Tom Cruise descended down into the Paris Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday. (Getty Images)
Tom Cruise brought the magic of Hollywood to Paris, delivering an unforgettable moment at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony. The “Mission: Impossible” star made a breathtaking descent from the top of the Stade de France after H.E.R.’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” soaring gracefully down to the athletes who had competed in the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad.
Cruise, ever the master of jaw-dropping stunts, captivated the world as cameras captured his stunning flight from atop the stadium. Dressed in a leather jacket and slacks, he effortlessly glided through the Paris sky before making his way through a sea of Olympians. Simone Biles and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass then handed Cruise the Olympic flag, marking the symbolic handover from Paris to Los Angeles, the host of the 2028 Olympics.
Cruise took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his gratitude: “Thank you, Paris! Now off to LA.” The thrilling sequence continued in a pre-recorded clip where Cruise raced through Paris before boarding a plane to Los Angeles. Upon arriving, he stood atop the iconic Hollywood sign, which had been transformed to display the Olympic rings, signaling the countdown to LA 2028.
True to form, Cruise performed the entire stunt himself, a testament to his commitment to high-octane action. The “Top Gun: Maverick” star is no stranger to danger, having filmed part of the sequence back in March, where he was spotted posing on the iconic landmark. His dedication to delivering cinematic spectacle was evident, despite past injuries, like the ankle break he suffered during a stunt for “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” in 2017.
Following Cruise’s spectacular feat, the spotlight shifted to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles. Athletes celebrated the handover as the Olympic flag made its way to a Southern California beach. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, a local favorite, rocked the stage before Billie Eilish, perched on a lifeguard tower, delivered a powerful performance.
The closing ceremony also featured a special appearance by Snoop Dogg, who had been a staple at the Paris Olympics. The rap icon, alongside Dr. Dre, hyped up the crowd with a performance that welcomed the world to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Snoop, who had earlier carried the torch and provided commentary throughout the Games, reflected on his Olympic experience, saying, “When the lights are on, that’s when I shine the best… I tend to do the unthinkable.”
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