The set of the CBS procedural prequel ‘NCIS: Origins’ recently played host to an unexpected and high-octane visitor: the undisputed king of practical action, Tom Cruise. The surprise appearance by the Mission: Impossible star was a major moment for the cast and crew, who were kicking off the second season of the show. Cruise, known globally for performing his own death-defying stunts, didn’t just pose for photos; he offered an unforgettable piece of advice that encapsulates his entire philosophy on action filmmaking.
The Unforgettable Stunt Philosophy
The most memorable anecdote from the visit came directly from a conversation Cruise had with one of the show’s actors, Caleb Foote, who plays the character of Randy. Foote was discussing the minor but frequent occupational hazards of filming action sequences, admitting that he often stubs his fingers when performing stunts. He then asked Cruise how he manages to execute legendary, high-risk stunts—such as famously jumping out of a plane—without getting injured or distracted by fear.
According to NCIS: Origins co-showrunner David J. North, Cruise’s immediate and legendary response was a lesson in commitment: “I don’t worry about breaking a nail.”
This quote is far more than a simple dismissive line; it’s a brilliant encapsulation of the extreme mental and physical dedication Cruise brings to his craft. For an actor who dangles from cliffs, races motorcycles, and performs high-G maneuvers in jets, the minor discomfort of a scraped knuckle or stubbed toe is simply not a consideration. The advice is a masterclass in focusing on the primary objective and maintaining absolute commitment to the scene, highlighting the necessary mindset for executing world-class, realistic stunts. It’s a philosophy that prioritizes the epic scale and authenticity of the action over any small, personal discomfort.
The Top Gun Connection and Set Inspiration
While the stunt advice was the most buzzworthy moment, Cruise’s visit was also a fascinating full-circle moment for the show’s creative team. Co-showrunner David J. North revealed that the team had drawn inspiration from one of Cruise’s most iconic films, 1986’s Top Gun, when designing a key set piece for the NCIS prequel.
The bar that the young NCIS agents frequent on the show, known as Daly’s, was intentionally modeled after the famed bar in Top Gun—a central, vibrant gathering spot for the aviators in the film. North expressed that he and his co-showrunner, Gina Lucita Monreal, were “stoked he approved” of their cinematic homage.
This underlying connection between the NCIS prequel and Cruise’s enduring legacy highlights the pervasive influence of the actor’s work across modern action and procedural entertainment. His films, especially the Top Gun and Mission: Impossible franchises, have set the benchmark for thrilling, believable action sequences, making his approval a significant validation for the creators.
A Surprise VIP on the Paramount Lot
Cruise’s presence on the NCIS: Origins set was entirely unexpected. As the show is filmed on the Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood, where Cruise frequently works on his films (Paramount is the studio behind the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun series), his appearance was a spontaneous, impromptu moment.
Photos shared by the cast and the official NCIS social media accounts showed Cruise interacting warmly with the cast, including Austin Stowell (who plays the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs), Tyla Abercrumbie, and Caleb Foote. Stowell even cheekily referenced the crossover potential, captioning a photo of him and Cruise with the line: “Gibbs & Hunt, NCIS: Impossible,” combining the two characters.
Cruise’s history shows a clear career preference for film, making his direct engagement with a TV set a rare event. His visit provided a significant morale boost for the production, reaffirming the dedication of the ensemble cast and crew to the long-running franchise.
The Impact on NCIS: Origins
The advice Cruise offered, specifically the mindset of unwavering commitment, resonates strongly with the themes of NCIS: Origins. The prequel focuses on the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the 1990s, when he’s fresh out of the Marine Corps and beginning his tenure as a Special Agent in the fledgling NCIS.
Gibbs’ character is defined by his intense discipline, commitment, and often unorthodox methods—traits that mirror Cruise’s action hero persona. While the show is a procedural crime drama and not a spy-thriller, it requires its actors to be convincing in fight choreography, tactical movements, and chase sequences. Cruise’s guidance encourages the cast to embrace a level of fearlessness and total dedication to the physicality of their roles, pushing for maximum realism in every action beat.
In a competitive television landscape, such a visit injects not only excitement but also a dose of genuine, high-level action wisdom into the production, potentially influencing the approach to stunts and physicality in future episodes. It’s a reminder that even in a procedural drama, the action sequences must be executed with conviction, a principle Tom Cruise has proven can elevate a project from good to globally iconic.
Conclusion
Tom Cruise’s surprise visit to the NCIS: Origins set was a moment of television history, bridging the worlds of cinematic action and TV procedural drama. His advice to “not worry about breaking a nail” serves as a motivational mantra for the cast, stressing the relentless focus and commitment required to excel in the world of on-screen action. As NCIS: Origins continues to explore the roots of a beloved character, the show now carries a small, but significant, piece of wisdom from one of Hollywood’s most dedicated action stars.
