How a Flop Mission: Impossible Movie Changed Two Major Film Franchises Forever!

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Summary

  • Mission: Impossible 2 is not remembered fondly despite its success, with John Woo’s style diluted.
  • The high-profile cast of Mission: Impossible 2 included actors who went on to have fruitful careers.
  • Mission: Impossible 2’s production impacted other films, leading to Hugh Jackman replacing Dougray Scott in X-Men.

In today’s age of massive movie franchises, the Mission: Impossible series might not receive the accolades it should rightfully earn. Over nearly three decades, these summer spectaculars have left audiences spellbound, eagerly anticipating Tom Cruise’s next daring stunt. As we approach The Final Reckoning, which seems to mark the end of Mission: Impossible’s screen time, it’s an opportune moment to consider its significance in cinematic history. Interestingly, the franchise may have left a profound impact not just on the silver screen, but also on two seemingly unrelated movie series.

Mission: Impossible 2 is No One’s Favorite

It took some time for the franchise to find its rhythm and transform into the movie series we’re familiar with today, but it showed signs of becoming a success from the outset. Following the triumph of the initial release in 1996, Cruise was eager to pursue a sequel with lofty aspirations. He enlisted action director John Woo to direct Mission: Impossible 2.

In contrast to being the top-earning movie of 2000, Woo’s production doesn’t evoke warm feelings today. For some unexplained reason, it didn’t quite live up to expectations, and there was a noticeable lack in the action compared to his previous films such as Hard Boiled, The Killer, and Face/Off. Woo wasn’t invited back to direct a sequel; instead, J.J. Abrams stepped into the director’s role for the third film in the franchise. Later, Brad Bird took charge, before the series came under the supervision of Christopher McQuarrie for all future Mission: Impossible productions.

Yet, it cannot be denied that Woo’s take on Mission: Impossible had its merits. One of these strengths lies in the impressive cast, and it is from this point that the tale of the Mission: Impossible series’ significant influence on cinema unfolds.

Familiar Faces in Mission: Impossible 2

This film featured a variety of actors who later enjoyed successful careers and were joined by well-known industry veterans. Interestingly, even though Thandiwe Newton didn’t have the best time working on this particular production, it represented one of her early ventures into prominent projects.

The film, shot in Australia, featured Aussie actor Dougray Scott portraying the villain Sean Ambrose, a character who could be seen as the opposite of Ethan Hunt. It’s typical for actors to have several projects in progress when they agree to film a movie, and this was true for Scott as well. He was already committed to appear in another movie released the same year, which turned out to be X-Men. Interestingly enough, Ambrose was cast as none other than Wolverine in that film.

Mission: Impossible’s Production Had Other Plans For X-Men

Over the past two decades, it’s likely that many moviegoers have recognized Dougray Scott, but not as the legendary mutant superhero he was cast to play. Instead, another talented Australian actor got the role. So, why did this switch occur?

The process of making a movie, specifically the second Mission: Impossible film, took place. However, the production extended beyond its original schedule, causing conflicts with Scott’s plans for X-Men. Attempts were made to adjust for the actor, but unfortunately, an injury sustained during a stunt for Mission: Impossible 2 proved decisive. With filming on X-Men needing immediate attention, Scott was forced to withdraw from the project. In the end, Hugh Jackman stepped in at the last minute to fill the role. As we now know, that’s how things unfolded.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the casting for the X-Men series isn’t isolated from Mission: Impossible 2, as the turbulent production of the latter might have influenced the development of the X-Men franchise as well as Marvel’s mutant movies.

Mission: Impossible Almost Fundamentally Changed The Lord of the Rings

In the movie “M:I-2,” Anthony Hopkins played a noteworthy yet unrecognized role as Mission Commander Swanbeck. He briefed and convinced Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, to take on an impossible mission that was central to the film’s plot. Initially, this part was meant for another renowned British actor, Sir Ian McKellen. However, he declined the offer, which turned out to be beneficial for the 21st-century cinema landscape.

If Sir Ian McKellan had been cast in “M:I-2,” his schedule conflicts might have put him in a situation similar to Dougray Scott. Although the role was relatively minor, if McKellen had agreed to play Swanbeck, it likely would have prevented him from starting work on “X-Men,” which could have resulted in someone else portraying Magneto instead.

Additionally, it wouldn’t have aligned with the filming timeline for Peter Jackson’s cinematic interpretation of “The Lord of the Rings.” It’s hard to envision anyone else embodying the legendary character of Gandalf (regardless of Sean Connery receiving a substantial offer), but that could have been the reality if McKellen hadn’t declined the offer for “M:I-2.”

Mission: Impossible Inadvertently Shaped Cinema

In many people’s minds, certain actors are forever linked to one iconic character they portrayed, despite their extensive careers. For instance, Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman will always be synonymous with Gandalf and Wolverine, respectively. The Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson is considered one of the most remarkable accomplishments in contemporary cinema and continues to stand as a benchmark for fantasy filmmaking. It’s a significant part of pop culture history. In much the same way, Hugh Jackman’s 20-year tenure as Wolverine significantly contributed to the success not only of the X-Men films but also the entire genre of live-action superhero movies.

Each actor was a vital piece in their respective franchises, contributing uniquely. It’s intriguing to ponder how cinema may have unfolded differently without them embodying their iconic roles. The outcome largely depends on the release timing of the least successful Mission: Impossible film.

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2025-05-24 01:10