Tom Cruise Calls Svalbard ‘Breathtakingly Beautiful’ — But It Wasn’t All Scenic Views for Mission: Impossible

As Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning prepares to hit theaters on May 23, Tom Cruise has once again pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking, this time by venturing into the frozen wilderness of Svalbard. Known for its harsh climate and pristine landscapes, Svalbard served as a dramatic backdrop for one of the most intense shoots of Cruise’s career.

In a behind-the-scenes video shared on social media on April 22, Cruise, ever the enthusiast, describes the location as “breathtakingly beautiful” and “a unique experience,” reflecting on the remarkable opportunity to film in such an extreme environment. For a franchise known for its death-defying stunts, Svalbard’s stark, icy terrain provided the perfect setting to capture the intense, high-stakes world of Ethan Hunt.

However, the stunning scenery came at a price: Mission: Impossible is no stranger to challenging conditions, but shooting in the Arctic was a true test of endurance. Co-star Simon Pegg, who reprises his role in the franchise, emphasized the extraordinary difficulty of filming in such extreme temperatures. “If you want to shoot in the Ice Cap, you are going with temperatures that are absolutely the most extreme,” he noted, recalling how the Arctic conditions hit them “right on [their] face.”

The temperature, often dipping to minus 40 degrees, proved to be a serious challenge for the cast and crew. Director Christopher McQuarrie underscored the raw authenticity of the setting: “You cannot fake being in minus 40 degrees. Take your gloves off for a few seconds and your fingers will start to freeze.” Such harsh conditions only heightened the film’s suspense, adding an undeniable layer of realism that McQuarrie hoped to translate to the screen.

For Hayley Atwell, joining the Mission: Impossible franchise for the first time, being in the Arctic landscape provided an added dimension to the film’s drama. “Being in an environment like that adds to the suspense and drama,” Atwell said, highlighting how the icy backdrop elevates the stakes of the film.

Cruise himself agreed, noting the challenge of bringing such an environment to life for audiences. “It was a real privilege to do it and it looks amazing on the screen,” he shared, proud of how the team’s hard work will pay off on the big screen. “It is a privilege to bring a location like Svalbard to audiences. It is breathtaking in every sense of the word and we can’t wait for you to experience it in theaters.”

Svalbard, located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, is famed for its glacial beauty and rich wildlife, including polar bears. Its isolated and rugged terrain provided the perfect backdrop for Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’s pulse-pounding action sequences.

Tom Cruise will once again take center stage as Ethan Hunt, the iconic spy whose missions always seem to defy the laws of physics and danger. With a stellar supporting cast, including Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, and Esai Morales, The Final Reckoning promises to be another explosive addition to the Mission: Impossible legacy, all while showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of Svalbard and its extreme conditions.

It is a privilege to bring a location like Svalbard to audiences. It’s breathtaking in every sense of the word and we can’t wait for you to experience it in theaters. pic.twitter.com/MiadzCgDUt

— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) April 22, 2025