Rebecca Ferguson, a staple of the Mission: Impossible franchise since Rogue Nation, discusses her journey with the character, her thoughts on the romance between Ilsa and Ethan, and her transition to producing her own projects. Bonus interviews with Greg Tarzan Davis and Hayley Atwell are included.
Rebecca Ferguson didn't anticipate the significant impact her role as Ilsa Faust would have on her life when she was cast in the franchise, highlighting the collaborative process with the director and the development of her character.
Greg Tarzan Davis shares his admiration for Tom Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts and recounts a memorable moment on set with Cruise and the director where they enjoyed the beauty of the Norwegian mountains during a break from filming.
Deep dives
Rebecca Ferguson Discusses Her Role as Ilsa Faust
Rebecca Ferguson, who plays Ilsa Faust in the Mission Impossible franchise, talks about her experience working on the films. She reveals that she had no idea the role would become such a significant part of her life when she was cast in Rogue Nation. Ferguson also discusses the collaborative process with director Christopher McQuarrie and how the character of Ilsa was developed. She emphasizes that Ilsa's relationship with Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) goes beyond romance and is more about mutual understanding and connection. She also shares some behind-the-scenes stories, including filming intense action sequences and the spontaneity on set.
Greg Tarzan Davis Talks About Chasing Ethan Hunt
Greg Tarzan Davis, who plays a put pocket in the Mission Impossible films, discusses his experience of filming action scenes and chasing actor Tom Cruise's character, Ethan Hunt. He jokingly shares that chasing Ethan Hunt is like trying to catch a chicken and expresses his admiration for Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts. Davis also reflects on a memorable moment on set with director Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise, where they took a break from filming and enjoyed the beauty of the Norwegian mountains.
Haley Atwell on Performing Magic Tricks
Haley Atwell, who portrays a magician in the Mission Impossible film, talks about her experience learning and performing magic tricks for the role. She shares that while Tom Cruise was competitive in performing magic, he was also generous and supportive. Atwell describes how she incorporated the magic tricks into her character's physicality and the fun of finding elegant ways to showcase her character's abilities. She also mentions the practicality of being a pickpocket and the joy of working with Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie.
Upcoming Interviews and Film Releases
The podcast hosts mention that they have more interviews in store, including upcoming conversations with Lauren Balfe, the composer for the Mission Impossible films. They also urge listeners to see Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, Mutant Mayhem, both of which are currently playing exclusively in theaters. They encourage listeners to follow the podcast on social media and stay tuned for more upcoming episodes.
Rebecca Ferguson has been a staple of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise since “Rogue Nation” and this week we talk with her about her journey with the character – including what it was like being cast and where she finds herself in “Dead Reckoning Part One.” Learn whether or not she thought Ilsa and Ethan (Tom Cruise) had ever been romantic, what it took for her to perfect sword fighting and what tips she took away from Tom as she transitioned to producing her own projects. Plus bonus interviews with Greg Tarzan Davis (31:54) and Hayley Atwell (35:03). See “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” only in theatres. Catch up on the entire "Mission: Impossible" film series on Paramount+.