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When it comes to jaw-dropping stunts, TV and film actors are often known for pushing their limits—much like Stephen Amell did in theArrowTV 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 movieMission: 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 inArrow
Considering how stunt works often showcase an actor’s dedication to their roles,Stephen Amellseemingly took his work quite seriously during his appearance as thebadass lead in theArrowTV 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.
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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 ofOliver Queen, the vigilante hero.
Tom Cruise Put Stephen Amell’s Stunt to Shame inRogue Nation
Well, while Stephen Amell’s salmon ladder stunt fromArrowbecame a testament to his strength and skill,Tom Cruiseentered the conversation and raised the stakes significantly withhis daredevil anticsinMission: 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.
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Shared by @TheCinesthetic, the particular scene from theMission: Impossibleinstallment 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 suddenlyexecutes a series of complex movesto 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.
Tom Cruise is a generational actor because the amount of core strength you need to do this is insanehttps://t.co/352zm5QN1K
not even strippers can do this
Tom Cruise’s stunt work is even more impressive when you learn that he completely shattered his kneecap when he was 16. There are 28 year old pro athletes in 2024 who have had mild knee injuries that cannot do stuff like this which Tom Cruise did when he was 53 years oldhttps://t.co/DhLfaiOvHo
Love him or hate him, Tom Cruise got balls.pic.twitter.com/iaJwGicimU
Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen did same on The CW Network’s “Arrow” TV show. Just putting it out there also 🤝🏾https://t.co/g61cxApcKH
The stripper watching this movie seeing Tom Cruise work the pole better than themhttps://t.co/IJwI87LK0rpic.twitter.com/zHqzFo2xoj
Fans simply took to praising Tom Cruise’s stunt inRogue Nationthat challenged the limits of what is achievable in action cinema. But more than anything, it certainly put Stephen Amell’s impressive salmon ladder feat into perspective. While both stunts showcase the physical capabilities of their respective stars, Cruise’s performance served as a testament to his unparalleled commitment to pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking and ageism.
Arrowis currently available to watch on Netflix.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nationis currently available to watch on Paramount+.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
