Light The Fuse - The Official Mission: Impossible Podcast

In this episode we are joined by Paula Wagner, a producer of the first three “Mission: Impossible” movies. Wagner tells us about forming a company with Tom Cruise, initial attempts at the movie, why they hired Brian De Palma and how they achieved the Langley sequence. Wagner’s role in the franchise cannot be overstated. You do not want to miss this. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckonin...

We are joined again by the legendary John Woo, director of “Mission: Impossible II.” In this episode, Woo talks about characterization through action, the truth behind the infamous “Woo cut” of the movie and why Woo wanted to direct “Top Gun: Maverick.” Plus, we get great “Face/Off” and “Hard Boiled” stories too. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu...

We could not be more thrilled to be joined by John Woo, the director of “Mission: Impossible II” (and the current “Silent Night”). Learn what his creative process was like for the sequel, how Woo and Tom Cruise worked together and, yes, we discuss Cruise’s glorious long hair (and where the idea for it came from). You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu...

Rarely are unmade versions of “Mission: Impossible” movies discussed, but that’s exactly what we’re doing with David Marconi, who wrote a version of “Mission: Impossible II” for Oliver Stone. His version involved a malevolent A.I. (sound familiar?) and this week we discuss technology, where his involvement in the sequel ended, and what it was like working with Jackie Chan (on “The Foreigner”). Rem...

We are joined by writer David Marconi, who penned early drafts of a version of “Mission: Impossible II” being made by director Oliver Stone. That’s right, we’re traveling into the multiverse baby! Learn how Marconi got attached, what his version of the sequel was all about, and what it was like working with Tom Cruise while he shot “Eyes Wide Shut.” Also: find out what elements from his draft made...

We are joined by Dale Dye, who played Barnes in the first “Mission: Impossible” and was the technical advisor on every major war movie of the past 40 years. This week Dye shares a hilarious story about working with Terrence Malick, talks about the making of “Under Siege” and says that Tom Cruise has “no quit.” Are you up to the challenge? You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”...

We are joined by Dale Dye, who played Barnes in the first “Mission: Impossible” and was technical advisor for your favorite war movie (seriously, look it up) after serving in Vietnam. This week Dye tells us about working on the first movie, including a number of scenes that you probably didn’t know he was in and how he became a close collaborator of Oliver Stone’s (yes, we ask about Stone’s “Missi...

This week we are joined by Arthur Anderson, first assistant director for “Mission: Impossible II” and co-producer on “M:I-III.” And we are talking all things “M:I-III.” Anderson was the one who orchestrated the fake film shoot down the street from the Vatican, so we obviously discuss that. Plus learn about the running shot in China and the inside story on “Beverly Hills Cop 3” (just go with it). Y...

This week we are joined by Arthur Anderson, first assistant director for “Mission: Impossible II” and co-producer on “M:I-III.” We discuss his collaborative process with director John Woo, how the motorcycle joust came to be and how they pulled off the “knife in the eye” moment with a very willing Tom Cruise. He helped make the impossible possible. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning...

In this special bonus episode we’re detailing the news about the release of the next “Mission: Impossible” – both a new release date, a possible name change and a premium format window. Plus we discuss some of the special features on the “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” home video release and talk about our feelings on the movie. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is av...

We're once again joined by Eddie Hamilton, Oscar®-nominated editor of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” who discusses the new mythology of the IMF introduced in the new film, where the F-word was almost uttered and, of course, our favorite subject: dogs. It’s a howling good time. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" is available to buy on digital October 10th and on 4K Ul...

We continue our chat with Eddie Hamilton, Oscar®-nominated editor of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” who takes us through the process of getting the movie ready for release. We discuss the differences between shooting digitally and on film, whether lenses can convey emotion, and the hardest scene to get right in the new movie. Plus, learn how “Star Wars” informed “MIDRP1.” "Missio...

