Simon Pegg, known for his role in “Spaced” and “Shaun of the Dead,” reflects on his journey as IMF technician Benji Dunn in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, which began back in 2006 with “Mission: Impossible III.” Originally expecting a short stint, Pegg was surprised to receive an email from J.J. Abrams proposing that Benji become a field agent, to which he enthusiastically responded.
The latest installment, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” picks up where “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” left off. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, who is on a mission against a threatening AI system known as The Entity, hidden within a sunken Russian submarine. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who has been at the helm of the series since “Rogue Nation,” the film explores themes surrounding choice and consequence.
Pegg shared that he misses co-star Rebecca Ferguson, whose character, Ilsa Faust, met her end in “Dead Reckoning.” He fondly recalled their bond that formed over the years, strengthened by the camaraderie fostered during filming amidst the restrictions of the pandemic. This connection has helped ease the loss felt from Ferguson’s character but highlights the emotional dynamics within the franchise.
Addressing the “Final” in the film’s title, Pegg hinted at a conclusion for the series, stating, “It feels like an end to me.” He praised McQuarrie’s storytelling that ties up various threads from earlier films and offers a satisfying conclusion to their overarching narrative.
In “The Final Reckoning,” Pegg’s character takes on a larger role, especially with Ethan Hunt often working solo. He appreciated the careful pacing of his character’s development, as McQuarrie made deliberate choices to ensure that Benji’s evolution felt authentic. After years of incremental growth, Pegg feels a sense of fulfillment as Benji finally steps up as a capable leader.
Overall, the upcoming film promises to encapsulate the rich history of the franchise while offering a climactic and engaging chapter that honors the characters’ journeys. As Pegg closes this long chapter of his career, fans can look forward to seeing Benji finally take the lead he has been quietly working towards for two decades.