Tom Cruise Put Stephen Amell’s Arrow Stunt to Shame in One Mission Impossible Scene When He Was 53 Years Young

When it comes to jaw-dropping stunts, TV and film actors are often known for pushing their limits—much like Stephen Amell did in the Arrow TV series. Setting the bar high with his salmon ladder sequence, Amell showcased the pinnacle of superhero training, without a stunt team’s assistance, in the pilot episode. 

But then, Tom Cruise seemingly made Stephen Amell hold his popcorn, after performing a next-level stunt at 53, in his 2015 movie Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Dangling from a pole, crunching up to kick, and then flipping out like he’s been warming up, Cruise’s pole dance made even the most seasoned stunt performers question their life choices.

Stephen Amell’s Mind-Blowing Salmon Ladder Stunt in Arrow

Considering how stunt works often showcase an actor’s dedication to their roles, Stephen Amell seemingly took his work quite seriously during his appearance as the badass lead in the Arrow TV series. Right from the pilot episode of the show, Amell exemplified this commitment with his impressive performance and extraordinary stunt work. But surprisingly, nothing caught people’s attention more than his “salmon ladder” sequence.

The particularly grueling training exercise featuring Stephen Amell involved hoisting himself up a series of metal rungs while holding onto a long bar that one hopes is unbreakable. But more than anything, you’ll be stunned to know that this wasn’t just a mere dramatic addition to the show. In fact, it’s a real challenge that Amell mastered through rigorous physical conditioning.

Stephen Amell’s hardcore training regime seemingly paid off, since he did the salmon ladder stunt without any assistance from the show’s stunt team. Thereafter, the sequence quickly became one of the most talked about scenes from the show, as it rightfully captured Amell’s physical prowess and dedication. The scene further highlighted the actor’s determination to bring authenticity to his portrayal of Oliver Queen, the vigilante hero.

Tom Cruise Put Stephen Amell’s Stunt to Shame in Rogue Nation

Well, while Stephen Amell’s salmon ladder stunt from Arrow became a testament to his strength and skill, Tom Cruise entered the conversation and raised the stakes significantly with his daredevil antics in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015). Being 53 years of age while shooting the film, Cruise performed a breathtaking pole stunt that pushed the boundaries of physical endurance and precision.

Shared by @TheCinesthetic, the particular scene from the Mission: Impossible installment showed a pole stunt that has since become legendary. In the sequence, Cruise can be seen tied to a pole with his arms locked above him, when he suddenly executes a series of complex moves to break free and engage in a high-octane fight scene. The flawless moves include crunching up to deliver a kick and then crabbing up the pole before flipping out.

Viola! Tom Cruise not only broke free from his tied-up position with a physically demanding stunt but also showcased his extraordinary level of control and core strength, even at 53. The sheer difficulty of this sequence, combined with the fact that Cruise performed it himself (much like most of his nerve-wracking stunts) demonstrated a level of daring and skill that few can match.