George Lucas Is Responsible for a Key Scene in the Original Mission: Impossible Movie

The “Mission: Impossible” franchise is preparing for a spectacular conclusion in “The Final Reckoning,” marking the eighth installment of Tom Cruise’s renowned spy-thriller film series, which has been around for nearly three decades. Ever since the franchise’s inception, new “Mission: Impossible” films have become significant cinematic events, as audiences eagerly anticipate the unexpected twists and turns they might encounter, as well as the daring stunt that Tom Cruise himself might pull off. However, this wasn’t always the case. The first “Mission: Impossible” movie in 1996 was a daring endeavor that could have easily gone wrong for the studio and everyone involved.

Initially, despite being known to some through the 1966 TV series and its 1988 follow-up, “Mission: Impossible” wasn’t as widely recognized as it is today. However, with an emerging talent like Tom Cruise involved and a capable director in Brian De Palma on board, anticipation was high for the first “Mission: Impossible” film. Despite this, the production experienced numerous adjustments that ultimately contributed to its success. One of these alterations was suggested by an unexpected source.

George Lucas Suggested Mission: Impossible’s Opening Scene

The Star Wars Director Had a Hand in Developing Mission: Impossible’s Ensemble Cast

George Lucas, renowned director known for “Star Wars,” played an unexpected role in shaping the upcoming “Mission: Impossible” series, as shared by one of the movie’s cast members. In a chat with Josh Horowitz, Emilio Estevez discussed his brief stint in the original “Mission: Impossible” film where he portrayed Jack Harmon, an IMF agent. In the movie, Harmon, along with the rest of the IMF team, is brutally killed within the first twenty minutes, leaving Ethan Hunt as the lone survivor. However, Estevez disclosed that the initial release of the film started differently. The original version immediately delved into the Prague mission, ending with the deaths of Ethan’s team. But when Brian de Palma shared the completed movie with his friend Lucas, the filmmaker had some thoughts on changing the opening action sequence. Estevez humorously recounted that Lucas suggested a “spaghetti scene” to provide the audience with a chance to get acquainted with the IMF team before their tragic end, akin to how spaghetti noodles are intertwined in a dish.

In the completed version of Mission: Impossible, George Lucas’s advice was incorporated, offering viewers a brief introduction to the IMF team before they commence their Prague mission. The agents engage in light-hearted banter, joking about making poor coffee and other trivial matters that suggest a deep bond between them. Despite the absence of spaghetti, viewers are given small glimpses into each IMF agent’s personality before being plunged into the action. This added depth to the scene where they are ultimately killed, intensifying the emotional impact. Consequently, when the IMF agents meet their demise in the first twenty minutes of Mission: Impossible, viewers are more surprised and invested in Ethan Hunt’s quest to uncover the culprit behind their assassination, enhancing the overall film experience.

How George Lucas’s Suggestion Changed the Mission: Impossible Franchise

George Lucas Helped Set Up Mission: Impossible For Success

Over the past three decades, Tom Cruise’s iconic spy series has seen quite a journey, expanding in scope from its initial inception. The cast and pulse-pounding action have only grown more impressive with time. While it’s undeniable that much of this success can be attributed to Cruise and the array of talented individuals who have contributed to the franchise, I believe George Lucas deserves a piece of the credit as well. It was Lucas who sparked audiences’ interest in the original IMF team, and thus, in Ethan Hunt. Without a deep-seated affection for Ethan Hunt as a character, viewers might find the Mission: Impossible films tiresome and monotonous. However, thanks to a compelling protagonist whom we genuinely appreciate, the Mission: Impossible series continues to captivate audiences even after eight installments.

In subsequent installments of the series, influences from George Lucas’s original ideas are apparent. As the sequels progress, they initially present a rotating group of characters but eventually settle on a recurring supporting cast who frequently join Ethan Hunt in his missions. Over time, characters such as Luther Sickell, Benji Dunn, and Ilsa Faust have won over fans’ hearts. The once action-packed spy thriller franchise occasionally pauses to let audiences get to know these characters better.

Mission: Impossible Has Come a Long Way Since 1996

Mission: Impossible Has Only Gotten Better Over the Last 30 Years

The Mission: Impossible franchise has significantly evolved since its debut in 1996, leveraging each subsequent movie to explore new heights in cinematic technology. In addition to pushing the boundaries of the spy-thriller genre, the contemporary Mission: Impossible series consistently reinvents itself to stay ahead of the curve. This continuous evolution has made every new Mission: Impossible film feel like a unique and significant cinematic experiencea quality that is not often found in long-running franchises. With a robust ensemble cast and numerous thrilling escapades yet to be told, Mission: Impossible stands as one of the most successful espionage film series ever made, deservedly so.

George Lucas played a pivotal role, albeit unexpectedly, in the annals of the Mission: Impossible saga. As the visionary behind Star Wars, he set the stage for what would evolve into one of cinema’s most entertaining and unforeseeable series. The culmination of this thrilling journey will be showcased on May 23 in Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

2025-05-13 16:53