Mission: Impossible trivia: 20 facts every fan should know. 

The Mission: Impossible franchise has been one of the most iconic action movie series that has grown into a pop-culture phenomenon worldwide. It began in 1996 as a reattempt at a 60's cult TV series. The franchise has launched numerous movies since.

When Tom Cruise took up the role of Ethan Hunt, it soon became a mega-franchise with action-packed scenes, cat-and-mouse chase sequences, and conspiracies, making it a perfect entertainer. It offered a thrilling blend of risky action, mind-boggling stunts, complex espionage plots, betrayals, and twists that give you an adrenaline rush.

From launching oneself from Burj Khalifa to dangerously hanging oneself from high-flying aircraft, the franchise has cemented itself as the go-to franchise for action lovers. But even for the most dedicated fans, behind the montage of pulse-pounding missions, there are some lesser-known facts—some so amusing and almost impossible to believe.

Here are 20 facts that you will find amusing.

Mission: Impossible trivia: 20 facts every fan should know

1. Tom Cruise does (almost) all his own stunts

Cruise's dedication to his action sequence is paramount. He does almost all of his stunts himself, without a body double: from climbing atop Burj Khalifa in Ghost Protocol (2011) to hanging dangerously from a moving plane in Rogue Nation (2015). These stunts challenge deadly aftermaths in every way possible. These stunts cannot be done without proper training. So, Cruise did put in the effort. He trains himself for each of these high-impact stunts.

2. That exploding gum was real (sort of)

This one takes us back to the 1996 Mission: Impossible film. Ethan Hunt pulled off a quirky mini stunt: he carried a red and green chewing gum that could explode when folded. This explosion was timed and practiced again and again for on-screen realism and perfection.

3. Mission: Impossible (1996): Sydney Pollack could have been the director

Sydney Pollack was approached to direct the film before Brian de Palma took the job. Brian de Palma is known for his direction in Scarface and The Fury. He has an illustrious career as a director. On the other hand, Sydney Pollack had previously worked with Tom Cruise in 'The Firm,' a thriller-mystery from 1993.

4. Mission: Impossible II: Ian McKellen rejected the role of Swanbeck

Remember who played the role of IMF director in Mission: Impossible II? It was Anthony Hopkins. His role has been uncredited in the movie. This role was initially offered to Ian McKellen, but he turned the offer down.

5. Two actors repeat their appearance in all the MI films

It is only Ving Rhames and Tom Cruise who reappear in MI films without a break.

6. Coins helped in filming

In one of the scenes in Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise hangs in the air while hacking a device. This scene was interrupted by Cruise's legs being tilted due to his own body weight. Using simple physics, Tom Cruise placed two pound coins in his shoes, which gave him the balance.

7. Many of the cast walked off during

During the filming, following their own respective reasons, Scarlett Johansson, Rick Gervais, and Kenneth Branagh all leave Mission: Impossible 3.

8. The HALO jump took over 100 takes

The HALO jump scene from Fallout was one of the most chilling and high-tension stunts in the franchise. This scene was not easy to shoot, requiring over 100 takes to finally achieve the perfect shot.

9. The helicopter chase in Fallout was flown by Cruise

After 18 months of training, Tom Cruise himself performed the stunt for the HALO jump in Fallout (2018), a solid 25,000 feet high above ground.

10. Each film features a new director (until recently)

Interestingly, every Mission: Impossible film has a new director. Brian De Palma directed Mission: Impossible, John Woo directed Mission: Impossible II, J.J. Abrams directed Mission: Impossible III, and so on. However, Christopher McQuarrie directed Rogue Nation, Fallout, and Dead Reckoning Part One and PartTwo.

11. Ethan Hunt was almost played by someone else

Well, this one is almost impossible to believe. Tom Cruise was not the initial choice to play Ethan Hunt. The role that has now become synonymous with Tom Cruise once gave the filmmakers a dilemma: they thought he was too big a star to be cast in this film. But as history has it, Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt is not only a well-done casting, but also a phenomenon.

12. The franchise has grossed over $3.5 billion

Movies from the MI franchise have been box office success stories. In total, Mission: Impossible films have grossed over $3.5 billion globally. Even after so many entries into the franchise, some more movies are yet to come, and the number will possibly only spike.

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13. The scripts often evolve mid-shoot

Different movies involve different creative procedures. But did you know that in this franchise, the script often takes new turns mid-shoot? Sometimes, action scenes or sequences are chalked out first, and then the story is formed around them.

14. The rock climbing scene was performed by Cruise himself

Cruise did not opt for a body double in Mission: Impossible II during the cliff jump scene. This was shot on a sunny day in Utah.

15. Ghost Protocol was intended as a reboot

Even though we have now watched the movie as a continuation of the Mission franchise, it was reportedly intended as a reboot.

16. After Mission: Impossible III, Ghost Protocol (2011) saved the day

Brad Bird rejuvenated the franchise and made Ghost Protocol, a movie that did well at the box office. Brad included stunning IMAX sequences, catchy humor, and globe-trotting scenes. The Burj climb was the star sequence of the show.

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Some quick facts

17. J.J. Abrams directed the third installment of the MI franchise. Cruise and Abrams were introduced to each other for the first time at the set of War of the Worlds.

18. Cruise met De Palma at a dinner. They were both invited by Spielberg.

19. Henry Cavill was in the middle of a bizarre moustache cut dilemma due to his contract with Warner Bros. They had later artificially removed his hair for Justice League.

20. Claire Phelp's role was rejected by Juliette Binoche, the Oscar-winning actress who later featured in The English Patient.

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