The viral photo of Tom Cruise and Richard Wilkins from a London press event has reignited one of Hollywood’s longest-running curiosities: Cruise’s height. Standing beside the towering 6’2″ Australian entertainment reporter, Cruise’s reported 5’6″ frame sparked a wave of social media commentary. Some joked that the image looked “Photoshopped,” while others applauded Cruise for embracing the moment without apparent concern.

But the online chatter about height quickly gave way to more admiration than mockery, especially when Cruise shared a glimpse into the origins of his daredevil streak. He revealed that his first “stunt” happened at just three years old—climbing out of windows to get a better view of the stars. The anecdote underscored his reputation as one of the most fearless actors in the business.

Cruise’s latest and reportedly final appearance as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is already creating buzz beyond the red carpet. With a massive $400 million budget, the film is being hailed as a high-octane thrill ride. Early reviews have praised it as the “wildest Mission yet,” cementing Cruise’s legacy not just as a movie star—but as a stunt legend.

So, while a simple photo caused a stir, it’s clear that Cruise’s towering reputation for action and dedication continues to overshadow any conversation about height.