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Simon Pegg Told Us His Favorite Tom Cruise Memory, And It Involves Helicopters And Sharks, Of Course

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Working alongside Tom Cruise inevitably leads to extraordinary anecdotes. From the lore of daring stunts and military-style training, to tales about the coconut cakes he shares, his co-workers’ stories about him never cease to amuse. This pattern continued once more, as Simon Pegg recounted a memory from filming “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” that revolves around helicopters and sharks.

It’s no wonder that when asked about a Tom Cruise tale they’d share at social gatherings, both Simon Pegg and Pom Klementieff responded with stories involving helicopters. In fact, during an interview with Jeff McCobb from TopMob, Simon was quick to remember his own story as well.

Initially, he shared a story of a “rapid zipline adventure across an entire canyon with Tom” during their work stint in Morocco. Later on, he transitioned the conversation to the upcoming release of “Final Reckoning” in the 2025 movie calendar and a narrative about shooting in South Africa. In his own words:

On the day that felt most like Tom Cruise in the film “Final Reckoning,” we found ourselves in South Africa. We were filming the scene where the truck approaches the Doomsday Vault, and there was a helicopter pursuing us from behind. It was quite an experience, as if we were truly living in a movie. Greg Tarzan Davis humorously remarked that it seemed like we were making a movie, to which I replied, “Greg, we are indeed making a movie.

Previously, both Pegg and Greg Tarzan Davis had teamed up with Tom Cruise before the filming of “The Final Reckoning“. Even so, I’d wager that such experiences are just as awe-inspiring, regardless of how many “Mission: Impossible” films they’ve been part of.

Moving on with his narrative, the actor from “Shaun of the Dead” shared his experience when his fellow actor seemed to soar through the air while they strolled through this scenic spot. He described it like this:

“As we meandered through this idyllic locale, my co-star appeared to glide past us effortlessly.

Initially, we reached our destination, exited the vehicle, and subsequently hopped aboard a helicopter. Tom would pilot us back to point one so that we could redo the shot. Moreover, Tom would navigate through this canyon, performing stunts on either side of us, showcasing his skills in an entertaining manner, with me, Hayley, Pom, and Tarzan seated comfortably in the back of the helicopter.

It fits Tom Cruise’s image perfectly, as demonstrated by Pom Klementieff. In response to the same query, she mentioned that during filming in London, Tom Cruiselikewise (or Tom Cruise-like) would provide them with a ride home in his helicopter.

Yet, Pegg’s tale doesn’t conclude with the helicopter ride. Quite contrary, it also includes an encounter with sharks, just as I mentioned earlier. Following that thrilling scene in the movie where they saw the Top Gun actor fly by in a helicopter and wrapped up shooting for the day, they all boarded a flight to the coast to swim with sharks, as explained by the Hot Fuzz actor.

After leaping out, we repeated the action. Eventually, we managed to capture the scene early on, and Tom suggested, “How about going shark diving?” To which Hayley, Pom, Tarzan, and I enthusiastically agreed, saying, “Why not?” So, we climbed back into the helicopter with Tom, who flew us out to the shore. We had a brief lesson in avoiding being eaten, then got into a cage where we spent the rest of the afternoon feeding sharks. And that’s what we call a day with Tom Cruise!

If this tale featured any other actor, their sudden impulse to go shark diving would be hard to believe. But since it’s focused on Tom Cruise, I’m completely unsurprised by such behavior.

The performer is deeply involved in actions and stunts, evidently thriving on thrilling experiences. Moreover, he enjoys involving his fellow actors in such activities as well – for instance, he even gave Glen Powell flying lessons following the filming of Top Gun: Maverick.

Impossible films, allowing us to share in the experience.

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2025-05-28 15:37

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