Tom Cruise breaks a wild world record in Mission Impossible Finale — here's what he did mid-air

Time of India

15 hours ago

Tom Cruise has once again pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking. The Mission Impossible star has entered the Guinness World Records for completing the highest number of flaming parachute jumps by any actor or stuntman. Cruise performed this feat by jumping out of a plane 16 times, each time strapped with a parachute pre-soaked in fuel and set on fire. He then cut off the burnt parachute mid-air and safely deployed a backup chute. The record-setting jumps were done as part of the action sequences in Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.
The jump that broke records
Cruise's record-breaking stunt was executed during the filming of the latest Mission Impossible installment. Director Christopher McQuarrie confirmed that during the sequence, Cruise had a 50-pound camera rig attached to his body, making the jump more complex. According to the Guinness World Records website, no actor or stunt performer has come close to matching the number or intensity of these jumps.
Cruise's history of performing his own stunts
Tom Cruise is known for performing most of his stunts, and this record further cements that reputation. For over 20 years, he has been flying planes and helicopters himself. He also holds licenses for every type of aircraft he's piloted in his films. His consistent effort to keep action sequences authentic has set him apart in the industry. The record site acknowledged this by highlighting the danger and uniqueness of his parachute jumps, calling them 'death-defying drops' unmatched by anyone else.
Recognition and praise from Guinness officials
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief at Guinness World Records, praised Cruise's dedication. 'Tom doesn't just play action heroes — he is an action hero,' said Glenday. He also credited Cruise's success to his commitment to authenticity and willingness to go beyond traditional acting expectations. 'It's an honor to be able to recognize his utter fearlessness with this new Guinness World Records title,' he added.
More milestones in Cruise's career
This is not Cruise's first recognition from Guinness. He is also the only actor to have 11 films that each grossed over $100 million at the box office. This record, combined with his latest achievement, showcases the consistency of his career and his longstanding appeal among audiences.
Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning hits theatres
After the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning was released in theatres, giving audiences a chance to witness the very stunts that earned Cruise this unique world record.Tom Cruise's latest Guinness record adds another high-flying achievement to a career defined by fearless performances and unmatched dedication.