2023. Fans are eagerly anticipating the film's signature breathtaking stunts and action sequences performed by series star Tom Cruise, who is known for doing many of his own stunts across the franchise's 25+ year history.

Tom Cruise's Dedication to Authentic Stunts

Part of what makes the Mission: Impossible films so engaging are the real stunts done by Cruise himself. The actor's uncompromising dedication to perform as many of his own stunts as possible lends an air of authenticity and stakes to the action.

In Dead Reckoning Part One, this dedication was on full display during what has been dubbed in initial footage as the "rogue stunt sequence."

The Motorcycle Stunt

The stunt in question shows Cruise's character Ethan Hunt riding a motorcycle off a giant cliff in Norway. After sailing through the air, he releases his parachute and glides safely away in a high-octane moment.

For this stunt, Cruise had a specially designed ramp built atop the cliff. After lots of testing and safety checks, he rode a motorcycle up the ramp at high speed to launch off the cliff and into the air, before deploying a parachute to land safely.

Rigorous Training

Even with his decades of stunt experience, Cruise underwent significant training to prepare for such a dangerous feat. He worked extensively with professional stunt coordinators and parachuting experts to hone in all the proper techniques.

The 60-year old star also engaged in thorough strength and conditioning work to get his body ready for the physical demands of the stunt. Things like suspension line training to deal with the intense G-forces from the parachute were critical.

On-Set Precautions

Numerous precautions were also taken on the set itself when Cruise finally attempted the full stunt sequence. There were extensive checks with the ramp set up and parachute equipment along with thorough briefings on all safety protocols.

A specialized team was on standby both atop the cliff and in boats below. Emergency rescue swimmers prepared for rapid response if Cruise veered off course away from the landing zone.

The Importance of Authenticity

So why would a major star in his 60s take on such a risky stunt? Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie have often emphasized the importance of authenticity in the Mission: Impossible franchise.

By pushing his physical limits to perform these breathtaking feats himself rather than relying completely on CGI or stunt doubles, Cruise heightens the stakes both for his character and the audience.

Inspiring Movie Magic

There is also the iconic inspiring "movie magic" component - showcasing that a star like Cruise can truly achieve these death-defying acts on screen to create indelible cinematic images.

It encourages viewers to lose themselves in that feeling of witnessing something genuinely dangerous and awe-inspiring.

Critical Reception

So far, critics and fans who've seen previews and trailers of the sequence have raved about how visually spectacular it looks. Many can't believe a star of Cruise's age performed such a risky feat himself.

Early reception indicates the rogue cliff stunt helps showcase Cruise and McQuarrie's commitment to practical authenticity - setting up Dead Reckoning Part One's action sequences to impress and astound.

The Legacy

As Ethan Hunt's journey continues in this new film, so does Tom Cruise's daring commitment to bringing jaw-dropping authentic stunt work to the franchise he has led for over two decades.

The motorcycle cliff sequence joins a long legacy of Cruise's death-defying acts - from scaling the Burj Khalifa in Ghost Protocol to hanging off an airplane mid-flight in Rogue Nation.

Inspiring New Generations

This effort to push his physical limits for the right death-defying shot will no doubt inspire new generations just as much as the original films did.

When audiences strap in for the ride this July 12th, they can rest assured knowing their ticket money paid for a real-life action spectacle orchestrated by Cruise and McQuarrie's unwavering commitment to authentic stunts and practical movie magic in an age dominated by CGI.

FAQs

What is the big stunt in Mission: Impossible 7?

Tom Cruise's character Ethan Hunt rides a motorcycle off a giant cliff in Norway before deploying a parachute to glide safely to the ground.

How did Tom Cruise prepare for such a dangerous stunt?

Cruise worked extensively with stunt coordinators and parachuting experts to train on proper techniques. He also did strength and conditioning to prepare his body, including suspension line training.

What safety precautions were in place?

There were thorough checks on the ramp set up and parachuting equipment. Emergency crews were standing by both atop the cliff and in boats below prepared to respond if anything went wrong.

Why is Tom Cruise so dedicated to doing his own stunts?

He and director Christopher McQuarrie believe performing his own stunts heightens authenticity and stakes. It also inspires awe in audiences knowing a star is pushing his limits on screen.