Tom Cruise has achieved a new stunt milestone, earning a Guinness World Record for the most flaming parachute jumps by an individual. This remarkable feat took place during the filming of the latest installment of the action-packed franchise, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” Cruise bravely leaped out of a helicopter strapped to a burning parachute a total of sixteen times consecutively.
Known for his daring stunts as Ethan Hunt in the “Mission: Impossible” series, Cruise has continuously pushed the limits of action sequences. From hanging onto an airplane during takeoff to scaling the world’s tallest building and driving a motorcycle off a cliff with a parachute landing, Cruise’s dedication to authenticity is unparalleled.
In a previous film, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” Cruise became the first actor to capture a HALO (high altitude, low opening) drop on camera, showcasing his fearless commitment to performing challenging stunts himself. Craig Glenday, the editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, praised Cruise for embodying the role of an action hero both on-screen and off-screen.
Each parachute used for the flaming jumps was doused in fuel before Cruise ignited it mid-air, a process requiring precise timing and skill. Despite the risks involved, Cruise executed the jumps flawlessly, ensuring his safety by deploying a backup parachute after the flaming one burnt out rapidly.
Although Guinness World Records did not specify any previous record holder for this achievement, they highlighted that Cruise’s sixteen flaming parachute jumps set an unparalleled standard in the industry. Cruise’s dedication to authenticity and pushing the boundaries of traditional stunts has solidified his position as a Hollywood legend in the realm of action movies.
While not every stunt has been without its challenges, such as Cruise breaking his ankle during a building-to-building jump in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” his resilience and commitment to delivering breathtaking performances remain unwavering. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” the eighth film in the series, premiered in May, captivating audiences with its adrenaline-pumping action sequences.
