It is no secret that stunts have always come naturally to Tom Cruise. When he scaled Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in 2010, he appeared to accomplish the feat effortlessly, as evidenced by the now viral picture, which further cemented his reputation as Hollywood’s unrivaled fearless elite.
Fast forward to 2021, when Will Smith took on the same monumental climb, but with an apparent gripping struggle that starkly contrasts with Cruise’s seemingly effortless climb, reminding fans of the divide between Hollywood’s daredevil elite and the mere mortals.
Tom Cruise Makes It Look So Easy!
Tom Cruise‘s work often takes him to incredible places for heart-wrenching stunts. In 2010, while filming Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, he found himself in Dubai, facing the challenge of climbing the Burj Khalifa, one of the world’s tallest buildings at 829.8 meters. This iconic stunt became a standout moment in the Mission: Impossible series.
Speaking with RadioTimes.com, director Brad Bird revealed that for the Burj Khalifa stunt, Cruise wore a carefully fixed harness, requiring special permits to drill into the building’s floors and walls. The crew broke 35 windows to ensure safety and access. The team consulted engineers, professional climbers, and stuntmen to orchestrate a safe shoot. Although considering a stunt double, Cruise, true to his career, insisted on performing his own stunts.
During the filming process, Tom Cruise and his dedicated stunt team, to quench their own thirst, orchestrated a thrilling helicopter ride to the top of the Burj Khalifa, capturing stunning photographs that have now become iconic in their own right.
These viral images have since then truly transcended time, maintaining a persistent presence on social media even after more than a decade, often becoming a lively topic of conversation. While Cruise made it look super easy, it actually wasn’t.
Will Smith’s Photo Next to Tom Cruise Sitting on the Burj Khalifa Is Hilarious!
It wasn’t until Will Smith climbed the same heights that people truly grasped the courage and determination required to conquer and grace the building as effortlessly as Tom Cruise did. In 2021, for his YouTube video Best Shape of My Life, Smith showcased the raw and real struggle he faced, highlighting the stark contrast with Cruise.
While Tom Cruise and Will Smith have enjoyed a friendly rivalry, it was somewhat one-sided. Smith revealed in his memoir Will that he closely monitored Cruise’s moves and aimed to surpass him. Eventually, Smith graciously acknowledged Cruise’s superiority. Perhaps this attempt too was taking a shot at surpassing Cruise, one can only wonder.
Amidst all the chaos, it is the folks online who have had the most fun. Here is what they have to say comparing the two pictures,
Visible difference. Tom Cruise chills on the Burj Khalifa like he was born there. Will Smith's hanging on for dear life, just like any regular guy would.
— Inspire Zone (@InspireZoneoff) June 26, 2024
Will: “fuck no, get me down”
Tom Cruise: “I literally cannot die”— Washed Gamer (@MitchellRossman) June 26, 2024
Tom cruise takes risk for a living someone should better advice will smith 😭😭
— EMEKA 💭 (@Okoliemeka7) June 26, 2024
I’d go the Will Smith route. pic.twitter.com/aHKHgDF9bM
— Clover Lavender (@AyoolaMatthee) June 26, 2024
With all the safeguards kit Will look uncomfortable af 😂 but take a look at Tom, Steeze and Composure on a 💯
— A Y O ♤ D E J ! 𓅓 (@Swagberg) June 26, 2024
tom cruise casually sitting down like he's waiting for his turn on a barbershop is killing meeee
— Loli.rose.x (@Lolirosex) June 26, 2024
Say what one wants about Tom Cruise but the man has balls of steel. Look at him sitting there like he is sitting on a couch in his living room.
Then there's Will Smith, harnessed with a "WTF am I doing up here" smile while pooping his pants a little. 💩
— Doctor Jack (@DoctorJack16) June 26, 2024
While Tom Cruise reigns as the fearless superhuman, conquering gravity and expectations with ease, fans are glad Will Smith is showing the truth. His climb up the Burj Khalifa truly painted him as the everyday thrill-seeker, hanging on for dear life.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is streaming on Paramount Plus.
