Tom Cruise Set to Skydive at Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony
Tom Cruise is set to deliver an unforgettable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony on August 11. According to reports, Cruise may skydive to the Hollywood Sign during the orchestrated handoff to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. TMZ revealed that this daring stunt was quietly filmed in March.
Cruise has been a prominent presence at the Paris games, attending events like the women’s gymnastics qualifiers and various swimming competitions. He expressed his admiration for the athletes and their incredible achievements, telling Reuters, “It’s awesome. Great stories, great athletes. It’s incredible what they have to do, the sense of accomplishment.”
The production company Fulwell 73, co-run by James Corden and known for Hulu’s “The Kardashians” and Adele’s 2021 CBS special “One Night Only,” is behind the Los Angeles segment. This segment will blend prerecorded and live elements to create a seamless transition between the Paris and Los Angeles Games.
Initially, there was a plan for a large party at Will Rogers State Beach, where the Olympic flag handoff would occur. However, this plan was scrapped due to concerns from the LAPD about extended closures of the Pacific Coast Highway and challenges in obtaining the necessary permits from the California Coastal Commission. Fulwell 73 has not commented on these changes.
The Paris Games’ opening ceremony on July 26, which featured performances by Lady Gaga, drag queens, and global athletes sailing down the River Seine, received mixed reactions from audiences. The closing ceremonies, particularly the handoff segments, have a history of showcasing celebrity spectacles. For instance, the 2008 Beijing Olympics featured Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis performing Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” atop a faux bus headed to London.
The 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games also set a high bar with opening and closing ceremonies produced by “Roots” mastermind David L. Wolper and key Walt Disney Co. creative executive Robert Jani. These ceremonies included memorable performances by Lionel Richie, The Beach Boys, and film composer John Williams, creating a Hollywood-driven spectacle.
Tom Cruise’s involvement in the Paris 2024 closing ceremony is expected to continue this tradition of star-studded performances. His potential skydive to the Hollywood Sign is a nod to the excitement and anticipation building up for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. This stunt, along with the mix of live and prerecorded elements, promises to make the closing ceremony a highlight of the Paris Olympics.
Cruise’s participation underscores his dedication to thrilling audiences and his connection to the world of sports and entertainment. As the world watches, his performance is set to be a defining moment in the transition from the Paris to Los Angeles Olympics, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what the 2028 Games will bring.
