When one thinks of action stars, Tom Cruise is the first name that comes to mind. But from the younger crop of actors, Henry Cavill can be considered one of the best action stars that are working in the industry today. His range of work includes mostly action-heavy roles like Superman in Man of Steel, Man From The U.N.C.L.E, The Witcher and not to mention Mission Impossible: Fallout. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmvsAi89BDM

Particularly, the Tom Cruise vehicle proved that Cavill is not just good at playing Boy Scout characters but he can also play a menacing villain, August Walker. But to go toe to toe with Cruise when it comes to stunts is another thing. Did the Brit manage to do it? Yes, big time.

Henry Cavill was determined to do the stunts at the expense of his own health 

The Mission Impossible franchise is particularly known for its death-defying stunts that are conducted in real life with no CGI. So when Henry Cavill signed up for the sixth installment he knew exactly what he was getting into and he was prepared for it. Although he never went as extreme as Tom Cruise that is riding a bike off a cliff or scaling Burj Khalifa, he did brave the harsh weather and expanded his mental stamina to get the perfect shot.

For the famous helicopter fight scene, the crew was required to film in freezing cold atop a mountain. The situation was “extraordinarily uncomfortable” and “it was a form of physical punishment“. However, the Superman actor stayed in character. He was suffering from tinnitus and he could barely move his face. In 2021, director Christopher McQuarrie praised Henry Cavill for his commitment to the role.

“I don’t know another actor who would do that — not only do it but do it with full commitment and never complain,” McQuarrie mentioned while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. 

The Tudors star made a fascinating traitorous villain. He deftly confused the audience and Cruise’s character about where his loyalty lay. Henry held his own against Tom with his physique and leading man charisma. He also managed to become a meme with the ability to grow a mustache. 

Are you hoping to see another showdown between Cruise and Cavill in a future sequel? Share with us in the comments.