Action star shares never-before-seen clips showing finger joint separation and year-long training for underwater sequences
Tom Cruise offered fans an intimate look at the grueling physical demands of his latest Mission: Impossible film this week, posting exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram that reveals the extreme lengths he went to for authentic action sequences.
The 63-year-old actor shared unreleased clips from “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” including footage of him suiting up in diving gear for challenging underwater tank scenes. The Instagram reel showcased Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts, a hallmark that has defined the franchise throughout its run.
“I trained for over a year to be able to physically handle the amount of oxygen deprivation,” Cruise explained in the video’s voiceover, highlighting the extensive preparation required for the film’s aquatic sequences.
Director Christopher McQuarrie, who also appeared in the social media post, praised the collaborative spirit that drives the franchise forward. “I’m always surprised by what it is we’re doing,” McQuarrie noted. “That’s the amazing thing about this franchise — it’s all about constantly pushing the envelope as far as we can.”
Dangerous Stunts Take Physical Toll
The newly released footage reveals the serious physical consequences of Cruise’s commitment to authentic action. According to Variety, the behind-the-scenes content shows how the actor’s finger joints separated during an aerial sequence that required him to dangle from a biplane while gripping a seatbelt strap.
“Oh, this almost broke my back. You’re talking about a lot of pain here,” Cruise is quoted as saying about the challenging stunt work. He described the experience of hanging from the aircraft as “brutal,” while McQuarrie witnessed the toll it took on his star.
“This separated the joints in Tom’s fingers from the force, so by the time we finished this sequence, your hands were absolutely swollen — oh my God, it was so painful to watch,” the director explained.
The B-roll footage also captured other high-risk sequences, including Cruise operating a vehicle during a tunnel crash scene where the car flips completely over.
Digital Release Performance
Cruise used the Instagram post to promote the film’s digital availability, expressing gratitude to his collaborators in the caption: “Thank you McQ and our entire cast and crew for this experience of a lifetime. I hope everyone enjoys all of the extras and that it gives some greater insight into what it takes to make a Mission: Impossible film.”
Despite the intense production efforts, “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” faced stiff competition at the box office earlier this year. Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake, featuring Hannah Waddingham and Zach Galifianakis, dominated Memorial Day weekend with an estimated $145.5 million in earnings. The Mission: Impossible sequel earned approximately $77.5 million domestically and $127 million internationally during the same period.
The digital release extras provide fans with unprecedented access to the filmmaking process, offering detailed insight into both the creative vision and physical sacrifices that have made the Mission: Impossible franchise a cornerstone of modern action cinema.
