8 Mission: Impossible Characters Who Deserved More Screen Time

It appears that the Mission: Impossible series may have concluded with The Final Reckoning, leading us enthusiasts to reminisce about cherished scenes from the franchise, as well as characters we yearn to see more often. With the show’s immense success, it’s hard not to glance back at its pinnacle moments and long for additional episodes. It’s only natural to crave more daring stunts by Tom Cruise, more heart-stopping moments by Tom Cruise, more intense performances by Tom Cruise. One can never tire of Ethan Hunt.

In the “Mission: Impossible” series, Ethan Hunt is undeniably a central figure, receiving more screen time than many other characters together. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that while Ethan’s bravery and daring stunts have been captivating audiences since the first film, there are also other beloved characters who steal the show. For instance, Benji has his own compelling narrative in “Mission Impossible – Fallout”. However, upon watching the last movie, it becomes evident that some characters didn’t receive as much attention as they deserved.

8. Declan Gormley

Played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers

In a fresh take:

“The third installment of the Mission: Impossible series, Mission: Impossible III, is often overlooked yet it boasts some of the most defining scenes that embody Ethan Hunt’s character and the man we admire today. Notably, until director Christopher McQuarrie took charge for the latter four films, secondary characters tended to rotate frequently. However, an exception was made for Ving Rhames’ Luther Stickell, who remained a constant presence throughout, much like every other aspect, the third movie also introduced memorable side characters who deserved more on-screen time.

Although Jonathan Rhys Meyers had fewer lines and on-screen appearances, he injected a lively spirit into his character, Declan Gormley. This agent was committed and competent, yet he wasn’t afraid to share jokes even during missions like infiltrating Vatican City. He effortlessly formed friendly bonds with characters he had just met, and Meyers skillfully portrayed a blend of sincerity and laughter that would have been delightful to witness again in the context of Mission: Impossible, given his knack for dry wit laced with humor which suits the series perfectly.

7. Mission Commander Swanbeck

Played by Sir Anthony Hopkins

Among the various individuals who have overseen my tasks, much like some members of my team, many come and go, but certain ones stand out more vividly than others. One such individual who leaves an indelible impression is portrayed by Alec Baldwin, starring in the first two “Mission: Impossible” films helmed by Christopher McQuarrie. Another figure who has left a lasting mark on me is Henry Czerny, who played my superior officer in the initial film and reappeared as a recurring character in the last couple of films within this franchise, portraying the character Eugene Kittridge.

This mission isn’t merely challenging, Mr. Hunt; it’s impossible – something you should handle effortlessly.”
“Mr. Hunt, this mission is no ordinary challenge, it’s a task that even you would find unattainable.

Despite having a minimal screen appearance, Ethan’s handler Swanbeck from “Mission: Impossible II” was memorably portrayed by Sir Anthony Hopkins. His brief screen time included one of the most unforgettable lines in the series, making you ponder how captivating his character could have been if Hopkins had more scenes or reprised his role in the film.

6. Nyah Nordoff-Hall

Played by Thandiwe Newton

The second installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series, titled “Mission: Impossible II“, was a film that didn’t quite live up to expectations for the franchise. This is largely because the dialogue seemed outdated and director John Woo’s style, marked by slow-motion action scenes, intense gunfights, and excessive explosions, didn’t quite fit with the series. However, the characters in this film, particularly Ethan Hunt’s partner Nyah Nordoff-Hall, portrayed by Thandiwe Newton, were remarkably intriguing, and she had a strong on-screen chemistry with Tom Cruise.

Nyah is a skilled thief and an courageous woman who puts her life on the line to save the world. She boldly defends herself and stands strong, often facing underestimation due to her gender. Notably, she proves herself as a reliable ally to Hunt. Although each film in the series was self-contained at the time, I wished there had been at least one more appearance from Nyah. The relationship between Ethan and Nyah, skillfully directed by Woo with romantic undertones, held great potential that remained unexplored.

5. Jane Carter

Played by Paula Patton

The film “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” significantly shaped the “Mission: Impossible” series as we know it today. It showcased Tom Cruise’s thrilling stunts, high-quality cinematography, a relatable yet almost divine portrayal of Ethan Hunt, and more substantial roles for side characters than ever before. Among these supporting cast members, Paula Patton’s character, Jane Carter, stands out as one of Ethan Hunt’s most effective temporary teammates in the series, making her a strong candidate for future films.

