Tom Cruise's Epic Airplane Stunt in Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation

An Epic Stunt Sequence in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

In the fifth installment of the action-packed Mission: Impossible film franchise, Tom Cruise once again reprised his role as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. Released in 2015, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation contained Cruise's usual array of death-defying stunts, but one scene stood out for its epic scale and intensity - the airplane hangar sequence.

The Planning and Preparation

The airplane hangar stunt scene took eight takes and weeks of preparation to accomplish. Filmed at an airport in Oxfordshire, UK, it involved Cruise's Ethan Hunt clinging to the side of a huge Airbus A400M Atlas cargo plane as it taxied and took off down the runway at speeds approaching 130 mph.

To pull off this dangerous stunt, Cruise underwent months of rigorous training to increase his stamina and tolerance for high wind conditions. The filmmakers also worked closely with pilots and safety experts to carefully choreograph every aspect of the stunt.

Rigging Cruise to the Airplane

The biggest challenge was figuring out how to safely and securely rig Cruise to the exterior of a moving airplane. The team engineered a custom-built vertical windtunnel-like apparatus that was mounted onto the airplane's cargo door. Dangling from rigging inside this apparatus, Cruise was able to remain flush against the fuselage as the windspeed intensified.

The rigging was carefully counterbalanced to prevent excessive lateral forces from building up and tearing Cruise away from the plane. Cruise also wore a helmet, goggles, oxygen mask, elbow pads, and other protective gear to keep him safe in the event of an unlikely mishap.

Rehearsals and Filming

After extensive rehearsals, it was finally time to film the real takes with cameras rolling. Each take involved the giant Airbus plane speeding down the runway, with Cruise secured tightly against its side focusing intently amidst deafening noise and intense vibrations.

As the Airbus reached its rotation speed, its nose wheel lifted off the ground and Cruise was left clinging horizontally to the upward-angled fuselage. At the top of the vertical climb, Cruise was subjected to forces approaching 3G's as the plane banked sharply to one side.

Throughout this electrifying sequence, Cruise performed all of his own stunts while cameras captured the action from just inches away. The final edited scene was an adrenaline-filled minute that required immense daring and determination to complete.

Critical Reaction and Legacy

Cruise's airplane stunt dazzled audiences and critics alike. Many entertainment journalists ran out of superlatives to describe it, calling it "the greatest stunt of Tom Cruise's career" and "one of the most jaw-dropping things ever filmed."

The scene essentially became the centerpiece of the entire Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation marketing campaign. Trailers focused heavily on teasing the stunt, knowing it would get audiences into theaters. The stunt sequence also influenced the action movie landscape, raising the bar for just how far stars will go to create visceral theatrical experiences.

Now remembered as the signature scene of Rogue Nation, Cruise's airplane hangar stunt showcased his extraordinary dedication, audaciousness, and willingness to push boundaries. It capped off a remarkable career filled with bold and creative cinematic feats.

The Making of an Iconic Stunt

Tom Cruise's airplane stunt in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation involved enormous risks, but also enormous rewards. To create a truly jaw-dropping sequence, Cruise and the filmmakers meticulously planned every detail, engineered specialized equipment, and rehearsed rigorously before capturing take after perfect take.

The final edited scene forever raised the bar for action movies, cementing Cruise's status as one of Hollywood's biggest daredevils. It serves as a testament to blockbuster filmmaking at its most ambitious and unbridled.

FAQs

How did Tom Cruise safely perform the airplane stunt?

Cruise was rigged to the plane's cargo door using a custom-built apparatus that allowed him to remain flush against the fuselage. He also wore protective gear like a helmet and oxygen mask.

How fast was the airplane moving during the stunt?

The Airbus A400M reached speeds approaching 130 mph as it taxied and took off down the runway with Cruise clinging to the side.

How many takes did it require to film the stunt?

The airplane hangar sequence took 8 complete takes over weeks of preparation and rehearsals.

What kind of training did Tom Cruise do?

Cruise underwent months of strenuous physical training to increase his stamina and tolerance for the high wind conditions.

How did critics react to the stunt?

Critics were dazzled by the airplane stunt, calling it one of Cruise's greatest feats and a jaw-dropping cinematic achievement.