Tom Cruise Surprised Co-Star Hayley Atwell’s Grandmother With A Helicopter Ride For Christmas Eve

Jun 30, 2023

Tom Cruise extended a heartwarming gesture to the grandmother of Hayley Atwell, his co-star in "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One," when they were filming the movie in 2020. The blockbuster Hollywood star wanted to gift a unique experience to the elderly woman for Christmas Eve. 

Atwell, the talented actress famous for her role as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, revealed what Cruise did during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. She disclosed that the actor had orchestrated the surprise, though he knew her grandmother's fear of helicopters. 

Atwell revealed the details of the surprise and explained that she had taken her grandmother to a helicopter base in London, pretending they were there for a leisurely cup of tea at the attached café. Casually, she mentioned the helicopters on the tarmac, prompting her grandmother to express her reluctance ever to board one.

To the astonishment of her grandmother, Cruise emerged from behind a car, revealing himself as the mastermind behind the surprise. Atwell's grandmother greeted him with warmth and familiarity, treating him as though he were part of the family. The actor’s presence seemed to put her at ease, disarming her fear and creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Atwell was the latest star to join the "Mission: Impossible" franchise and was cast as Grace in 2019 in a mystery role. The actress kept mum about whether her character was a villain or a heroine, but she described Grace as mischievous and playful, who added a comic element to the new movie.  

Director Christopher McQuarrie, however, said that Grace is a "destructive force of nature." Given the role, Atwell also had to do technically and physically demanding stunts next to Cruise. 

Cruise, the action hero known for his adventurous spirit, offered to take Atwell’s grandmother on a helicopter tour of London during the golden hour of sunset. Overwhelmed with excitement, the actress’ grandmother enthusiastically agreed, even setting her walking stick aside in anticipation of the remarkable experience.

Reflecting on the moment, Cruise expressed his pleasure in being able to provide such a memorable outing.

"I knew her grandmother's never been in a helicopter, so (I said) I'm going to take you at sunset," Cruise said. "It was beautiful.... I said, 'Don't worry, Hayley. We're gonna just take our time. It's gonna be a lovely family outing."

Atwell found Cruise's gift to her grandmother charming and cute, and she also enjoyed watching the elderly woman have a great time with the Hollywood superstar. The experience did leave an indelible mark on both Atwell and her grandmother, creating cherished memories they would treasure for a lifetime.

“The effect that he had on her totally disarmed her fear. And she had the most wonderful time... It was cute,” Atwell said.

Meanwhile, Cruise said that his co-star's performance in "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One," allowed the writers and director to set a different tone to this installment. 

Atwell, on the other hand, learned to completely trust Cruise when they had to do their action scenes together. 

She told Screen Rant that she got of sense of how much the actor trusted himself because he was very attentive to every detail of the production and cared for everyone working in the movie. Atwell praised Cruise for his commitment and competence, especially in ensuring that they were working in a safe space. 

What can you say about Tom Cruise’s gift to Hayley Atwell’s grandmother? Are you a fan of the "Mission Impossible" franchise? Do you know a fan of these stars? Then pass this story along, as they might love this anecdote!