Hollywood legend Tom Cruise made a spectacular entrance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony, thrilling spectators with a daring stunt that only he could pull off. The 62-year-old star of the Mission: Impossible franchise made a dramatic entrance at the Stade de France, descending from the roof on a wire, dressed in his signature leather jacket and gloves, as the crowd erupted in excitement.
The dramatic moment unfolded as American musician H.E.R. played an electric guitar on stage, setting the tone for the grand finale of the Games. Cruise’s appearance was featured in the ceremony’s handover segment to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics.
A Cinematic Handover
Before his live stunt, Cruise was featured in a pre-recorded film that showcased his journey through Paris, culminating in a trip to Los Angeles where he reached the iconic Hollywood sign and unfurled the Olympic flag. The cinematic handover was set to the music of California natives, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who followed up with a live performance of their hit song “Can’t Stop” on a beach in Los Angeles.
The closing ceremony in Paris was a heartfelt farewell to the 2024 Games, with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praising the event as “sensational” and commending the athletes for their “simply amazing” performances. In his speech, Bach highlighted the unity and camaraderie displayed by the athletes, saying, “You embraced each other. You created a culture of peace.”
A Grand Finale with Hollywood Flair
Cruise’s live appearance continued to captivate as he took the Olympic flag from American gymnastics star Simone Biles, who was among the standout athletes of the Games. The action star then exited the stadium in true Cruise fashion, riding a motorbike through a corridor of cheering spectators.
The evening’s entertainment was rounded out by performances from Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, with Snoop—an LA native—being a regular presence throughout the Games.
Artistic Direction and Unforgettable Moments
The ceremony was a visual spectacle, with artistic director Thomas Jolly incorporating cinematic elements throughout. One of the standout segments featured a darkened stadium where dancers rolled five giant rings across the stage, ultimately forming the Olympic logo. The mood then shifted with an energetic performance by French band Phoenix, who played two of their hits as athletes joined them on stage.
Despite the secrecy surrounding Cruise’s role in the ceremony, rumors had been circulating for days. The actor, known for performing his own stunts, had been spotted several times during the Games, cheering on the U.S. team in various events, including the swimming relay and Simone Biles’ gymnastics performances.
“It’s awesome,” Cruise told Reuters during the Games. “Great stories, great athletes. It’s incredible what they do.”
A Memorable Conclusion to the Paris Games
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been hailed as a tremendous success, with the closing ceremony serving as a fitting conclusion to weeks of remarkable athletic achievements and unforgettable moments. Tom Cruise’s breathtaking stunt was the perfect capstone, blending Hollywood flair with the Olympic spirit as the world now looks ahead to the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
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