Director Christopher McQuarrie, known for his work in the Mission: Impossible franchise, recently discussed the most terrifying Tom Cruise stunt he has ever filmed. Since its inception in 1996, the Mission: Impossible series has gained immense popularity, with Cruise's character, Ethan Hunt, embarking on perilous missions across the world. McQuarrie joined the franchise in 2015 with Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and has since directed some of the most thrilling and perilous action scenes in the genre.
In anticipation of the release of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, McQuarrie shared his thoughts with Collider on which stunts he found the scariest to film. He explained how each subsequent movie in the franchise raises the bar when it comes to stunts, but there is one particular element that stands out as especially frightening in a past stunt. McQuarrie's full comment can be found below.
Personally, the most terrifying experience I had was the helicopter chase scene in Fallout. The reason being, I had to be in a helicopter chasing after Tom [laughs]. This added to the fear factor as it put my own life at risk.
While watching Tom go off the bike ramp in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, I couldn't help but see my life flash before my eyes alongside his. However, I knew that even if something terrible were to happen, I would still be there. Hence, I would have to say that the helicopter chase in Fallout was the scariest and most stressful experience, given that I was physically present during it.
How Dead Reckoning Part One Could Beat Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Mission: Impossible – Fallout is widely acclaimed as the most impressive and entertaining film in the franchise to date, with its intense action sequences and daring stunts. From the memorable bathroom fight to the exhilarating car and motorcycle chase in Paris, and not to mention the heart-stopping helicopter chase in Kashmir, the film delivers pure action spectacle. Tom Cruise himself went beyond expectations by hanging from a helicopter's rope and piloting the aircraft, executing daring maneuvers.
Now, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One takes things to an even higher level. The movie's standout stunt, prominently featured in marketing, is Cruise's motorcycle jump off a cliff followed by a base jump. But that's not all. The film also showcases an action-packed scene on an old-fashioned steam train that ultimately crashes, as well as another thrilling car and motorcycle chase through Rome. The trailer has left us curious with glimpses of set pieces in Venice and a remote desert location.
Mission: Impossible 7 has received highly positive reviews, with many agreeing that Cruise and McQuarrie have once again exceeded expectations. The film is being praised for its exhilarating and breathtaking experience, possibly even surpassing its predecessor. While it is uncertain how this latest installment will rank within the Mission: Impossible franchise, it is evident that under McQuarrie's guidance, these movies continue to improve and deliver increasingly thrilling content.