Hayley Atwell Reveals Polar Bear and Tortoise Halted Mission: Impossible Production

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In the Mission: Impossible series, it’s often said that each film’s production is as challenging as the on-screen mission itself. This truth was recently experienced by Hayley Atwell, who worked on 2023’s Dead Reckoning and this week’s The Final Reckoning back to back. The pandemic complicated the making of the former, while the double production schedule posed challenges for the latter. As the film crew journeyed across the globe to capture some of the most awe-inspiring action sequences in stunning locations, nothing was easy for Team Mission.

In the potential last story by director Christopher “McQ” McQuarrie, the skilled thief character played by Atwell has become a legitimate member of the Impossible Missions Force. As an ominous AI entity called The Entity threatens to trigger a catastrophic global nuclear disaster, Grace and her team embark on a mission that takes them first to the icy Bering Sea in the Arctic (Svalbard in actuality) for an extended action sequence during the second act. Later, they travel to South Africa for the climactic ending. These environments posed unique challenges for the Tom Cruise-led cast and crew, offering extreme conditions at opposite extremes.

We halted filming as a polar bear strolled through our Arctic location, an unexpected event I never imagined I’d find myself mentioning. I shared this experience with The Hollywood Reporter in anticipation of The Final Reckoning’s release on May 23. In contrast, while shooting in South Africa, we had to pause our car because a tortoise was crossing the road. We waited for it to finish its journey before resuming, casually noting, ‘Just another day on Mission.’

In a recent chat with THR, Atwell touches upon the way Cruise employs fear effectively, followed by pondering over two intriguing yet unanswerable queries concerning the potential future roles of Mission’s Grace and the MCU’s Peggy Carter.

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It turns out you’re not only an excellent pickpocket, but also quite skilled at catching popcorn!

Your prowess in pickpocketing is already well-known, but it seems you’ve also developed a knack for snatching popcorn efficiently.

(Laughs.) Thank you. Multitalented here. 

For a long time, it wasn’t the death-defying feats that made those films successful; instead, it was simply having Tom Cruise toss popcorn in your direction.

Or, more casually:

Ain’t no need for death-defying stunts to sell these movies, just have Tom Cruise throw some popcorn at ya.

There you go. And it was delicious! 

Back in the year 2019, you embarked on a two-part journey we called a Mission. Given that you may not have foreseen its continuation till 2025, I’m curious about how your overall experience stacked up against what you initially envisioned for it?

I understood that the role would provide a chance to hone my abilities as an action performer, and I recognized it would involve a demanding training regimen to prepare me adequately. Although I had confidence in the filmmakers, I was unaware of the challenges ahead and the time commitment required. Given that these were the seventh and eighth installments, I had a clear sense of the desired tone. Additionally, I knew the target audience, and ultimately, I placed my trust in the team. I felt assured that I was in capable hands.

Did the production of the two Reckoning films occasionally overlap? Did you find yourself switching back and forth during that process?

I find it hard to recall specific details since the storyline isn’t chronological. Instead, you immerse yourself in the character and perform whatever actions are needed at that instant. This way, you feel like you’re part of the story, and only later do I realize that I might have filmed certain scenes years apart. Watching it as an audience member was exciting because it felt like a new experience, helping me forget about the production process and fully enjoy the journey.

Previously, we’ve discussed that the Mission films are subject to change. Was it only during the Japan premiere screening last week that you gained clarity about your work?

Indeed, I was completely unaware of what to expect. The amount of footage we collected for this project is immense, and the journey depicted is nothing short of monumental. There are numerous characters involved, and the narrative is intricate and multifaceted. The sets are expansive, and this film serves as a culmination of all previous installments in this series. Consequently, I was well aware that it would be an exhilarating ride. Additionally, I anticipated that it would be quite poignant because it heavily emphasizes the concept of camaraderie and the significance of self-sacrifice for the greater good. Therefore, I knew that it would carry a powerful emotional impact. However, I appreciate having watched it in a theater, as that’s where these films were intended to be viewed.

Grace finds Ethan’s initial displays of violence quite shocking. After all, she had witnessed his destructive behavior towards others on previous occasions, so what made this incident unique?

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel she’s never witnessed such intense violence before. She’s a nimble-fingered pickpocket, always slipping through the cracks and fleeing swiftly from danger. I reckon she’s not one to stick around and witness the aftermath of her actions. She engages in fights, but I don’t believe she does so with the intent to inflict harm. Instead, it’s a survival instinct, a means to make an escape. In [Dead Reckoning], she’s unsure if she can rely on Ethan Hunt. So when she witnesses him being violent in [The Final Reckoning], she’s left stunned and puzzled, for the person she trusted is capable of delivering quite a bit of physical harm when necessary.

How would you review the experience of riding on and/or driving a dogsled in the Arctic?

Thrilling, enlightening, astounding, dreamlike. We halted filming as a polar bear strolled through our set, an experience I never imagined I’d recount. Our home was an icebreaker vessel. At night, we played cards and dined together. Building camaraderie and teamwork was crucial to ensure trust on the ice, as our survival depended on it.

