True to his reputation as a man of action (cinema), through and through, Tom Cruise has taken the time to thank his fans from all around the world for what is potentially a career-best year – while executing yet another heart-pumping plane jump.
“Hey everyone. Here we are over stunning South Africa, and we’re filming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Parts I & II,” the 60-year-old actor can be heard saying in the footage above, while dangling however many thousands of feet in the air.
“And I didn’t want the year to end without thanking you all for coming out to the theatres and thank you for supporting Top Gun: Maverick.”
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That’s when he received a tap on the shoulder from Mission: Impossible franchise director and Top Gun: Maverick screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie, who reminded his leading man he needed to jump for the shot. To which Tom Cruise promptly obliged with the headline-making plane jump.
Cruise continued as he tumbled back down to Earth: “Where was I? Oh yeah. Thank you for supporting Top Gun: Maverick and as always thank you for allowing us to entertain you. It truly is the honour of a lifetime.”
“I’m running out of altitude, so I better get back to work. We have to get this shot. You have a very safe and happy holiday — we’ll see you at the movies.”
As some of you may recall, Tom Cruise pulled off a similar stunt – also on location at South Africa for the production of Dead Reckoning – back in September for a very special welcome message that was screened to attendees at Las Vegas’ CinemaCon.
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“Hey everyone! Wish I could be there with you,” Tom Cruise began, perched above a red biplane with that signature smile beaming towards the camera.
“I’m sorry about the extra noise. As you can see, we are filming the latest instalment of Mission: Impossible right now. And right now we’re over the gorgeous Blyde River Canyon in stunning South Africa. And we’re making this film for the big screen, for the audiences to see in your wonderful theatres.”
That’s when Christopher McQuarrie pulls into frame, this time riding shotgun in a yellow biplane. The director apologises for interrupting before telling Cruise they’re “losing the light,” “low on fuel,” and need to continue filming.
“See you at the movies,” Tom Cruise signed off as both aircrafts bank left and nosedives.
Just another day in the office for one of the last remaining movie stars with a capital ‘M’ and capital ‘S.’
Top Gun: Maverick starring Tom Cruise and Miles Teller will be available to stream via Paramount+ starting from later this week (December 22nd).
