The ‘Late Late Show’ host James Corden went on an a dare-defying trip with the ‘Mission Impossible’ star Tom Cruise.
James Corden’s successful turn Stateside hasn’t come without some risk to his own personal well-being.
The British star has made friends with many of the stars who have graced his sofa on the Late Late Show. But unlike his casual, fun chats with the Hollywood elite, his friendship with actor Tom Cruise has certainly been adventurous.
James Corden Downplayed Tom Cruise’s Record Of Doing His Own Stunts
Tom Cruise is well known for performing his own stunts – as seen in such films as Mission Impossible and Top Gun. While many moviegoers have marveled at Cruise’s bravery, James Corden admitted to not being that impressed with his tricks.
When Cruise made an appearance on the Late Late Show, the Oscar-nominated actor told the host that he jumped from a plane at an altitude of 25,000 feet for his role in Mission Impossible. To which Corden replied, “Meh. … You say ‘jump’ but it’s falling.” He added, “I think we’re all getting carried away with the ‘Tom Cruise: Action Hero’ thing.” The conversation ended in a challenge for Corden to go “falling” with the actor.
But when it came down to it, a “terrified” Corden admitted it all felt like “a mistake.” But Cruise insisted on training Corden for their high-flying adventure.
Filmed for a segment on the Late, Late Show, Corden joked that if the pair died his death would be a “footnote” compared to the death of Hollywood heavyweight. Despite several attempts to run away, Corden successfully manages to jump out of the plane.
Tom Cruise Took James Corden To The Friendly Skies Again
Last month, as the sequel to Top Gun made its way onto cinema screens, Late Late Show host James Corden decided to risk his life again.
“It is 4:56 am. I’m in Burbank Airport and I’m here because Tom Cruise has asked me to meet him here at 5 a.m.,” Corden explains. “When Tom Cruise calls, you sort of have to say yes.”
Without hesitation Cruise says: “Last time, we jumped out of an airplane. Today, we’re gonna go flying.” Corden immediately protests, but to no avail. Footage from the show revealed James was terrified as Tom performed high-speed loops and dives miles up in the air.
James Corden Later Admitted He Tried To Get Out Of The Plane Ride With Tom Cruise
Last week, Corden admitted he tried to get out of his airborne meeting with Tom Cruise over fears the actor could crash. Speaking to presenter Alison Hammon on British magazine show This Morning, Corden said:
“Producers on the show got an email from me saying, ‘Guys, this is stupid. He’s an actor! He’s not a pilot. When you’re in a plane, and it’s just you and Tom Cruise, if something goes wrong you’re both dead.”
However, a reassuring call from Tom himself may have been the motivation James needed to work up the courage to get in the cockpit. “He called me,” James recalled. “He said, ‘James, listen. I would never, ever do anything that would put your life in danger. When he looks you in the eye, you just go, ‘Let’s do it, Maverick!’”
Thankfully, both stars made it through the stunt intact thanks to Cruise’s extensive flight training for the new blockbuster. For the film’s production, Cruise and co-stars such as Miles Teller and Glen Powell underwent a three-month “boot camp” to train the actors to endure aerobatics and high g-forces.
Meanwhile, James Corden has had enough. He only has a handful of Late Late Show appearances left as he confirmed he would be leaving the talk show at some point in 2023.
