Tom Cruise has once again redefined action cinema with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth and potentially final installment of the iconic franchise. Premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, the film earned a 7½-minute standing ovation, leaving Cruise visibly moved. Coupled with a death-defying plane stunt that’s already being hailed as one of the greatest in cinematic history, this movie is a testament to Cruise’s relentless dedication. Let’s dive into his emotional Cannes moment and the epic stunt that’s got everyone talking.
Tom Cruise’s Emotional Cannes Moment
At Cannes, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning was met with thunderous applause inside the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Cruise, reflecting on the experience, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “As a kid when we were growing up, I really can’t even dream of something like this happening… I’m just very grateful for 30 years to be able to entertain you.” This gratitude resonates with fans who’ve followed his journey as Ethan Hunt since 1996.
During a Cannes Masterclass, Cruise also discussed his approach to filmmaking, emphasizing his fearless embrace of the unknown: “I don’t mind kind of encountering the unknown, and I like the feeling.” His passion for pushing boundaries was evident not only in his words but also in the film’s breathtaking stunts, particularly the plane sequence that stole the show.
The Epic Plane Stunt: A TikTok-Inspired Masterpiece
The climactic plane stunt in Final Reckoning is a 12½-minute sequence where Ethan Hunt chases villain Gabriel (Esai Morales) onto a vintage Stearman biplane. Cruise clings to the wing at 8,000 feet, grappling midair through South Africa’s Drakensberg mountains, facing 150 mph winds and near-hypothermic conditions. The stunt, inspired by a TikTok video shown to Cruise by director Christopher McQuarrie, showcases his willingness to turn wild ideas into reality. McQuarrie recalled, “I foolishly showed Tom a video thinking he’d simply be amused by it … and he said ‘I could do that.’”
The sequence wasn’t just daring—it was technically grueling. Filmed over four-and-a-half months, it required over 60 camera positions, antique planes flown with minimal fuel for maneuverability, and a sign language system to communicate amidst wind and engine noise. Cruise’s physical toll was immense; stunt coordinator Wade Eastwood revealed, “Many times we were carrying him off the wing because he was so tired.”
Adding to the stunt’s intensity, Cruise performed 16 burning parachute jumps, earning a Guinness World Record for “most burning parachute jumps by an individual.” This involved skydiving with a parachute deliberately set on fire, requiring precise movements to avoid deadly spins. A behind-the-scenes video released by Paramount shows Cruise dousing his parachute in fuel and executing the stunt with meticulous precision.
Why This Stunt Stands Out
Cruise’s commitment to practical stunts sets Final Reckoning apart. Unlike CGI-heavy blockbusters, this sequence was filmed with real planes, real heights, and real danger. Simon Pegg, a co-star, called it “the summit of madness,” noting its “beggar’s belief” quality. The stunt’s raw authenticity, combined with Cruise’s 30 years of stunt training, allows cameras to capture angles that immerse audiences fully.
The biplane sequence isn’t the only highlight. Cruise also tackled an underwater stunt in a sunken submarine, nearly suffocating in an 8.5-million-liter tank, and a wing-walking scene facing hurricane-force winds. These feats, performed at age 62, underscore his claim to act and stunt “into his 100s.”
The Impact of ‘Final Reckoning’
Released on May 23, 2025, Final Reckoning grossed $204 million worldwide in its opening weekend, marking the franchise’s best opening day at $25 million. The film continues the story from Dead Reckoning Part One, with Ethan Hunt battling an AI villain, The Entity, and its human liaison, Gabriel. Despite fewer action scenes than prior entries, the stunts are impactful, earning praise for their storytelling without dialogue.
Cruise’s stunts have sparked widespread awe. Fans on X called him the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), celebrating his Guinness Record and fearless performance. Critics have lauded the film as a “symphony of danger,” with the plane stunt ranking among the franchise’s wildest.
What’s Next for Tom Cruise?
While Final Reckoning may be the last Mission: Impossible film, Cruise shows no signs of slowing down. His dedication to practical stunts and audience immersion has cemented his legacy as a cinematic titan. Whether he’s scaling skyscrapers, flying fighter jets, or leaping between planes, Cruise’s mantra remains clear: do it for real, or don’t do it at all.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is now in theaters and will stream on Paramount+ in the coming months. Don’t miss the chance to witness Cruise’s most daring stunt yet on the big screen.
