In *Mission: Impossible* films, Ethan Hunt’s aerial stunts, brilliantly performed by Tom Cruise, have become legendary for their audacity and jaw-dropping intensity. Here’s a look at some of the best aerial stunts that showcase Cruise’s commitment to thrilling, high-octane action.
**1. **The Burj Khalifa Climb** (*Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol*): Arguably one of the most iconic stunts in the franchise, Tom Cruise scales the exterior of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building. This breathtaking sequence sees Cruise clinging to the skyscraper’s glass facade, navigating ledges, and performing perilous moves at dizzying heights. The sheer scale and realism of this stunt are amplified by Cruise’s insistence on performing it himself, with no CGI or stunt doubles.
**2. **The Plane Hang** (*Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation*): In an adrenaline-fueled opening sequence, Ethan Hunt is seen hanging onto the side of an Airbus A400M as it takes off. Cruise’s willingness to cling to a moving aircraft at over 5,000 feet demonstrates not only his dedication but also the film’s commitment to delivering authentic thrills. The sequence was shot with a real plane and showcases Hunt’s fearlessness and physical prowess.
**3. **The HALO Jump** (*Mission: Impossible – Fallout*): This heart-pounding sequence features Cruise performing a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute jump from a staggering altitude of 25,000 feet. The scene, filmed with real skydiving, captures the raw intensity of the jump as Hunt and his team descend into a stormy, treacherous environment. Cruise’s meticulous preparation and the scene’s realism contribute to its status as one of the franchise’s most memorable stunts.
Each of these stunts exemplifies Tom Cruise’s unparalleled dedication to delivering high-impact, authentic action sequences, making Ethan Hunt’s aerial exploits some of the most thrilling in cinema history.
