Tom Cruise’s Crazy Stunts Had Simon Pegg Waiting for ‘That Call’ — Inside the Shocking Stories
Tom Cruise’s daredevil antics on the Mission: Impossible set are legendary, but few have witnessed his high-risk stunts up close quite like co-star Simon Pegg. In an exclusive interview with People.com published on May 4, 2025, Pegg revealed behind-the-scenes tales that show both Cruise’s fearless enthusiasm and the genuine moments of nerves that come with pushing the boundaries of cinematic stunt work.
The “Big S— Eating Grin” on the Burj Khalifa
Pegg, who has portrayed tech expert Benji Dunn since 2006’s Mission: Impossible III, recalls one unforgettable moment from Ghost Protocol (2011). During the now-iconic sequence where Cruise scales the world’s tallest building—the Burj Khalifa in Dubai—Pegg noticed a “big s— eating grin” plastered across Cruise’s face. Rather than fear, the actor radiated exhilaration, fully embracing the adrenaline rush of the dangerous feat. This moment perfectly captures Cruise’s penchant for relishing stunts that test the limits of physical possibility, making the scene one of the franchise’s most memorable.
When Even Tom Cruise Gets Nervous
However, Cruise’s fearless reputation has its limits. Pegg recounted how filming the opening scene of Rogue Nation (2015)—where Cruise clings to the side of a military plane as it takes off—was the first time he saw the superstar visibly nervous. Pegg described Cruise’s internal doubt, thinking, “Oh, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” as the many unpredictable factors of the stunt unfolded. Yet, Cruise’s commitment shone through as he pushed forward regardless, underscoring the real danger behind the spectacle and the human vulnerability beneath the daredevil persona.
The Nail-Biting Motorcycle-Off-a-Cliff Stunt
Pegg also singled out a “nail-biting, breath-hold moment” from Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), where Cruise performed a death-defying motorcycle stunt off a cliff. Pegg recalled anxiously awaiting the radio call confirming a “good canopy”—likely indicating the successful deployment of Cruise’s parachute. These details reveal the ongoing escalation of risk in the franchise’s stunts and Pegg’s mixture of awe and worry as a close collaborator.
Pegg’s Candid Perspective on Cruise’s Dedication
Describing Cruise as “absolutely nuts” for risking his life for the sake of the audience, Pegg’s admiration is tempered by concern. In a candid post on X (formerly Twitter) in May 2025, he quipped, “How the hell did any insurance company allow that to happen, you know? … I’d sit by my phone every day when he was doing it, just waiting for the call. ‘Yep, Tom’s dead.’” This candid remark highlights the real dangers on set and Pegg’s genuine worry amidst the spectacle.
Other industry insiders echo this sentiment. An X post from February 2025 described an aerial stunt in The Final Reckoning as “beggaring belief,” suggesting the franchise continues to push the limits of what’s possible, to the amazement—and sometimes disbelief—of those involved.
The Legacy of Stunts in Mission: Impossible
Simon Pegg’s insights offer a rare glimpse into the physical and emotional toll behind the thrilling stunts that define Mission: Impossible. From exuberant grins atop skyscrapers to moments of quiet fear clinging to planes, these stories underscore Tom Cruise’s unparalleled commitment—and the tense reality behind Hollywood’s most daring franchise.
For fans, knowing what’s at stake only heightens the thrill; for Pegg, it’s a mix of admiration, anxiety, and camaraderie as he continues to share the screen with one of cinema’s most fearless performers.
