Entertainment
Tom Cruise pilots own helicopter in South Africa while filming Mission Impossible 8
Tom Cruise needs no pilot as he lands in South Africa to film Mission Impossible 8 (Picture: Amber Maas / SWNS)
Tom Cruise proved he’s every inch his own stuntman as he piloted his own helicopter to touch down in South Africa at the weekend.
Arriving in Hoedspruit, Limpopo – a South African province bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique – to film scenes for Mission: Impossible 8, he gave a friendly wave and smile and was seen chatting to fans.
He reportedly shared his excitement at the release of the upcoming film, Mission Impossible 7, due out next year, and also mentioned he’d love to live in the country ‘permanently.’
Looking every inch the Hollywood star, Tom, 59, was photographed looking relaxed and at ease wearing a blue polo shirt, grey trousers, and walking boots.
He removed his face mask after stepping off the helicopter to chat to the crowd that had gathered.
‘It’s so awesome to see you. I can’t wait for you to see the next movie. Thank you for coming out today,’ he said.
He looked relaxed and happy as he greeted a crowd of admirers (Picture: Amber Maas / SWNS)
The action star who plays Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible series has been flying himself to scenes in nearby Kruger National Park and has been snapped frequently in his helicopter as he films the iconic movie series.
It’s been reported that he has been staying in the small northern town of Hoedspruit as the shoot continues.
The actor was seen around the UK during the filming of Mission: Impossible 7 last year (Picture: Amber Maas / SWNS)
Last year, he was forced to make a landing in a couples’ garden while he was filming in the UK, as he was ‘running late.’
Warwickshire resident Alison Webb and her partner were then called upon for their field to be used by an ‘unnamed VIP who was running late’ and desperately needed to land.
The Hollywood heavyweight said he’d love to live in South Africa ‘permenantly’ (Picture: Amber Maas / SWNS)
Speaking to BBC News, Alison said: ‘I thought it would be kind of cool for the kids to see the helicopter land in the garden.
‘He [Tom Cruise] basically arrived and got out and it was like, “Wow”.’
Mission: Impossible 7 is set for release on July 7, 2023 after a string of production delays due to Covid-19.
Last year, audio leaked of Tom embarking on an expletive-filled rant when he found crew members breaking Covid safety rules on-set.
MORE : Tom Cruise lands helicopter in London after late night flight as Mission: Impossible 7 wraps filming
