Tom Cruise’s Olympics Stunt Was Inspired by Conan O’Brien
Tom Cruise, known for his jaw-dropping stunts and unwavering dedication to action-packed sequences, once again amazed audiences during the Paris Olympics’ Closing Ceremony. This time, his audacious feat was not just a result of his own daredevil spirit but also had an unexpected inspiration—Conan O’Brien’s talk show bit from 15 years ago. The collaboration, meticulously crafted over a year and a half, was a testament to Cruise’s commitment to delivering high-octane entertainment, even during a global sporting event.
The Origin: A Meeting of Minds in January 2022
The concept for this awe-inspiring moment began in January 2022 when producer Ben Winston first met with Casey Wasserman at LA28. The idea was simple yet ambitious: to create a memorable 12-minute show during the Paris Olympics’ Closing Ceremony that would be different from anything seen before. Winston, known for his meticulous attention to detail, immediately thought of Tom Cruise as the perfect person to execute this vision. However, the original plan did not involve Cruise performing the stunt himself.
From Concept to Reality: Tom Cruise Takes the Lead
Initially, the plan was for a stunt double, disguised in a balaclava, to perform the more dangerous aspects of the stunt. But when Winston pitched the idea to Cruise, the action star was adamant that he would do everything himself. “I love the idea, but I’m not using a stuntman,” Cruise reportedly said. His decision meant that the project would require more time, rehearsal, and careful planning, but it also guaranteed that the stunt would have the authenticity and excitement that only Cruise could bring.
The Stunt: A Year and a Half of Preparation
The planning and execution of this stunt were nothing short of extraordinary. Filmed over several months, with different elements captured in various locations, the final product was a seamless blend of live action and pre-taped sequences. One of the most impressive aspects was Cruise’s skydive over Southern California, carrying the Olympic flag. This moment was not just a display of physical prowess but also a carefully orchestrated piece of filmmaking that highlighted the collaboration between Winston and Cruise.
A Secret Kept: How the Team Managed to Keep the Stunt Under Wraps
Despite the scale and complexity of the stunt, the team managed to keep most details under wraps until the live event. One of the key strategies was to film Cruise holding a plain white flag instead of the Olympic flag during rehearsals. This simple yet effective tactic helped maintain the element of surprise, as anyone who saw the filming assumed it was another scene from an upcoming “Mission Impossible” film. Even the final reveal of the stunt during the Closing Ceremony managed to surprise and delight viewers worldwide.
The Influence: How Conan O’Brien’s 15-Year-Old Talk Show Bit Played a Role
Interestingly, the inspiration for the Olympic flag’s journey from Paris to Los Angeles came from an unlikely source: a sketch from Conan O’Brien’s early days on “The Tonight Show.” In that bit, O’Brien humorously depicted his move from New York to Los Angeles with a cross-country journey. This idea stuck with Winston and influenced the narrative of how Cruise and various athletes would transport the flag from one iconic location to another.
Challenges and Changes: The Evolution of the Stunt
As with any large-scale production, not everything went according to the original plan. For instance, the concert venue, which featured performances by The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, had to be changed from Will Rogers Beach to Long Beach just weeks before the event. Despite these last-minute adjustments, the final product was a resounding success, blending live performances with pre-recorded segments in a way that felt seamless and engaging.
The Hollywood Sign: Real or CGI?
One of the most talked-about elements of the stunt was Cruise’s interaction with the Hollywood sign. While many wondered whether the Olympic rings displayed on the sign were real, Winston later revealed that the rings were created using CGI. However, Cruise’s climb up the Hollywood sign was very much real, adding an authentic touch to an already thrilling sequence.
The Concert: A Star-Studded Finale
The final act of this incredible production was a concert featuring some of Los Angeles’ most iconic musicians. Snoop Dogg, who had already become one of the standout stars of the Olympics, was a key figure in this segment. His involvement, along with the other musical acts, provided a fitting end to an event that began with Tom Cruise’s daring stunt and concluded with a celebration of Los Angeles’ vibrant cultural scene.
