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Hawke Slams Cruise's Stunt Precedent
29 Jan
Summary
- Ethan Hawke criticizes Tom Cruise for setting high stunt expectations.
- Hawke feels some actors are shamed for using stunt teams.
- New Oscar category for Best Stunt Design announced.
Ethan Hawke has expressed growing annoyance regarding the precedent set by Tom Cruise's dedication to performing his own dangerous stunts. Hawke feels that Cruise's actions have inadvertently created an environment where actors feel inferior if they opt to use stunt teams.
He shared this perspective following the premiere of his film, 'The Weight,' at the Sundance Film Festival. Hawke noted that his new film, set in the 1930s and starring Russell Crowe, focused on human-scale drama without "ridiculous stunts."
In related news, the Academy Awards will introduce a Best Stunt Design category in 2028, acknowledging the craft of stunt performers.
Cruise, known for his intense involvement in stunts for the Mission: Impossible franchise, has previously detailed the physical toll. For the 2025 film 'The Final Reckoning,' he performed a brutal aerial stunt dangling off a plane, which resulted in a severe hand injury and nearly broke his back. He also recounted fainting due to lack of oxygen while filming the scene.
