In a recent interview on the Max series Smartless: On The Road, Matt Damon shared an entertaining incident involving Tom Cruise, the renowned star of the Mission: Impossible series. Damon recounted how Cruise had divulged to him an anecdote about the filming of “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and the audacious Burj Khalifa stunt featured in the movie. During their dinner conversation, Damon expressed his curiosity about how Cruise managed to pull off such daring feats. He recalled Cruise’s intense demeanor as he began to explain, saying, “I’ll tell you how it happened!” Damon eagerly listened, intrigued by Cruise’s passion.

According to Cruise, the particular shot had been on his mind for 15 years, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his craft. Cruise recounted his interaction with the safety professional, where he presented his vision, only to receive a discouraging response: “We can’t do that. It’s too dangerous, you can’t do that.” Unwilling to compromise on his vision, Cruise made a bold decision—to replace the safety professional and forge ahead with the daring stunt. At this point in the story, Damon interrupted, highlighting a fundamental difference between himself and Cruise. He revealed, “And I just go, ‘Stop!’ That’s where we’re different. When the safety guy says no, I’m like, ‘Well, the safety guy says it’s not a good idea.”

The exchange between Damon and Cruise showcases the stark contrast in their approaches to filmmaking. While Cruise’s relentless dedication and willingness to push boundaries have earned him a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most daring actors, Damon acknowledges the importance of safety and deferring to the experts’ judgment. Presently, audiences can witness Cruise’s fearlessness on the big screen with the release of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the latest installment in the celebrated franchise.