OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Henry Cavill has portrayed some of the most iconic action heroes in Hollywood, including Superman in the DC Extended Universe and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher. But when it comes to the toughest scene he’s ever done, none of his superhero gigs take the top spot. Instead, it’s a Mission: Impossible – Fallout helicopter stunt that earns the crown, proving that Cavill’s dedication to his craft is next-level.

In an interview with Collider, Cavill opened up about his grueling experience filming one of the most intense sequences of his career. “Even though it’s not a single shot, it’s a sequence, and I love the sequence and I would do it again in a heartbeat, but physically the most enduring was a ‘Mission: Impossible’ helicopter sequence.” Yep, you heard that right—Cavill, who has faced off against alien forces and mythical monsters, claims that this helicopter stunt topped them all.

So, what made this scene such a beast to pull off? Well, picture this: Cavill hanging out of a helicopter with the doors wide open, flying over the freezing Southern Alps in the dead of winter. Not only was the temperature bone-chilling, but Cavill had to endure harsh winds, loud noise, and the physical strain of firing blanks repeatedly while keeping his composure. “I’m sticking my face into the wind… Completely deaf, just waiting for the pilot to scream something inaudible,” Cavill recalled, adding a dose of humor to the madness.

And it wasn’t just a quick shoot, either. Cavill had to keep his head out the window for long periods, sometimes up to 40 minutes at a time, all while remaining focused on the scene. After each take, he’d retreat to a small Red Rad heater to warm up his frozen hands—only to head back into the cold within 30 minutes for another round. “It was just having to suck it up… but I absolutely loved the sequence, and it was so worth it,” he said, reflecting on the physically demanding two weeks of shooting.

In Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Cavill’s character, CIA assassin August Walker, was far from your typical villain. With his slick demeanor and sharp focus, Walker initially appears as an ally to Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt—until the moment when Cavill’s character reveals his true nature, turning the film’s plot on its head. The helicopter chase in Kashmir, where Cavill faces off against Hunt in a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping showdown, is one of the most unforgettable action sequences in the film.

Though Walker meets a brutal end at the hands of Hunt, the legacy of Cavill’s performance remains. His portrayal brought a fresh level of danger and complexity to the Mission: Impossible franchise, making him one of the standout villains. Even though Walker’s story arc ended with a brutal hook to the face, the Mission: Impossible series is known for its unexpected twists and technological tricks (hello, high-tech masks), so who knows—Cavill could very well return in some future twist.

Ultimately, the helicopter scene is a testament to Cavill’s commitment to his craft. For him, the toughest challenges on set are just part of the process, and those moments of grit and determination are what make the final product so epic. As Mission: Impossible – Fallout continues to be a high point in the franchise, fans will remember Cavill’s unforgettable performance—and that jaw-dropping helicopter sequence—as one of the many reasons why this film is still regarded as one of the best action movies of all time. Sometimes, the toughest challenges lead to the most legendary moments.