Tom Cruise Defies Death Once Again, Hanging From a Plane for "Mission: Impossible 8"

At 62, Tom Cruise continues to push the boundaries of action movie stunts, defying gravity and danger with each new installment of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise.

Recent footage from the set of "Mission: Impossible 8" has revealed the latest addition to Cruise's audacious repertoire: hanging from a yellow Stearman biplane high above Oxfordshire, England. The actor was spotted dangling precariously mid-air, adding another thrilling chapter to his already impressive resume of death-defying feats.

The scene depicts a tense confrontation between Cruise's character, IMF Agent Ethan Hunt, and terrorist Gabriel, played by Esai Morales. Both actors were seen locked in a battle high above the ground, emphasizing the high-stakes nature of the film.

This stunt further underscores Cruise's commitment to performing his own actions, a dedication that has become synonymous with his career. Over 28 years as Ethan Hunt, he has consistently raised the bar on what's possible, consistently pushing the envelope of action movie stunts.

From holding his breath for an extended period underwater to scaling the world's tallest building, Cruise's "M:I" stunts have become legendary. Here's a look back at some of his most memorable and perilous feats:

Holding his Breath in "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation"

In the 2015 film, Cruise showcased his remarkable endurance by holding his breath for an astonishing six and a half minutes underwater, a feat surpassing even professional divers. The scene depicts Hunt struggling to survive a harrowing encounter with spinning metal bars while submerged, demonstrating the actor's commitment to realism.

Climbing the Burj Khalifa in "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol"

For a sequence in "Ghost Protocol," Cruise scaled the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at 2,722 feet. He was suspended by a single wire, slowly ascending the exterior before plummeting down in a terrifyingly realistic scene. The stunt coordinator, Gregg Smrz, admitted to being terrified, noting that the safety measures were meticulously calculated to ensure Cruise's safety.

Driving a Motorcycle Off a Cliff in "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One"

Cruise further raised the bar in the latest installment, driving a motorcycle off a cliff before deploying a parachute for a daring descent. The stunt, performed on the very first day of filming, epitomizes Cruise's dedication to pushing boundaries, willing to take a significant risk to ensure the film's authenticity.

Rock Climbing in "Mission: Impossible II"

Even early in the franchise, Cruise was taking on daring stunts. In "Mission: Impossible II," he climbed a sheer rock face, relying solely on his bare hands and a cable for support. The scene, while seemingly effortless, caused immense anxiety for the director, John Woo, who described feeling overwhelmed by the danger involved.

With each new "Mission: Impossible" film, Tom Cruise continues to redefine the limits of action cinema. His commitment to performing his own stunts elevates the franchise to new heights, captivating audiences with exhilarating performances and inspiring countless viewers with his dedication to pushing personal boundaries.