We are joined by Eddie Hamilton, editor of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” We talk about the complexities of the train sequence, Eddie compares the challenges of this film to his Oscar®-nominated work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” and he discusses his relationship with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" is available to buy on digital October...

Simon Pegg (Benji) returns to the show, this time to go deep on all things “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” We talk about the airplane sequence (which he equated to “Toy Story 2”), why Steven Spielberg would make a good fit for the franchise (plus how Spielberg hired him for another movie based on “Rogue Nation”) and the Ilsa/Benji relationship. It’s a humdinger! See "Mission: Impo...

Charles Parnell, who plays the representative from the National Reconnaissance Office in the big sequence with The Community in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” is here with us this episode. He talks about the key to delivering exposition, working on that sequence and, of course, his role as Warlock in “Top Gun: Maverick.” See "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" exclusi...

New York Magazine film critic (one of our favorites!) Bilge Ebiri goes deep on “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” – we talk about the movie’s big stunt, how the finale became the greatest train sequence in the history of cinema and the magic of Vanessa Kirby’s performance (as you-know-who). And we even get into the specialness of “Top Gun: Maverick.”  See "Mission: Impossible - Dead R...

New York Magazine film critic Bilge Ebiri is one of our favorite critics and journalists. And he’s our guest on this episode! This week we talk about how action cinema has changed since the time of “Mission: Impossible II,” discuss “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” in depth and break down Stanley Kubrick’s approach to characterization. Plus, learn our updated rankings and hear Bilge’...

We’re taking a breather from best-in-class interviews with the people who bring “Mission: Impossible” to life to give you some biographical background on the both of us as we explore all the reasons why we love the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. It’s a fun one! And remember to see “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” only in theatres. Catch up on the entire "Mission: Impossible" film...

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” composer Lorne Balfe talks us through his process for both “Fallout” and the new movie, including telling us the differences between the two scores. We also get in depth about the airport and train sequences in “Dead Reckoning Part One” and how closely connected he is to the editing process (very close!). It’ll be music to your ears. See “Mission: Im...

On this episode we are joined by Lorne Balfe, composer of “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” and “Dead Reckoning Part One.” Balfe discusses the specific approach he takes with the “M:I” movies (and how it’s different than other movies), plus talks about the more romantic tone of this movie’s score and the drum corps that add that extra zing to the theme music. Are you keeping score? See “Mission: Imp...

Rebecca Ferguson has been a staple of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise since “Rogue Nation” and this week we talk with her about her journey with the character – including what it was like being cast and where she finds herself in “Dead Reckoning Part One.” Learn whether or not she thought Ilsa and Ethan (Tom Cruise) had ever been romantic, what it took for her to perfect sword fighting and wha...

Henry Czerny returns to discuss what it was like to return to the character (former IMF director Eugene Kittridge) after more than 25 years, including the differences in working with Tom Cruise and the historic parallels of his characterization. Plus, Jeff Rowe, the co-writer/director of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” joins us to "Light the Ooze." See “Mission: Impossible — Dead Re...

The former director of the IMF, Eugene Kittridge, played by Henry Czerny, captured our imagination in the first "Mission: Impossible" film. Now, he’s back for “Dead Reckoning Part One” and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Henry talks about his acting origins, his similar role in “Clear and Present Danger” and why he thought he’d never be back in the series. Also, we have a bonus interview with Pom Kl...

The deadly assassin Paris, played by Pom Klementieff in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” joins us to talk about fight scenes (including her Venice alleyway battle with Tom Cruise) and details just how badly she wanted to join the franchise. That’s not all – we discuss the movie’s most iconic line with Shea Whigham (Briggs), writer/director Christopher McQuarrie and the man himself,...

We go around the world (in conversation) with the cast and crew of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” including Tom Cruise (Ethan Hunt), Christopher McQuarrie (co-writer/director), Greg Tarzan Davis (Degas), Hayley Atwell (Grace), Vanessa Kirby (The White Widow) and Shea Whigham (Briggs) just before the big New York City premiere. Hope you have your passport handy! See “Mission: Impo...