Mission: Impossible 3 Stunts: Keri Russell Reveals Tom Cruise's Crazy Fire-Hair Advice!
Keri Russell's Wild Mission: Impossible 3 Stunt Story—And Tom Cruise's Hilarious Advice!
Keri Russell, star of Mission: Impossible III (2006), recently shared some wild behind-the-scenes stories from filming those awesome stunts; this film really showcases the intense level of involvement Tom Cruise displays toward his entire creative team; pushing people towards achieving levels of skill and detail; even those very risky moments; all done live, to add increased emotional intensity to certain action sequences. This action thriller, directed by J.J. Abrams, stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt who has returned to rescue his protégé Lindsey Farris (Keri Russell) in a heavily guarded facility. That early factory complex sequence, includes that insane building explosion where they jump onto a speeding van – a huge sequence that set a specific, far higher tone than had previously been established within the series.
In a Variety video where actors tried to match quotes to their films, Russell remembers filming those insane Mission: Impossible III stunts alongside Cruise; explaining how it worked, as Cruise does many of his own stunts, meaning she also had to be just as involved, demonstrating that deep sense of participation that made these sequences just as exciting and realistic for everyone watching! The extreme risk involved is made explicit in her description.
But then comes the crazy bit. Cruise's advice, when recalling that explosion scene involving fire, was completely unexpected; it demonstrates those unique traits which showcase the deep trust and relationship which Tom Cruise creates around him. Here's what she stated regarding how this is supposed to work, according to his specific instructions: “Listen, if we’re jumping down and your hair catches on fire, just shake it out.”
Tom Cruise: The Real-Deal Gun-Throwing Master!
Things escalated, according to the Variety interview! That massive gunfight was equally intense. Abrams, that awesome director, wanted a CGI-aided gun throw, yet Cruise insisted on doing it for real: that’s crazy; demonstrating the willingness for live-action over easily obtained VFX. That added intensity shows a massive shift for how that later franchise began to use action; making these more focused toward those dangerous live-action scenes.
This illustrates that added intensity, showing just how seriously and fully committed Tom Cruise was (and remains), making those actions as believable as they possibly could be made. Here is the quote detailing how Cruise pushes others into performing equally great tasks: “I think it was around this line, Tom is supposed to look at me and then, in slow motion, chuck me a mag, or chuck me a gun, I don’t even know. And then I catch it and do like some badass move. J.J. [Abrams] said, ‘No, so what you’re gonna do is he’s gonna pretend to throw it and then we’ll superimpose, like, something CGI. So just make your hand like that.’ And Tom goes, ‘No, no, no, she can do it.’ And I was like, ‘Tom, I can’t.’ So, he’s like, ‘We’re gonna do one, we’re gonna do one. See if she can do it.’ Did it. It was so cool.” This illustrates the intensity of Cruise’s desire and commitment to live-action effects rather than relying on easier alternatives!
Mission: Impossible Stunts: A Legacy of Real-Life Danger and Unforgettable Moments
Cruise is now famed for doing insanely risky stunts. And Mission: Impossible became synonymous with them! But it wasn’t always so. Those huge stunts began creating its iconic action identity from the incredible Burj Khalifa stunt in Ghost Protocol (2011), creating the very framework which became the later definition of that amazing franchise. Mission: Impossible III marked an important shift.
Although Mission: Impossible III had awesome reviews and created many stunning action moments; its box office dip means it is still, until today, the least profitable title; yet that shift towards live-action was pivotal for the future releases and shaped the next titles within this incredibly famous franchise. Those stunts that happened within the scenes (those that Cruise pushed toward live-action) directly transformed how action in that amazing series evolved dramatically.
Conclusion: Tom Cruise's Commitment to Stunts and Thrills!
Russell's account is typical of Mission: Impossible stories about Cruise—showing his serious and dedicated approach towards filmmaking. And it involves those high levels of commitment he brings and displays, towards not only himself but his entire production and creative team! This isn't simply about his incredible skills or talent as a stunt performer and lead actor—this is also about building camaraderie amongst the whole team; driving those high standards across a wide selection of different aspects. This completely separates Mission: Impossible from other action flicks! That devotion and desire for creating intensely real and believable action results in this highly respected and acclaimed series.
Mission: Impossible III might not be that top-tier title; but Hunt's rescue of Farris is iconic. And Cruise’s commitment; especially pushing the performers involved towards a higher standard, ultimately changed Mission: Impossible's entire future into the wildly successful franchise we love today! This all speaks to an intensely committed actor who doesn't fear real risks when pursuing cinematic brilliance, that's why this whole story stands out so much!
