The “Mission: Impossible” franchise continues to thrill audiences with its breathtaking stunts, largely thanks to the fearless dedication of star Tom Cruise. In the latest installment, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Simon Pegg, who has portrayed technician Benji Dunn alongside Cruise for nearly two decades, shared his unique experience of witnessing some of the most dangerous stunts — and how the approach changed this time around.
During a recent interview, Pegg reflected on the intense friendship he has formed with Cruise over their years of collaboration. He fondly recalled some of the franchise’s iconic stunts, such as Cruise’s daring motorcycle leap off a cliff in “Dead Reckoning” and his climb up the Burj Khalifa in “Ghost Protocol.” However, for “The Final Reckoning,” he was notably kept away from the filming of the film’s heart-stopping sequences, including an underwater scene inside a sunken submarine and an aerial sequence involving daring biplane maneuvers.
Pegg expressed gratitude for this decision, as witnessing the stunts up close can be incredibly nerve-wracking. He mentioned previous occasions where he felt intense anxiety watching Cruise perform death-defying acts, particularly when Cruise prepared to strap himself to the exterior of a plane in “Rogue Nation.” He described it as a blend of terror and admiration, saying, “There was no nail biting and terror like there sometimes is on set when Tom is jumping off something or hanging onto something.”
Despite the visceral fear of being on set during these breathtaking moments, Pegg remains a steadfast part of the franchise, demonstrating his commitment to one more thrilling ride. The advanced technology utilized in the submarine sequence was particularly eye-catching, with Pegg calling it the most impressive piece of film technology he had ever seen.
As audiences rush to theaters to catch “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” it’s clear that the film embodies the thrill and excitement that fans have come to expect from the franchise. With Pegg’s experiences providing a fascinating behind-the-scenes look, moviegoers can appreciate not only the stunning visuals but also the camaraderie and hard work that goes into creating such an electrifying cinematic adventure. The film is still playing in theaters, and franchise enthusiasts can also find previous films streaming on Paramount+.
This perspective offers a glimpse into the high stakes and emotional investment behind the scenes, ensuring fans feel even more connected to the characters and the risks taken in the name of entertainment. The blend of cutting-edge cinematic technology and the powerhouse performances of its stars promise to leave a lasting impression on viewers.