Ethan Hunt’s Skills That Outshine James Bond: A Must-Read Comparison!

The Mission: Impossible series and its protagonist, Ethan Hunt, were created to compete with the James Bond films upon their release in 1996. Originally based on a ’60s TV show, it quickly established its own identity and eventually gave birth to a franchise. It wasn’t until later that Tom Cruise assumed creative control over the series, but once he did, there was a consistent theme that made these movies stand out.

In the present day, there’s an abundance of Ethan Hunt material available for fans to decide if he surpasses James Bond in spy skills. Does his newest mission, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, confirm this? Let us explore how Ethan Hunt revolutionized the concept of spies worldwide.

There will be spoilers for the whole Mission: Impossible franchise.

6. His Team

Forming Strong Bonds

Ethan, a self-reliant spy, often faces grueling assignments in films, showcasing his endurance. However, it’s crucial to note that he wouldn’t be as effective without his team. Unlike the Bond series, which may not portray this aspect effectively, Ethan has a dedicated group who support him, unlike how Bond is only shown with figures like M, Q, and Moneypenny for briefings or equipment.

In the Bond films, while he’s often assisted in setting up missions, it’s less common for him to receive direct help during them, especially compared to Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series. What sets Ethan apart is that his teammates are fully fleshed-out characters with their own thoughts and emotions, rather than mere non-playable characters (NPCs) who exist solely to aid Ethan, from Luther to Benji. It’s impressive how Ethan consistently selects top-notch teams for each mission.

5. A Selfless Hero

No Man/Woman Left Behind

Ethan, a relentless hero, is often troubled by his imperfections. When operations don’t go as planned, he tends to take the blame, particularly when his fellow team members are injured, such as in the initial film. His primary objective is to combat evil and safeguard the world, although this may sound typical; what sets Ethan apart is his flaws. It appears that he might risk missions to protect those dear to him.

In “Mission: Impossible 3”, Ethan finds himself helping the antagonist, Owen Davian, rescue his captured wife. This move may appear selfish, but Ethan, known for outsmarting villains, always keeps a trick up his sleeve. He gives them just enough room to maneuver when necessary, even if it puts him in greater peril. Unlike Bond, who also exhibits self-serving actions, particularly during the Daniel Craig era, Bond is often portrayed as a man driven by personal gain and romantic interests rather than altruism.

4. Behaves Like A Human

Beyond Charisma

007 exudes an effortless charm that usually helps him acquire what he desires: females. His smile seems to hold a touch of Jedi Mind Trick, as if he’s confident his allure will sway anyone. The playful side of Bond is entertaining to watch in the films, but Ethan stands out as more human and balanced. He communicates equally well with both men and women, regardless if it’s during times of urgency or tender moments.

If someone threatens his life or that of his companions, Ethan becomes enraged, further emphasizing his humanity. To clarify, Ethan also has faults; he sometimes succumbs to demands from villains due to the power of love. The James Bond portrayed by Daniel Craig highlights this more human aspect, but it doesn’t alter the character as a whole.

3. The Stunts

A Born Daredevil

Prior to the Daniel Craig era, James Bond wasn’t renowned for performing daring stunts in the traditional sense. While he did go to space, it’s not as if Bond was ever hanging off a rocket mid-flight on a mission to the moon. That kind of action is more Ethan Hunt’s (or Tom Cruise’s) territory, reserved for thrilling his audience with death-defying stunts that blend real-life effects with computer-generated assistance. The stunts in the Mission: Impossible series are legendary due to this unique blend of practicality and technology.

In numerous films of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Tom Cruise never fails to amaze viewers with death-defying stunts. From scaling the Burj Khalifa in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol to breaking into a vault in the original movie, his latest adventure, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, showcases another plane stunt that’s nothing short of breathtaking. Adding to this list is an exhilarating deep-sea dive, highlighting Ethan Hunt’s willingness to risk his life for one daring stunt after another, a trait that sets him apart as a character in this iconic series.

2. The Gadgets

Masking Danger

007 has been equipped with a plethora of devices throughout the films, and they’re always exciting, particularly when Q shows him how to operate them. Ranging from communicator wristwatches to concealed cameras in pens, there’s plenty to enjoy within the series, and even the Mission: Impossible films boast similar technology. Nevertheless, nothing is more emblematic than the facial recognition tech, and it appears that Bond would be thrilled to possess it himself.

Each time Ethan unveils his face mask in the movies, it sparks excitement among viewers. Some might argue that the technology seems too realistic, but this was playfully addressed in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, where the mask got damaged. This set a pattern for missions not always running smoothly, requiring quick thinking – something Ethan excels at.

1. Ethan Hunt’s Longevity

One Man, One Franchise

The outstanding trait of Ethan, as portrayed by Tom Cruise, remains consistent across the Mission: Impossible series. Despite nearly three decades since its debut, Ethan’s character has changed little due to Cruise’s commitment to the franchise. With the exception of Mission: Impossible 2, a film that fans often prefer to overlook, there have been only eight movies in total, providing Cruise with fewer opportunities to tire of playing the same role.

Pondering a universe where Sean Connery was the constant Bond throughout all films feels enchanting, yet less captivating in hindsight. It’s likely that Connery himself might have grown weary of the Bond role, which could explain his successors in the series. Fans may speculate that each Bond character on-screen is a distinct agent adopting the alias ‘007’, save for the Daniel Craig films that inhabit an alternate reality. Just as Ethan Hunt will forever be synonymous with Tom Cruise, here’s hoping he never changes, to preserve this intriguing notion.

2025-05-27 02:14