Hollywood star Tom Cruise is reportedly preparing to perform an epic stunt at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, setting the stage for the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in four years.
Widely known as one of the most recognisable faces globally and an acclaimed actor with multiple Academy Award nominations, is also renowned for his love of adrenaline-fueled stunts. His latest venture might cement his reputation as one of the biggest thrill-seekers in history, on par with legendary stunt performer Evel Knievel.
The 62-year-old actor is said to be closing the 2024 Games and passing the flag over to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. According to TMZ, the stunt will involve Cruise descending from the top of the Stade de France, landing on the stadium’s field with the Olympic flag in hand.
The televised broadcast will then cut to a pre-recorded film of Cruise flying with the Olympic flag from France to Los Angeles. In the final segment of the stunt, Cruise will skydive down to the iconic Hollywood sign, a feat that was already filmed on a Saturday morning in March. At the time, it was widely assumed that the stunt was for one of his movies, but its true purpose has since been revealed.
Cruise has already been seen in Paris, supporting top athletes and preparing for his role in the closing ceremony. Photos of Cruise’s skydiving stunt were captured by paparazzi back in March, though the connection to the Olympic Games was not made until now. Following the Hollywood sign jump, the film will show Cruise passing the Olympic flag to other athletes, including a cyclist, a skateboarder, and a volleyball player.
The entire stunt concept was devised by Cruise himself, although the Olympic Committee initially approached him to perform a series of stunts linking the Paris and Los Angeles Games. Cruise’s involvement with the Olympics is not new; in 2004, he participated in the torch relay through Los Angeles as part of the lead-up to the Athens Games.
This ambitious stunt is expected to be a highlight of the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, showcasing Cruise’s unique blend of creativity and daredevilry, while symbolically bridging the transition from Paris to Los Angeles for the upcoming 2028 Games.