Tom Cruise never fails to deliver when it comes to jaw-dropping stunts. The action star, known for performing his own high-octane scenes in films like Mission: Impossible, left audiences in awe once again during the 2024 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony in Paris. But while Cruise’s death-defying leap from the top of the Stade de France was undoubtedly the highlight, fans couldn’t help but notice something curious: what was that thing attached to his leg?
Source: Getty Images
The Epic Stunt
As the closing ceremony unfolded, viewers were treated to an exhilarating performance by Tom Cruise, who helped symbolize the hand-off from Paris to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games. Cruise’s stunt was classic him—leaping from great heights and descending into a cheering crowd of athletes. However, eagle-eyed viewers spotted an unusual piece of equipment strapped to the lower part of his right leg. As he descended, Cruise appeared to pull on something connected to the apparatus, sparking a flurry of speculation online.
Reddit’s Theories: What Was That Thing?
Naturally, the internet had plenty to say. Over on Reddit, users dove deep into theories about what the mysterious contraption could be. Some thought that perhaps an element of the stunt had malfunctioned, leading to speculation that something might have been intended to deploy from the device—maybe a flag or even smoke.
One user chimed in, suggesting it was likely just a leg rope rappel bag, not a zipline. "Pretty sure that was just a leg rope rappel bag," they wrote. This theory gained traction as others pointed out that Cruise’s movements during the descent appeared to be him controlling his speed, with the bag keeping the remaining rope in place.
Another commenter posted a picture of a tactical rope bag, which bore a striking resemblance to what was seen on Cruise’s leg, adding credibility to the idea that this was simply a tool to aid in his descent.
Source: NBC Sports
Was It a Malfunction or Part of the Plan?
Despite the convincing theories, not everyone was sold on the idea that Cruise was controlling his own descent. "The repel rope theories are incorrect," one user claimed. "We do not let the talent determine when they get to come down. That’s how accidents happen and people die." According to this perspective, the apparatus might have been intended to deploy a flag or another prop, and what we saw was a malfunction that left Cruise adjusting to compensate.
So, what was the device on Tom Cruise’s leg? The most likely answer, based on the various theories, is that it was either a tactical rope bag designed to manage his descent or a piece of equipment that didn’t perform as planned.
The Bottom Line: It Was All About the Stunt
Regardless of what the mysterious leg attachment was, one thing is clear: Tom Cruise once again proved why he’s the king of action stunts. The actor's daring leap and smooth landing stole the show at the Olympics Closing Ceremony, leaving fans eager to see what he’ll pull off next. Whether it was a malfunction, a prop, or just a bit of tactical gear, Cruise handled it like the pro he is, ensuring the moment was as epic as ever.
In the end, until Tom Cruise or someone from his team sheds more light on the situation, we’re left with a bit of mystery. But isn’t that part of the fun? After all, what’s a Tom Cruise stunt without a little intrigue?
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