Tom Cruise Takes to the High Seas: Filming "The Final Reckoning" Aboard USS George H.W. Bush

In a move that merges Hollywood glamor with actual military prowess, Tom Cruise's latest film, "The Final Reckoning," has taken filmmaking to a new level by incorporating real US military assets, including the formidable USS George H.W. Bush. The film, which is part of Paramount Global’s release, saw Cruise and crew filming intense sequences on the nuclear-powered Nimitz-class carrier in the Adriatic Sea, highlighting an exceptional partnership between the US military and the film industry.

"The Final Reckoning," released in the United States and South Africa, is not just another sequel in the high-octane franchise but a testament to Cruise's ongoing commitment to performing audacious stunts and utilizing authentic military hardware. Over three days from February 28 to March 3, 2023, Cruise, along with co-star Hannah Waddingham and director Christopher McQuarrie, brought to life scenes that are expected to anchor the film’s narrative—a narrative that thrilled sailors and will undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide.

The production took advantage of the aircraft carrier's scheduled training missions, integrating their filming schedule with the Navy's operational timetable which allowed the film to be shot without additional costs for aircraft carrier usage. This strategic use of resources emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between Hollywood and the US military, ensuring a realistic portrayal of military operations while keeping a tight rein on budget expenditures.

Scenes featuring flight sequences, the navigation bridge, and a dramatic departure using a CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft highlight the extent of military involvement in the filmmaking process. Additionally, the USS Hyman G. Rickover submarine makes a brief appearance, with its interiors mocked up in Hollywood studios, enhanced by the advice of a Navy representative and a retired submarine commander as a technical advisor.

Moreover, the involvement of the USS George H.W. Bush is not just for dramatic flair. During the filming, Cruise held a screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" in the ship's hangar bay and interacted with the sailors, adding a layer of morale boost for the crew who had been at sea for about six months.

In addition to the breathtaking maritime sequences, parts of "The Final Reckoning" were also shot in iconic South African locations, including the Drakensberg Mountains, Kruger National Park, and the Wild Coast, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

This high-profile project underlines the Pentagon’s historical willingness to participate in Hollywood projects that portray the military in a supportive light, a tradition seen in past collaborations like "The Hunt for Red October." However, script approval and depiction standards remain stringent, ensuring that the military's portrayal aligns with its values and public image.

As "The Final Reckoning" hits theaters, audiences are not only anticipating another thrilling installment of Ethan Hunt’s adventures but also a unique viewing experience enriched with genuine military elements, bridging the gap between real-world heroics and cinematic spectacle.