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Tom Cruise brings Hollywood to the Paris Olympics closing ceremony
A cinematic handover to the L.A. Games
Tom Cruise, the iconic actor known for his daring stunts, added a touch of Hollywood magic to the Paris Olympics closing ceremony. As part of the handover to the Los Angeles Games in 2028, Cruise performed a breathtaking dive from the top of the Stade de France, the largest stadium in the country. This dramatic entrance was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
Currently filming “Mission: Impossible 8” in Europe, Cruise’s stunt didn’t end with the dive. He landed on the stage, where he was greeted by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo handed over the Olympic flag to Bass, symbolizing the transition to the next host city. Cruise then mounted a motorcycle, flag in tow, and rode out of the stadium, making his way through the streets of Paris.
As the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “By the Way” played in the background, Cruise’s journey continued. He drove into a helicopter, parachuted out, and landed by the iconic Hollywood sign. There, he attached the five Olympic rings, marking the official handover to Los Angeles.
A star-studded affair
Cruise’s presence at the Paris Olympics was not a one-off event. He attended the opening ceremony on July 27 and was seen at various competitions alongside other celebrities like Steven Spielberg, Ariana Grande, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Matthew Broderick. On July 26, a day before the opening ceremony, Cruise was honored as a Knight of the Legion of Honor by France’s culture minister.
The closing ceremony was a musical extravaganza, featuring performances by Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy winner H.E.R. delivered a stirring rendition of the U.S. national anthem. The event also showcased French bands Phoenix and Air, along with Belgian pop star Angele.
The vision for the L.A. Games
Speaking to reporters in Paris, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass expressed her excitement for the upcoming Games. She emphasized that the L.A. Games would highlight the city’s diversity and international character. “And we do have Hollywood, so I expect a lot of magical opportunities, which might begin at the closing ceremony,” Bass remarked. She also mentioned her desire to replicate the joy and enthusiasm she witnessed in Paris during the Olympics.
Paris sets a high bar
The Paris Olympics have set a new standard for future Games by hosting events at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Competitions took place at the Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, the Chateau de Versailles, and the Grand Palais. The opening ceremony was a historic event, held outdoors for the first time in modern history. It ran along the Seine River and featured performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion.
The Paris Olympics have demonstrated how a city can seamlessly blend its cultural heritage with the spirit of the Games. This approach has not only captivated audiences worldwide but also set a high bar for future host cities.
Reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts
For fans of cinema and TV series, Tom Cruise’s involvement in the Olympics is a testament to the power of storytelling and spectacle. His stunts, reminiscent of scenes from the “Mission: Impossible” series, brought a cinematic flair to the event. This blend of sports and entertainment highlights the evolving nature of global events, where the lines between different forms of media are increasingly blurred.
Music enthusiasts were treated to a diverse lineup of performances, showcasing the universal language of music. From the rock anthems of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the soulful melodies of H.E.R., the closing ceremony was a celebration of musical talent from around the world.
A look ahead
As we look forward to the L.A. Games in 2028, there is much anticipation about how the city will build on the legacy of the Paris Olympics. With Hollywood at its disposal, Los Angeles has the potential to create a truly unforgettable experience. The blend of sports, cinema, and music promises to deliver a unique and captivating event that will resonate with audiences worldwide.
For more information and to watch the trailers of the mentioned movies and series, visit the following links:
- Mission: Impossible 8
- Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “By the Way”
- Billie Eilish
- Snoop Dogg
- H.E.R.
- Phoenix
- Air
- Angele
The stage is set for Los Angeles to take the baton and deliver an Olympic Games that will be remembered for years to come.