If it were any ordinary film, the polar bear tale would leave me unsettled. However, since it’s Mission, it simply feels like another routine day.

(Laughs.) Absolutely right! While in South Africa, we found ourselves on a curvy mountain road, and our journey was momentarily halted as a tortoise ambled across. We waited patiently for him to pass before resuming our drive, commenting, “Another day on the trail.

Given that navigating Rome with Tom Cruise handcuffed to me was likely the toughest test in Dead Reckoning, I’m curious about where an underwater resurrection of Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, ranks on your list of difficulties, as hinted at in the Final Reckoning teaser trailer.

Wow, it’s fantastic! For the movie, I got my PADI diving certification which turned out to be quite useful. To me, underwater work is all about maintaining a state of serenity and composure. If you start panicking or think, “Oh no, I’m underwater, I can’t breathe,” then it becomes risky. You have to train yourself to remain calm in such situations. I enjoyed that aspect, and it was quite meditative. It was also a chance for me to learn another skill for the movie that I can keep with me afterward.

At one point, Tom was questioned as to why he performs dangerous stunts, and he retorted, “Nobody ever asked Gene Kelly, ‘Why do you dance?'” Although I understand his sentiment, Gene Kelly wasn’t facing life-threatening situations while performing the foxtrot. Can you help me decipher why he takes such risks?

Tom expressed on his final day of filming that creating movies isn’t just something he does, but rather it defines him and fills him with passion. As a highly skilled aviator, known for his aerobatic feats, it’s clear he has an affinity for speed – a trait we’ve all witnessed. His adventurous spirit seems innate, a part of his very being. Growing up, he was always pushing boundaries, leaping from high places and scaling heights. Born with a fearless and daring disposition, this adventurous nature is something he has carried into his work. He’s managed to mold his life around this passion, while simultaneously entertaining audiences by inviting them along on the journey. So, Tom’s spirit of adventure is deeply rooted in who he is.

Have you ever sensed genuine fear in Tom before a stunt?

Absolutely! Whenever Tom has taken actions that demanded him to risk his life, it’s remarkable how fear doesn’t deter him. This quality of his is truly inspiring. If Tom were fearless, it might seem unrealistic or inhuman. However, it’s natural and human to feel emotions. Tom acknowledges these feelings, but they never hinder him from taking action.

In the course of events, we didn’t manage to ascertain Grace’s genuine name with certainty. We spotted some characters – “Mar Fr” – in a passport within Dead Reckoning, but it remains unclear if that was authentic information. So, what did McQ ultimately conclude regarding this matter?

Gosh, I haven’t asked him yet, so I’m unsure. It wasn’t until midway through the novel “Dead Reckoning” that Tom and McQ suggested my character’s name. They explained that they had observed me during work, on set, and during training, and based my character’s name on those observations. They said, “We’ve named you Grace,” and I was thrilled with that. It was heartening to know that the name was a reflection of a quality I possessed, rather than a random choice, and it meant a great deal to me.

It’s intriguing to learn about Rolf Saxon’s character Bill Donloe reappearing in the Arctic part of the movie. What were his thoughts on the 1996 Mission: Impossible film that sparked everything off?

This man is an exceptional thespian, boasting a rich background in stage performances, much like myself. We found common ground in our mutual admiration for theater and classic pieces. He embodies grace, quiet strength, resilience, and kindness in his portrayals, which radiates warmth on-screen. Although he was already a cherished figure, I believe viewers will be thrilled to witness his return.

This guy is an incredible actor, with a significant amount of experience on stage, similar to mine. We connected over our shared passion for theater and the classics. He delivers dignity, quiet resolve, stoicism, and kindness in his performance, making him endearing on screen. He’s been a beloved character previously, but I think audiences will be delighted to see him once more.

Lucy Tulugarjuk plays Donloe’s partner, and the two of you end up having a rather unique dynamic.

In the Arctic, Lucy and I formed a strong connection, despite our languages being different. We had to establish a sense of trust and shared values without words. Consequently, I spent considerable time with Lucy, who brought an impressive weight and silent strength to her role. She is kind-hearted, exceptionally smart, and her presence greatly enriched that particular scene. I felt incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with her.

The impossible question: Is this the end for you and Grace?

Gosh, it seems this film is best experienced by the viewers themselves, given its intended setting on a large screen amidst a crowd. Truly, it’s an extravagant production and a culmination of previous adventures we’ve had.

In the years to come, as I sit comfortably in a rocking chair with my dear ones by my side, what moment from “Final Reckoning” will I share first with them? That’s an intriguing question.

In my own words, one unforgettable day found me face-to-face with a polar bear. The sheer magnificence and humility of the surroundings left me breathless, a feeling I wouldn’t have experienced without being part of this extraordinary journey – this unique franchise.

Lastly, do you expect to catch up with Peggy Carter soon? 

Refreshingly unique in my professional journey, revisiting characters like Peggy has been an enjoyable occurrence multiple times over. Her character embodies a remarkable value system that underscores self-worth, making it a delight whenever she’s brought up. Therefore, I always find joy when her name surfaces.

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Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning opens in theaters nationwide on May 23.

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2025-05-23 01:55