Life-Threatening Stunts: Tom Cruise's Near-Death Experiences on Set

 

Tom Cruise has indeed faced life-threatening situations while performing his own stunts throughout his career. Here are some notable instances where his stunts nearly cost him his life:

1. Top Gun (1986): During a scene where Cruise's character, Maverick, and his co-pilot Goose are ejected from a jet and parachute into the ocean, Cruise experienced a near-drowning incident. While attempting to lift Goose's body from the water, water accumulated in his parachute, causing him to sink. Crew member Barry Tubb stated that Cruise "came as close to dying as anybody on a set" and would have drowned if not rescued in time
2. The Last Samurai (2003): In a fight scene involving real swords, Cruise was nearly struck by a samurai sword during a sequence on mechanical horses. The horse malfunctioned and did not stop as intended, bringing the sword dangerously close to Cruise's neck. Actor Hiroyuki Sanada had to pull back at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a tragic accident
3. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018): During a HALO (High Altitude, Low Open) jump from 25,000 feet, Cruise faced significant risks due to the complexity of the stunt and the need for precise timing with a cameraman following him. The jump was particularly dangerous because it was filmed at night, increasing the chances of collision or miscalculation
4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015): In this film, Cruise performed a stunt where he dangled from the outside of an Airbus A400M during takeoff. The plane reached speeds of 140 mph, and there were significant safety concerns about debris hitting him while he was unprotected on the aircraft's exterior

These examples highlight Tom Cruise's commitment to performing his own stunts and the inherent dangers involved in his thrilling action sequences.