Carter exhibits exceptional combat skills, both in hand-to-hand fights and with firearms. She’s equally adept at using softer skills for her assignments, never holding back her punches. In Ghost Protocol, Patton delivers some of the best action scenes, showcasing her comfort within the genre despite having a limited background in action films. However, Jane has an emotional drive in this movie, but she’s noticeably absent from all other Mission: Impossible films, despite Ethan inviting her for future missions at the end.

4. William Brandt

Played by Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner initially appeared briefly and unaccredited as Hawkeye in Thor and had a larger role in The Avengers. During this time, he also collaborated with Tom Cruise on the Mission: Impossible film. His character, William Brandt, was originally intended to replace Cruise’s Hunt, but that plan didn’t come to fruition, benefiting the franchise instead. Despite not getting the chance to replace Cruise, Brandt is still a well-liked character who deserved more screen time and could have returned in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

In the movies Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Brandt demonstrates his fittingness for the series with several action sequences. The standout moment from the previous film, a daring and amusingly relatable stunt, is one of its most memorable scenes. Regrettably, Brandt’s potential was not fully realized in the following movie and he was never reprised for the subsequent Christopher McQuarrie Mission: Impossible films. Jeremy Renner initially departed from the series after Ghost Protocol, but there was an opportunity to bring him back, at least for the last film in the franchise.

3. Zhen Lei

Played by Maggie Q

Prior to “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”, the Mission: Impossible films tended to give secondary characters less prominence in IMF missions compared to Ethan. This effectively highlights Tom Cruise’s portrayal of a superior spy, but it also means some intriguing opportunities were overlooked. One such opportunity was Maggie Q’s character, Zhen Lei, from J.J. Abrams’ Mission: Impossible III.

In the film “Mission: Impossible III”, Zhen is significant yet not particularly distinctive, giving the impression that any other character could’ve performed her tasks. This seems like an unfortunate squandering of Maggie Q’s abilities, as she is a proficient martial artist who could have showcased her exceptional action skills, such as engaging in hand-to-hand combat sequences. Not only was she underutilized in this movie, but unfortunately, Maggie Q did not reappear in subsequent “Mission: Impossible” films, leading to curiosity about the potential dynamic she and Tom Cruise could have created during a tag team fight scene.

2. Julia Meade

Played by Michelle Monaghan

In the action-packed world of Mission: Impossible, Ethan’s cherished partner, Julia Meade, has found herself in peril on two occasions due to her association with him. Initially, villain Owen Davian from Mission: Impossible III abducted her as part of his scheme involving Ethan. Later, in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, she was taken by Solomon Lane and John Lark to Kashmir, where they intended to set off two nuclear devices. Despite not having the same array of skills as IMF agents, Julia isn’t a helpless damsel; she was expected to reappear in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Contrarily, she plays a crucial part in saving Ethan’s life in both films, notably shining in Mission: Impossible III, where she deactivates a bomb within his skull and subsequently revives him. Her handgun skills, surprisingly impressive even for her debut usage, are also worth mentioning. She embodies a strong-willed, rational female character who rises to the challenge, making her absence in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning all the more noticeable. Ethan cherishes their bond deeply, and it seems like a breach of the series’ established narrative and her reappearance in Fallout that she wasn’t present in the last movie.

1. Luther Stickell

Played by Ving Rhames

As a die-hard fan of the Mission: Impossible series, I can’t help but feel that Luther Stickell, the trusted ally who has been by Ethan Hunt’s side in every movie, doesn’t always get the spotlight he deserves. Despite his pivotal role in the missions and Ethan’s life, screen time for this character remains scant throughout each film.

In the world of Mission: Impossible, Luther is the mastermind behind the scenes, flashing his extraordinary hacking skills and technical prowess during brief appearances. Yet, he remains somewhat underdeveloped as a character until the very end, leaving us yearning for more depth and exploration of his story.

Throughout the eight films, Luther Stickell undergoes a profound personal metamorphosis, yet his exceptional abilities are often only hinted at rather than fully showcased. While we’re told about his latest impossible feat, these instances lack the depth they could have had. Scenes portraying Luther in action are rarely extended beyond brief moments, and it’s clear that the franchise could have gained significantly by delving into his work, rather than solely using him as a humanizing element for Ethan’s character, albeit well-developed in this aspect.

2025-05-26 01:13