"Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" was a nearly flawless action spectacle. The stunts were death-defying. The danger felt immediate and believable. And everything is in place for a thrilling "Part Two" that couldn't come soon enough. But who will be in the "Mission Impossible 8" cast?
Tom Cruise, as lead Ethan Hunt, brought a tremendous amount of hype to the film for the footage of his insane stunt work, which he famously performs himself. The bike jump off a cliff raked in most of the PR attention. But it was the final battle on the roof of a speeding train that really put this film over the top.
But what would that action be if it weren't for a truly frightening villain? The main threat to hero Ethan Hunt and his IMF squadmates was very much of the times: a rogue artificial intelligence form known as The Entity. Given how AI already shows massive potential for changing the way we work and live, the danger here feels as if it could go from sci-fi to reality at any moment.
These elements combined to make "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" an action film that may just save movie theaters. (Cruise said that between this and "Top Gun: Maverick," we'd all be visiting theaters again — and he wasn't lying.) But as phenomenal as it was, the action is far from over. Unfortunately, "Part Two" won't premiere until May 23, 2025, and we'll have to wait until then to see if "Dead Reckoning" can stick the landing.
Until then, we're offering you just a little something to help hold you over: a breakdown of the cast and characters we can expect to appear in "Part Two." Here goes ...
Warning: This article contains major spoilers for "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One."
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt
Paramount Pictures
Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt, the central character in the series, marking his eighth appearance. By the time the film hits theaters, Cruise will have embodied the character for an impressive 28 years.
A Hollywood icon, Cruise has captivated audiences for decades with his charismatic presence and versatile performances. Born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, Cruise rose to fame in the 1980s with standout roles in films including "Top Gun" and "Risky Business." Known for his intense dedication to stunt work, he has become synonymous with high-octane action in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Cruise's career spans over 40 years, earning him three Academy Award nominations.
Ethan Hunt, also known as "Matthew," takes the lead in the "Mission: Impossible" movie series. As a seasoned field agent for the Impossible Mission Force, he operates within a top-secret espionage and covert operations agency, tackling perilous and exceptionally sensitive international missions considered "impossible."
Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell
Paramount Pictures
Ving Rhames, born May 12, 1959, is an accomplished American actor recognized for lending his voice to Arby's commercials. He has also gained acclaim for his supporting roles, notably as IMF Agent Luther Stickell. Additionally, Rhames made a memorable impact as the formidable gang kingpin Marsellus Wallace in the iconic film "Pulp Fiction" (1994).
Stickell made his debut in the 1996 film "Mission: Impossible" and holds the unique distinction of being the only character, aside from Ethan Hunt, to feature in every film in the series to date.
Within the films, Luther serves as an adept computer hacker affiliated with the IMF division of the CIA, working closely with Hunt. Rhames has portrayed Luther in all eight movies and even in the 2003 video game "Mission: Impossible - Operation Surma."
Henry Czerny as Eugene Kittridge
Paramount Pictures
Henry Czerny, born Feb. 8, 1959, is a Canadian stage, film and television actor. He is known for his roles in the films "The Boys of St. Vincent," "Clear and Present Danger," "The Ice Storm," "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," "Fido," "Remember," "Ready or Not" and "Scream VI."
Kittridge played a significant role as a protagonist in the 1996 film "Mission: Impossible," despite often assuming an antagonistic stance toward Hunt. As the former deputy director of the Impossible Mission Force, Kittridge attempted to apprehend Hunt, suspecting him of being a mole within the agency. Unbeknownst to Kittridge, the true mole was Jim Phelps. Kittridge makes a comeback in "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" and is set to reappear in "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two."
Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn
Paramount Pictures
Simon Pegg is an English actor, comedian and screenwriter. He's best known for the films "Shaun of the Dead" (2004), "Hot Fuzz" (2007), and "The World's End" (2013), all of which he co-wrote and starred in.
Benji Dunn is a former technician turned field agent for the IMF and a fiercely loyal friend of Hunt. He often appears to be the most freaked out of all the agents in high-stress situations, and Pegg nails it with his frazzled, "here we go again" acting style.
Hayley Atwell as Grace
Paramount Pictures
Hayley Atwell is a British and American actress known for her role as Peggy Carter, the love interest of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
At first, Grace operates as a pickpocket enlisted by an enigmatic figure to pilfer Hunt's share of the key to The Entity's secret. As her mission unfolds, Grace undergoes a transformation in perspective, reassessing her decisions. Faced with a threat from Gabriel, she ultimately takes a stance and realigns her allegiances.
Vanessa Kirby as Alanna Mitsopolis, aka White Widow
Paramount Pictures
Vanessa Kirby rose to international fame with her portrayal of Princess Margaret in the Netflix drama series "The Crown," which earned her a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actress and a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2019, she cut her teeth in the action film "Hobbs & Shaw."
Alanna hires Grace to steal one of two keys for The Entity's source code, planning to use it as leverage in global power negotiations. However, Ethan discovers Alanna's fear of The Entity's power during a confrontation. Gabriel demands the key from Alanna on a train, leading her to agree despite Ethan's warnings. Grace, stealing her key back, wears a disguise to trick IMF Director Kittridge into handing over the second key. Alanna, tranquilized, is left behind as Grace escapes but is taken away before the train explodes.
Esai Morales as Gabriel
Paramount Pictures
Esai Morales is an American actor with notable roles in the films "Bad Boys" and "La Bamba." On television, he played Camino del Rio in the Netflix series "Ozark"(2017).
Gabriel is chosen by The Entity to retrieve two keys to its secrets and eliminate Ethan Hunt, who is deemed a threat. The keys are split between the White Widow and Ethan, leading to a complex pursuit. Gabriel, aided by his right-hand woman Paris, chases Grace and Ethan through Rome. The Entity orchestrates an auction party to reunite the key halves. A confrontation ensues, resulting in Ilsa's death. Gabriel, seeking control, sneaks aboard the Orient Express and clashes with Ethan. In a twist, Ethan pickpockets the key during their fight. He will undoubtedly be seeking retribution against Ethan in "Part Two."
Pom Klementieff as Paris
Paramount Pictures
Pom Klementieff is best known for playing Mantis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Paris, the secondary antagonist and an assassin aligned with Gabriel and The Entity, is tasked with chasing down the Impossible Mission Force to secure both halves of the key, revealing The Entity's secrets. Paris is stabbed by Gabriel but later saves Ethan and Grace. While delirious from blood loss, she reveals crucial information about the key. Although presumed dead, Paris is discovered to still have a pulse by agents Briggs and Degas.
Shea Whigham as Briggs
Paramount Pictures
Shea Whigham is best known for portraying Elias "Eli" Thompson in the HBO drama series "Boardwalk Empire." He's appeared in numerous films including "Silver Linings Playbook," "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Joker."
Briggs and partner Degas served as enforcers for the Community with the mission of tracking down Ethan Hunt, who held one of the keys to unlock The Entity. Over time, Briggs collaborated with both Ethan and Degas to rescue the passengers of a train on the brink of derailing.
