Tom Cruise is once again pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking. In “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”, he performs one of the most daring stunts of his career—walking on the wing of a flying airplane. But behind the thrill is a deeper story about ambition, preparation, and the relentless pursuit of goals.
Cruise shared during his latest film’s press conference in Seoul that this stunt had been a dream of his since childhood. As a six-year-old, he would sit on airplanes and imagine what it would be like to stand on the wing, soaring through the sky. Unlike most, he never let that idea go.
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Turning that dream into reality took years. As a licensed pilot with experience in aerobatic flying, Cruise was deeply involved in designing the entire sequence. The team had to return to Africa twice to get it right. The process required developing new camera systems, customizing aircraft, and planning every movement down to the smallest detail.
The wing-walking itself was physically intense. Cruise described the difficulty of moving around the aircraft while flying at speeds over 140 miles per hour. He said the wind force was intense and described it like sticking your face out of a car window at high speed — only with your entire body exposed. He described the experience as wild and unlike anything he had ever done. It wasn’t just about fearlessness—it was about discipline and focus.
Cruise explained how he tackles challenges by setting clear goals and breaking them down into actionable steps. That list of steps evolves as he learns and adapts. This structured approach helped him achieve something few actors would even consider attempting.
For Cruise, filmmaking isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. He recalled knowing from the age of four that he wanted to make movies and tell stories. At 18, during his first leading role, he made a commitment to give everything he had to cinema. Decades later, he still holds himself to that standard.
He also spoke about his close collaboration with director Christopher McQuarrie. Together, they’ve worked on this chapter of “Mission: Impossible” for seven years. After every film, Cruise said they always look at what can be improved. There’s always another level to reach—another goal to pursue.
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”, directed by McQuarrie, picks up where “Dead Reckoning” (2023) left off, continuing the story of Ethan Hunt and his team as they face their most dangerous mission yet. The film opens in Philippine cinemas on May 17, 2025.
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