Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise reveals he breathed his own carbon dioxide while shooting a scene

Tom Cruise is known for performing his own stunts, regardless of the risks involved. Whether it is clinging to a biplane in mid-air, biking off cliffs for a parachute jump, or scaling the tallest buildings in the world, Cruise consistently astounds fans with his daring feats. For Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, he took it even further.

In one scene, his character flies a plane at high altitude, while in another, he descends underwater into the wreck of the Sevastopol submarine.

During the filming of this underwater sequence, Cruise found himself breathing in his own carbon dioxide.

About the scene

The scene was shot in an 8.5 million-litre water tank with a rotating gimbal. The 62-year-old actor wears a specially designed suit and mask, featuring a glowing helmet, to show it is really him in the midst of the chaos.

However, he can only wear the equipment for 10 minutes at a time before risking hypoxia, caused by a lack of oxygen in his body.

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Tom Cruise discussed challenges of filming underwater stunt

Tom Cruise explained to Empire that he was "breathing in my own carbon dioxide" while filming the sequence. "It builds up in the body and affects the muscles," he said.

It seems that the challenge was just as much mental as it was physical. "You have to push through all of that while you're doing it and remain present," Cruise added.

Director McQuarrie hails Cruise's stunt

Looking back on filming the sequence, director Christopher McQuarrie described it as both "incredibly challenging and terrifying."

Not only was it physically demanding for Cruise, but ensuring the scene was clear for the audience while also keeping it safe was a significant challenge.

The director explained that Cruise was in a rotating structure filled with debris, and they had to find a way to make the environment appear as chaotic and unhinged as possible, but still manageable for Cruise to navigate and survive.

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About the film

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is scheduled for a global release on May 23. The film also features Hannah Waddingham, Nick Offerman, Katy O’Brian, and Tramell Tillman.

FAQs:

1. What is hypoxia?
Hypoxia is a condition where there is not enough oxygen in the body or in certain tissues.

2. Is Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning the last film in the series?
Speculation is rife that Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning could be Tom Cruise's final appearance as Ethan Hunt.