Tom Cruise wowed the audience at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics with a thrilling skydiving stunt. The Hollywood superstar marked the official handover of the Games to Los Angeles for 2028 by leaping from the roof of the Stade de France, the largest stadium in the country, to the cheers of thousands.
After musician H.E.R. delivered a powerful rendition of the U.S. national anthem, Cruise made his dramatic jump, landing on stage to a thunderous ovation. There, he was welcomed by LA Mayor Karen Bass, as Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo officially handed over the Olympic flag, signifying the transition from Paris to Los Angeles for the next Summer Games.
Cruise then hopped on a motorcycle, holding the Olympic flag, and rode out of the stadium, igniting a stunning fireworks display. With the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song “By the Way” playing, he sped through the streets of Paris before boarding a plane. In a pre-recorded clip that followed, Cruise was shown parachuting from the plane and landing on the famous Hollywood sign. Once on the ground, he attached the five Olympic rings to the landmark, symbolizing the arrival of the Games in Los Angeles.
Cruise’s participation in the Paris Olympics wasn’t just limited to the closing ceremony. He attended the opening ceremony on July 27 and was seen at several events throughout the Games. Additionally, he was honored with the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour by France’s culture minister, Rachida Dati, on July 26.
The handover to LA also featured performances by top artists, including Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Earlier in the evening, the crowd enjoyed performances by French bands Phoenix and Air, along with Belgian pop star Angele. The event was directed by Paris Olympics artistic director Thomas Jolly and executive director Thierry Reboul.
LA Mayor Bass expressed her excitement for the upcoming 2028 Games, saying they would showcase the city’s diversity and international spirit. “And we do have Hollywood,” she added, hinting at the possibility of more spectacular moments like the one Cruise delivered.
The Paris Olympics set a high standard by hosting events at some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower, the Chateau de Versailles, and the Grand Palais. The opening ceremony, the first in modern Olympic history to be held outdoors, took place along the Seine River and featured performances by global stars Lady Gaga and Celine Dion.
