Tom Cruise Nearly Breaks Back During Mission Impossible Stunt

Tom Cruise nearly broke his back performing a dangerous mid-air biplane stunt in "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," where he leapt from one plane to another and clung to a seatbelt as the aircraft flipped upside down. The stunt, done entirely in real-time without green screens or digital doubles, caused severe physical strain including separated joints and swollen fingers due to the intense force exerted. Director Christopher McQuarrie highlighted the pain Cruise endured, noting the brutal impact of the crash into the plane’s side, which Cruise improvised to enhance the scene. Despite the risks and prior injuries sustained in previous films such as a broken ankle during "Fallout," Cruise remains committed to performing his own stunts and continuing action roles well into the future. The behind-the-scenes commentary released with the film's digital debut provided detailed insights into the physical toll of Cruise’s dedication to authenticity and spectacle. Cruise's willingness to push his limits underscores his unique position as a daredevil in contemporary cinema.