Rebecca Ferguson Explains Why She Left the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Franchise

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As a seasoned movie-goer who has witnessed countless action-packed blockbusters, I must admit that Rebecca Ferguson’s exit from the Mission: Impossible franchise was a bittersweet moment for me. While it was heartbreaking to see Ilsa Faust, one of my favorite characters, meet her untimely demise in Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, I can’t help but appreciate the opportunities that this decision opened up for Ferguson herself.

Rebecca Ferguson cherished playing Ilsa Faust in the Mission: Impossible series, yet she finds a silver lining in her character’s unexpected demise in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, at the hands of Gabriel (Esai Morales). Although viewers might not have been thrilled with Ilsa’s ending, Ferguson remains optimistic about her departure from the action franchise.

Consequently, the actor was able to secure additional roles, such as playing Juliette Nichols in the Apple TV+ series ‘Silo’, following her departure from the IMF fandom in the last joint project of Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie on the big screen. Ferguson mentioned this during her interview on the ‘UnWrapped’ podcast back in May, as reported by TheWrap.

My affection for her transcends description… It’s indescribable. To me, she’s an extraordinary, remarkable person. When the time came to script the fourth movie, there wasn’t much room left for Ilsa’s development. If you don’t have substantial screen time, it means a lot of idle waiting while filming a massive production that could take over a year. I prefer to work. I don’t want to spend my time idling in a trailer.

Ferguson, who starred as Isla Faust opposite Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt in the 2015 film Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, then in Mission: Impossible – Fallout in 2018, and will appear again in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning in 2023, went on to remark:

With Mission, it’s different due to its grandeur and improvised nature. You essentially follow orders without a script, making it feel like you’re leaping when told to leap. The thrill is intense, yet there’s considerable downtime. As more characters get involved, the waiting period tends to increase. This often leads to considering other opportunities that come your way.

Ilsa Faust’s Fate Was “the Exit” McQ “Thought Was Best”

Regrettably, Rebecca Ferguson’s character, Ilsa Faust, won’t be back in the upcoming Mission: Impossible film, titled “The Final Reckoning,” set to release in summer 2025. Despite her demise in “Dead Reckoning,” there was no unfortunate reason for her character’s death. Instead, it was a creative decision by director Christopher McQuarrie to write Ilsa off the show, as Ferguson mentioned during an interview on the UnWrapped podcast.

In plain terms, let me express this sincerely as many are saddened by it, including myself – I had completed filming for three movies. My contract was fulfilled. There comes a time when one feels it should be worthwhile, not just for the love of the character, Tom, and the plot.

Ferguson doesn’t have any regrets about playing Ilsa Faust. However, her character arguably should have been able to beat Gabriel (Morales) during their ill-fated “bladed” duel on that lonely bridge in Venice, while protecting Grace (Hayley Atwell). Ferguson said during the same podcast:

However, playing Ilsa was extraordinary. Regardless of the final result, it’s up to McQ (Christopher McQuarrie) to script what happens. And in his opinion, that was the most fitting conclusion for the character. That’s just how storytelling goes.

Tom Cruise ponders over the enduring influence of the Mission: Impossible series when he eventually hangs up his action franchise shoes. According to a recent update by industry insider Jeff Sneider, there’s a possibility that Tom Cruise could hand over the IMF badge to his Top Gun: Maverick co-star, Glen Powell, in the future. For now, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) continues taking on missions, with The Final Reckoning due in theaters on May 23, 2025.

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2024-12-11 04:03