Tom Cruise is set to play a prominent role in the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 11. Reports suggest that he may perform a skydiving stunt to the Hollywood Sign as part of the handoff to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. The stunt was reportedly filmed in March by production company Fulwell 73, known for projects like Hulu's The Kardashians and Adele's 2021 CBS special.
Cruise, who has been attending various events at the Paris Games, expressed his admiration for the athletes and their achievements, calling it 'incredible.' The Los Angeles segment of the closing ceremony will combine prerecorded and live elements, with an initial plan for a handoff event at Will Rogers State Beach being scrapped due to logistical challenges.
Celebrity appearances and performances are not uncommon in Olympic closing ceremonies. In the past, events like the 2008 Beijing Games featured collaborations between musicians like Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis, while the 1984 Los Angeles Games included performances by artists such as Lionel Richie and the Beach Boys.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Games, held on July 26, received mixed reactions for its unique elements like a performance by Lady Gaga and athletes sailing down the River Seine. The handoff from Paris to Los Angeles is expected to be a grand spectacle, showcasing the cultural exchange between the two iconic cities.