The Olympics Had Another Idea That Didn’t Involve Tom Cruise, And It Sounds Even Wilder

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The Olympics Had Another Idea That Didn't Involve Tom Cruise, And It Sounds Even Wilder

As a lifelong Olympics enthusiast who has witnessed countless unforgettable moments, I must say that the 2024 Summer Games in Paris were truly exceptional. Simone Biles and the USA gymnastics team’s gold-winning performance, Stephen Nedoroscik’s pommel horse prowess, and the mind-blowing Closing Ceremony – it was all a spectacle to remember!

The 2024 Summer Games in Paris presented numerous memorable moments. These included Simone Biles and the U.S. gymnastics team claiming gold, Stephen Nedoroscik’s mastery of the pommel horse, and many other significant events. The spectacle culminated in a breathtaking Closing Ceremony, which concluded with Tom Cruise soaring into the Stade de France to snatch the Olympics flag and speed off to Los Angeles on a motorcycle. Despite this astonishing display, an idea proposed before Cruise’s involvement sounds even more extraordinary.

Casey Wasserman, head of LA28 (Olympic committee), played a significant role in orchestrating the dramatic flag hand-off during the Olympic closing ceremony. He shared insights about this event at the CNBC x Boardroom: Game Plan panel in Santa Monica, CA recently. The business magnate revealed that when it came to planning such an epic moment, they needed a skilled television producer with expertise in live broadcasts. Wasserman chose Ben Winston for the job, and he explained why (through THR): this was his choice.

Initially, we discovered that our work involved creating a 15-minute live television program, at which point I brought on board what I believe to be the most skilled individual globally for this task.

Ben Winston is primarily recognized for orchestrating “The Late Late Show with James Cordon” and “The Grammy Awards.” When Winston was hired, Casey Wasserman mentioned that he brought two significant concepts to the table. The first idea centered around the famous “M:I” logo, which took over a year for the LA28 committee to produce. The second idea was peculiar, as it aimed to create an illusion of the Olympic rings rising from the sea. Wasserman referred to this concept as:

…like a David Blaine kind of thing.

It’s tough to visualize how those rings would arrive on Los Angeles shores, or what other details might be involved in such a process. It seems incredibly strange, but if executed well, it could have been quite exciting. Just envisioning the famous Olympic symbols seemingly materializing from nowhere is intriguing. However, I believe they made the correct decision in choosing an alternative approach.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: During our chat, Casey Wasserman shared an exhilarating tidbit – when his team hopped on a Zoom call with Tom Cruise, the man himself jumped on board right away, and from that moment, it was game on! But here’s the kicker – ol’ Tom demanded to perform his own stunts for the broadcast, working tirelessly without a dime. And let me tell you, that only made the whole spectacle even more legendary. You can relive that unforgettable instant through the YouTube video below: [Link]

I’m curious if any celebrities might have been connected to the alternative plan, or if the committee considered David Blaine for the trick with the rings. Either way, it’s difficult to dispute the idea of having Tom Cruise, a legendary American actor, carry the Olympic Flag to Tinseltown, the heart of film production. The spectacle also serves as a demonstration of American athleticism, which will undoubtedly shine during the 2028 Olympic Games.

As a fan, if that broadcast lives up to the grandeur of this Closing Ceremony, there’s a lot to look forward to in the next four years! It makes me ponder if the abandoned David Blaine-esque concept might find a new life during those games. Only time will reveal the answer, but I can’t help but feel thrilled at the prospect of seeing such an intriguing idea realized.

Relive some of the top moments from the 2024 Paris Olympics by streaming them now, if you have a Peacock subscription. For fans of Tom Cruise, catch him pulling off even more heart-stopping stunts in his upcoming film, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning,” which can be streamed with a Paramount+ membership.

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2024-09-14 19:07