Tom Cruise’s Unexpected Paycheck for His 2024 Paris Olympics Stunt Revealed

Tom Cruise’s stunt during the Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was anything but ordinary. The renowned actor took on a high-risk, breathtaking performance to deliver the Olympic flag to Los Angeles, and remarkably, he did it all without a paycheck.

During a CNBC panel on September 11, Casey Wasserman, the President and Chairperson of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, recounted the negotiation process. “We pitched on a Zoom,” Wasserman explained. “About five minutes into the presentation, he goes, ‘I’m in. But I’m only doing it if I can do everything.'” Cruise’s enthusiasm was evident as he became increasingly involved in the performance. Wasserman noted, “Every step of the way, he got more involved and more engaged—and by the way, he did it all for free.”

A Decision For Cruise To Forego Payment

The decision for Cruise to forego payment was a surprise to both Wasserman and executive producer Ben Winston. Initially, the plan was to use a stunt double for the high-flying act.

Wasserman recalled, “The original idea was a person in the stadium as a stunt double. We thought, ‘Well, there’s no way we’re getting this. We’re going to get four hours of filming time. We’ll do the thing in L.A. with the Hollywood sign, he’ll hand the thing off and he’s done. Maybe we’ll get the other stuff and the rest will be just a stunt double.'”

However, Cruise’s desire to be fully involved transformed the performance. Ben Winston expressed his admiration for Cruise’s commitment, stating to The Hollywood Reporter last month, “I don’t think there’s anybody like him in the world. There is no better collaborator.” When Winston mentioned using a stunt double, Cruise insisted, “We’re not doing a stuntman in a balaclava. I’m going to be the one who jumps off the roof, and I’m going to be the one who drives through Paris.”

Winston acknowledged the uniqueness of Cruise’s involvement, saying, “I can’t really think who else would work. Who else is synonymous with action and an American hero?”

Cruise’s Spectacular Stunt Display

Cruise’s stunt, culminating in him diving into the stadium before L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Simone Biles presented him with the Olympic flag, will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment of the 2024 Games.

For Cruise, pushing boundaries is a key part of his career. “I’m always pushing,” he shared with Business Insider last June. “I just remember, every time they say, ‘Can you top it? Can you not top it?’ we’re always pushing. Every film I do, whatever genre it’s in, I want to make it as entertaining as possible for that audience. I know I can do things better.”

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