Tom Cruise to perform 'Mission Impossible' style stunt to close Paris Olympics and hand over games to LA

PARIS, FRANCE: Tom Cruise is set to bring a touch of Hollywood glamour to the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11.

According to reports, Cruise will channel his 'Mission Impossible' stunts by rappelling from the top of Stade de France and then skydiving to the iconic Hollywood sign during the orchestrated handoff to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. The thrilling Hollywood sign stunt was quietly filmed back in March, as per TMZ.

Tom Cruise to lead daring stunt at Olympic closing ceremony

TMZ sources reveal that closing ceremony will feature Cruise rappelling from the top of Stade de France, landing with the Olympic flag. The broadcast will then cut to a pre-recorded film showing the actor flying with the flag from France to Los Angeles, where he skydives to the Hollywood sign.

The film reportedly continues with Tom passing the flag to other Olympians, including a cyclist, skateboarder, and volleyball player, who will showcase the next host city for the Summer Games.

Reportedly, photos of Cruise on the Hollywood sign from March, taken after he landed, didn't reveal the Olympic connection. Paparazzi footage from March captures Cruise passing the flag to the first Olympian. Logistics for the stunt in France are still being finalized, and a stunt double might be used for the rappelling.

Cruise, who proposed the stunts to the International Olympic Committee, is driving the project. He previously participated in the 2004 Olympic torch relay in Los Angeles.

James Corden’s Fulwell 73 creates dynamic LA segment

Production company Fulwell 73, co-run by James Corden and famed for its work on Hulu’s 'The Kardashians' and Adele’s 2021 CBS special 'One Night Only' at the iconic Griffith Observatory, is orchestrating the LA segment, blending prerecorded and live elements for a captivating show.

The legendary actor has been spotted soaking up the excitement at the Paris Games, attending events like the women's gymnastics qualifiers and swimming competitions.

"It's awesome," Cruise told Reuters. "Great stories, great athletes. It's incredible what they have to do, the sense of accomplishment."

On July 28, Bercy Arena was not only buzzing with star power such as Cruise but Lady Gaga, John Legend, Ariana Grande, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour also gathered to witness the triumphant return of Simone Biles to the Olympic gymnastics stage for the qualifying round.

Initially, plans included a grand celebration at Will Rogers State Beach, featuring the handoff of the Olympic flag.

However, this idea was abandoned due to LAPD concerns about prolonged Pacific Coast Highway closures and difficulties in obtaining California Coastal Commission permits.

Fulwell 73 has not commented on the changes, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

Olympic closing ceremonies now star-studded extravaganzas

Olympic closing ceremonies have often transformed into star-studded extravaganzas.

In 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Olivia Newton-John and John Farnham delivered a heartfelt performance of 'Dare to Dream,"'which encapsulated the spirit of the Games and resonated with the Australian audience.

In 2008, Beijing dazzled audiences with Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis atop a faux London bus, belting out Led Zeppelin’s 'Whole Lotta Love' as a thrilling prelude to the London Games.

At the London 2012 Summer Olympics, the Spice Girls consisting of Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm shared a performance stage for the closing ceremony.

Additionally, The Who, legendary British rock band, performed several of their hits, including 'Baba O'Riley' and 'My Generation,' bringing high energy to the event and celebrating the UK's musical legacy.

While Eric Idle, The Monty Python member, performed 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,' a children's choir performed John Lennon's 'Imagine' which was enhanced by a video of Lennon himself, creating a poignant moment that aligned with the Games' motto of 'Inspire a Generation.'

The 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics saw opening and closing ceremonies that were pure Hollywood magic.

Orchestrated by 'Roots' creator David L Wolper and Walt Disney Co. creative visionary Robert Jani, the events boasted unforgettable performances by Lionel Richie, The Beach Boys, and legendary film composer John Williams, blending Olympic grandeur with Tinseltown glamour.