In the high-octane world of Mission: Impossible – Fallout, it’s not unusual for actors to push their limits, especially under the influence of Tom Cruise, a star famous for executing his own stunts. But even Henry Cavill, renowned for his physicality in action roles, found himself restricted when it came to one extreme challenge—the HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jump. As thrilling as it was for Cruise, this skydiving feat out of the back of a Boeing C-17 proved too dangerous for Cavill to attempt.

Appearing on Good Morning America, Cavill reflected on his heartbreak over the stunt that got away. “I got to do all my own stuff apart from one—the HALO jump,” he shared, visibly disappointed. For the 41-year-old actor, the chance to perform the jump had been a top priority. “It was number one on my bucket list,” Cavill confessed, recalling how he had pleaded with Cruise to let him take the plunge.

However, Cruise—no stranger to dangerous stunts—ultimately couldn’t allow it, prioritizing Cavill’s safety as well as the crew’s. Cavill remembered Cruise’s response: “Look Henry, I understand what you’re saying. I would love, love, love for you to do it but if you do, the chances are that you will kill me and everyone else in the process.” Known for his intense preparation, Cruise had undergone over 100 practice jumps to nail the HALO sequence, a feat few actors would endure. Cavill acknowledged Cruise’s rigorous training, saying, “I think [it was] 106 jumps just to shoot that sequence.”

Though disappointed, Cavill left his mark on Fallout in a different way. During a high-stakes bathroom brawl, he delivered a spontaneous and now-iconic “arm reload” gesture that went viral. What started as a natural, unplanned motion turned into a signature moment that director Christopher McQuarrie immediately noticed and insisted remain in the scene. Reflecting on the move, Cavill shared, “It just felt right at the time,” and admitted he initially hesitated to repeat it, only to be encouraged by the director.

This improvised move became emblematic of Cavill’s character, proving that, even without the HALO jump, he created a moment that resonates with fans worldwide.