Tom Cruise: Breathtaking stunt at the Burj Khalifa – it was that risky!

Tom Cruise: Breathtaking stunt at the Burj Khalifa – it was that risky!

Tom Cruise has once again ventured to dizzying heights, creating one of the most memorable moments in film history. In “Mission: Impossible – Phantom Protocol” he plays the main role of Ethan Hunt and performs a spectacular stunt on the facade of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world at 828 meters high. This stunt is a masterpiece, realized not through CGI, but through Cruise's own performance. So reported Joyn, that Cruise personally worked on the façade, which posed an enormous challenge as the thin air at this altitude, the tight safety harness and the pressing time made the recording process difficult.

The director in charge, Brad Bird, as well as a team of engineers, professional climbers and stuntmen were at his side to ensure the safety aspects of the stunt. Cruise also had to fire a reluctant production insurance company that deemed the stunt too risky and found another insurance company that supported the bold one. Loud Screen Rant The planning and execution of the stunt was marked by the need for special permits, including drilling into the facade of the Burj Khalifa, resulting in 35 damaged windows.

A stunt full of challenges

The drone footage and the intensive filming were complex: the helicopters needed for the footage only had a cargo time of 30 minutes, which required fast work. Cruise himself performed most of his stunts without a double, facing the challenge that the tight harness restricted blood circulation, necessitating rapid filming.
Not only did the stunt itself have to be planned carefully, but the appropriate training requirements also had to be created. These included creating a glass wall to simulate the exterior of the Burj Khalifa to help Cruise acclimate to the comforts of the dishes.

The stunt on the facade of the Burj Khalifa remains one of the most famous and fascinating moments in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. The business of risky stunts is not without risk; Cruise injured himself several times, although he continued to film dangerous scenes in later films such as “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1”.

A lasting legacy

Conversation over this exciting stunt has not subsided over a decade after its performance. Cruise himself describes it as the highlight of his stunt-specific career, a mix of challenging action and light comedy, which secured him his status as an action star.
Stunt coordinator Gregg Smrz spoke of a particularly nerve-wracking moment during filming when Hunt's equipment failed. Matt Damon highlighted Cruise's extraordinary dedication to his stunts, praising his long-term planning and willingness to push the boundaries of safety.

In an industry where the pursuit of the next great adventure never ends, the Burj Khalifa stunt in Mission: Impossible - Phantom Protocol remains a standout testament to Tom Cruise's tireless thrill-seeking and ability to amaze audiences.