Tom Cruise made a dazzling appearance at the Paris Olympics, pulling off a breathtaking stunt that felt like it was lifted straight out of Mission Impossible. The Hollywood superstar, who has been a visible presence since the Opening Ceremony on July 26, became the central figure in the symbolic handover of the Olympic Games from Paris to Los Angeles for 2028.
While the late Queen Elizabeth II and Daniel Craig made a memorable impact at London 2012, Cruise’s highly anticipated stunt took Hollywood spectacle to a new level.
Thank you, Paris! Now off to LA. pic.twitter.com/MxlAb0hZbT
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 11, 2024
Earlier in the day, Cruise was spotted at the edge of the Stade de France, where the closing ceremony was in full swing, featuring Phoenix and enthusiastic athletes who stormed the stage. The anticipation reached its peak just after H.E.R. delivered a soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Prior to this, the Olympic flag had been ceremonially handed over to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the iconic Simone Biles.
As the leather-clad Cruise descended among the athletes, NBC’s Mike Tirico shouted, “America, let’s go!” while Jimmy Fallon excitedly declared, “That’s how you do it!” In a cinematic twist, Cruise took the flag from Mayor Bass and Biles, hopped onto a motorcycle, and sped out of the stadium, leaving the crowd in awe.
The spectacle continued with a pre-recorded video showing Cruise leaping from a plane, set to the electrifying soundtrack of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as he delivered the flag to Los Angeles.
This jaw-dropping stunt, which had been one of the most poorly kept secrets of the Games, did not disappoint. In fact, given the buzz surrounding it, the only surprise would have been if Cruise hadn’t shown up. Thankfully, the legendary actor delivered in true Hollywood style, making an unforgettable mark on the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
