Ben Winston may soon find it challenging to keep track of how many times he has sent Tom Cruise soaring through the skies. The duo previously collaborated to launch James Corden into the air for skydiving and co-piloting a fighter jet on The Late Late Show. Most recently, Winston’s involvement during the LA28 segment of the Paris Olympics’ Closing Ceremony saw the high-flying Mission Impossible star jump from Stade de France in real-time. This stunt was part of a year-and-a-half collaboration that included a pre-recorded aerial shot of Cruise skydiving with the Olympic flag over Southern California.
Initially, a stunt double was intended to perform the dangerous leap, but Cruise insisted on taking the plunge himself. “I don’t think there’s anybody like him in the world,” noted Winston, who served as the creative director and executive producer for the project under Fulwell 73 Productions. “There is no better collaborator.”
Reflecting on the live event, which followed a star-studded concert featuring The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, Winston shared insights about maintaining secrecy throughout the planning process and the unexpected path of the Olympic flag’s journey from France to the U.S.
He likened the complexities of live television to the trials of parenthood, stating, “You forget how much you go through.” Winston began conceptualizing this project about 20 months prior when he learned of the tradition that the next nation creates a 12-minute show during the closing ceremony. He envisioned the idea of snatching the Olympic flag with Cruise’s involvement.
Winston aimed for a unique approach to the ceremony by controlling the Los Angeles elements while incorporating an impressive opening in Paris. He cited inspiration from a sketch by Conan O’Brien that marked his transition from New York to Los Angeles, envisioning how Cruise and various athletes would transport the flag from Paris to Los Angeles.
After pitching the idea to Cruise, who was the first collaborator Winston approached, they quickly developed a strong working relationship. Cruise’s enthusiasm led to a more ambitious execution; he insisted on performing the jump himself rather than using a stunt double, increasing the production’s stakes.
Winston retained secrecy during the filming, using a white flag in place of the Olympic flag, leading to media assumptions that they were filming for a new Mission Impossible project. He expressed disappointment about minor leaks but managed to keep most details under wraps until the live event.
Regarding safety and liability, Winston recognized the significant considerations involved when executing stunts with Cruise, though he humorously noted his lack of expertise in insurance matters.
Plans evolved over the 18 months of preparation, including adjustments to concert venues and the live elements of the performance. Despite changing the concert’s location from Will Rogers Beach to Long Beach due to unforeseen circumstances, Winston expressed satisfaction with the final concert experience.
He also explored the possibility of transforming the Hollywood sign for the event before ultimately deciding against it to maintain an element of surprise, opting for CGI instead for the visual.
Having enlisted Snoop Dogg for the concert long before his recent surge in popularity, Winston admitted he was thrilled to see the artist shine during the Olympics. “He was the star of the show,” he remarked, noting the significance of Snoop bringing the flag to the stage.
Looking ahead, Winston does not anticipate rest anytime soon. He is already preparing for Ellen DeGeneres’ upcoming stand-up show and anticipates work related to the Paralympics closing ceremony, although he did enjoy a rare moment of rest the night before.