Simon Pegg on Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning: "It Feels Like an End"
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Simon Pegg discussed his experience working on the Mission: Impossible franchise, particularly on the upcoming film, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. Pegg, who has played the character of Benji Dunn in six of the eight Mission: Impossible films, shared his insights on the film’s production, his character’s development, and his interactions with star Tom Cruise.
Pegg revealed that when he first arrived on the Paramount lot to film Mission: Impossible III in 2005, he thought his role as Benji Dunn was just a supporting part and that he would not be reprising it in future films. However, he received an email from director J.J. Abrams a year after the film’s release, asking if he would be interested in playing Benji as a field agent. Pegg accepted the offer, and his character has since become an integral part of the franchise.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, directed by Christopher "McQ" McQuarrie, is the culmination of the previous Mission films. According to Pegg, the film takes place a couple of months after the events of 2023’s Dead Reckoning and follows the Impossible Missions Force as they attempt to stop the Entity from driving the world toward nuclear annihilation.
Pegg expressed his admiration for McQuarrie’s ability to weave together the various storylines and characters from the previous films. "McQ expertly went into the past and looked at the preceding movies, and he saw how he could find an origin for the Entity," Pegg said. "So that all wraps up in this film, and for me, it does feel like an end."
The article also highlights the challenges faced by the cast and crew during the production of Dead Reckoning and The Final Reckoning. Pegg mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic and the writers’ and actors’ strikes caused significant delays and disruptions. However, he noted that the cast bonded quickly during the filming of Dead Reckoning, which helped to mitigate the loss of Rebecca Ferguson’s character, Ilsa Faust, who was a fan favorite.
Pegg also discussed his character’s development over the course of the franchise. He noted that McQuarrie had a clear plan for Benji’s progression from a supporting character to a field agent and eventually to a leader. "I feel like I’ve played a 20-year game here, and the reward was for Benji to be fully realized as an agent and as a capable and competent leader," Pegg said.
In addition, Pegg praised Tom Cruise for his dedication to delivering authentic and exhilarating performances. He noted that Cruise’s commitment to performing his own stunts adds to the authenticity of the film and allows the audience to experience something truly breathtaking.
The Hollywood Reporter also reported that Pegg did not have to witness many of Cruise’s death-defying stunts during the filming of The Final Reckoning, as Ethan Hunt embarks on a solo mission for much of the film. Pegg expressed his relief at not having to watch Cruise perform some of the more hazardous stunts, saying, "It has always been a terrifying thing for me to be there, and I’ve been there for all the big stunts over the years."
Finally, Pegg confirmed that The Final Reckoning feels like an end to his involvement with the Mission: Impossible franchise. While he did not rule out the possibility of future films, he stated that this film provides a satisfying conclusion to the series. Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is set to open in theaters nationwide on May 23.
As The Hollywood Reporter notes, Pegg’s comments provide a unique insight into the making of the Mission: Impossible films and his experiences working with Tom Cruise and the rest of the cast and crew. With its in-depth analysis and quotes from Pegg, this article offers a compelling look at the enduring appeal of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning promises to be an action-packed and emotionally resonant conclusion to the series, and fans are eagerly anticipating its release. With its blend of high-stakes action, intricate plotting, and memorable characters, this film is sure to be a thrilling ride for audiences worldwide.
The film’s ability to balance action and emotion, as well as its well-developed characters, have been hallmarks of the Mission: Impossible franchise, and The Final Reckoning appears to be no exception. As Pegg noted, the film’s conclusion provides a sense of closure for the characters and the storylines, making it a fitting end to the series.
Overall, Simon Pegg’s interview with The Hollywood Reporter provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Mission: Impossible and the experiences of one of its most beloved characters. With its engaging narrative and insightful quotes, this article is a must-read for fans of the franchise.
