Tom Cruise executed an extraordinary Mission Impossible-style maneuver during the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday, though viewers seemed to share a common gripe.
After 16 action-packed days, the 2024 Paris Games have concluded.
What a remarkable two weeks it has been.
From the opening ceremony’s controversy to complaints about the Olympic Village, not to mention the boxing gender eligibility debate and a pole-vaulter’s unfortunate mishap, the event was filled with drama.
The 2024 Olympics wrapped up with the closing ceremony at the Stade de France on Sunday (August 11).
Cruise made a stunning entrance by leaping off the stadium roof in Paris.
This was part of the official Olympic handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games.
The Hollywood star abseiled from the Stade de France roof, landed on the pitch, and received the Olympic flag from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Team USA gymnast Simone Biles.
Following this, a pre-filmed video was shown to both the stadium audience and millions of viewers at home, featuring Cruise’s journey from Paris to Los Angeles.
In the clip, the 62-year-old flew over the Atlantic before skydiving from a plane and raising the Olympic flag on the Hollywood sign.
The pre-recorded video featured music from California’s Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Filmed back in March, many people had spotted Cruise during the shoot.
Locals initially thought it was for a commercial, but it turned out to be for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Despite the impressive stunt, Olympic viewers seemed to share a similar complaint.
One Instagram user commented: “Doesn’t France have any celebrities. Seems to be all American.”
Another added: “I sure hope the LA Olympics don’t look like the music they just showcased – embarrassing.”
A third remarked: “Very um… American.”
However, some viewers appreciated the moment, with one writing: “Wow what an entry.”
Another declared: “Best part of this Paris Olympics.”
Cruise’s participation wasn’t entirely unexpected, given his frequent sightings in Paris over the past two weeks.
Earlier this week, the actor expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s awesome. Great stories, great athletes. It’s incredible what they have to do, the sense of accomplishment.”
The Top Gun star even found time to post a selfie from the Stade de France, writing: “Thank you, Paris! Now off to LA.”