10 Flawless Mission: Impossible Plot Twists That Changed the Franchise

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Over time, these movies have primarily delivered thrilling visuals on the big screen. Ranging from Tom Cruise clinging to the side of the world’s tallest skyscraper to characters unveiling their true identities in a clever deception, each film in the series boasts scenes that ignite excitement among viewers. However, it is the unexpected plot turns where these stories truly excel.

Before Tom Cruise became famous for his daring stunts, the Mission: Impossible movies were already known for their mind-blowing plot twists that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. These unexpected revelations could make or break Ethan Hunt and his team’s mission. For us spectators, these moments were what made popcorn nights so exciting. If you’re up for it, here’s a list of some shocking plot twists that left the franchise reeling.

Ilsa’s Death Said Goodbye to a Fan-Favorite Character

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023)

In recent times, Rebecca Ferguson joined the franchise for its fifth part, portraying the cunning Ilsa Faust. Unlike other leading female characters, Ilsa and Ethan had an even footing from the start, creating a rich and intricate bond between them. Therefore, her sudden demise is surprising not because of how it unfolds, but due to the profound connection she shared with the IMF team.

In the movie “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning,” Ilsa appeared to meet her demise early on, but little did we know this was a hint of darker events to follow. Interestingly, Rebecca Ferguson, who plays Ilsa, has expressed her frustration about the demanding nature of these roles and felt it was unfair to be typecast as a secondary character. The twist in the plot that led to Ilsa’s death seemed more perplexing than tragic in this context.

Hendricks Uses Ethan’s Oldest Trick on Him

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

In the world I inhabit, not everyone gets the chance to outsmart Ethan Hunt, the iconic figure known for his daring exploits. Chasing after the swiped nuclear launch codes in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”, Ethan’s team was racing against time to catch Marius Wistrom, a key henchman of the story’s antagonist, Kurt Hendricks. However, what they failed to discern was that it was Hendricks himself, masquerading as his second-in-command, who had shown up for the rendezvous.

A more intriguing aspect is how Hendricks employs Ethan’s own strategies against him, leading him astray. It was within Ethan’s grasp to don a mask similar to Wistrom, the primary antagonist. Yet, unexpected events kept the renowned IMF agent consistently one step behind the Russian nuclear strategist of middle age.

The Craftiest Face Reveal Came From a Henchman’s Death

Mission: Impossible II (2000)

Hugh Stamp, portrayed by Richard Roxburgh, demonstrates that unlawful activities do not lead to prosperity. Despite sporting a black leather jacket during the Australian summer, one cannot dodge the consequences from their superior. In this case, Stamp suffers severe punishment at the hands of his criminal boss, IMF agent Sean Ambrose, losing a finger as a result. However, Stamp’s fate takes a turn for the worse when Ethan Hunt decides to exchange identities with him, ultimately leading to Stamp’s demise.

In Mission: Impossible II, when it seemed like Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, had been killed by the villains, everyone assumed the story was over. However, what they didn’t anticipate was that Hunt would enter the climactic battle wearing a mask of his own face and one bearing the likeness of the antagonist, Stamp. Thus, when Ambrose thought he was killing Hunt, he actually eliminated one of Stamp’s henchmen – an unexpected plot twist for the viewers.

Ethan Baffles Everyone as the MI6 Chief

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

Once more, face masks prove crucial in the Mission: Impossible world as Ethan Hunt assumes the identity of the powerful head of the British Secret Service. In Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, it was Ethan who took on the task of breaking into a virtually impenetrable safe or risk losing his friend Benji for good. Despite the challenge, Ethan agreed to the mission, leaving the audience in suspense about how he would succeed. It wasn’t until the mask came off that we learned the secret behind our hero’s triumph.

In disguise as Chief Atlee, Hunt exposed the true identity of the MI6 leader, who was none other than the creator of the terrorist group, the Syndicate. As secrets came to light and the mysterious red box was opened, the movie moved into its thrilling climax in the third act, leaving viewers stunned by the unexpected plot twist.

Ethan Turns the Tables on the Villainous Solomon Lane

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

In the Mission: Impossible series, the films are famous for surprising plot developments and unexpected turns of events, much like in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. However, the sequence where Ethan switches masks with Chief Atlee to deceive the villain Solomon Lane can be seen as more of a treat for fans rather than an organic part of the storyline. The fact that he manages to fool Solomon in such a manner, especially towards the end of the movie, is quite unexpected, even by the standards set by this action-packed franchise.

The unexpected turn of events leaves fans with goosebumps and puts Ethan in control. Lane manipulates Benji to compel Ethan to disclose account information stored in the red box. However, Ethan outsmarts Lane by revealing that he is the only one who knows the details of those accounts Lane desires. This surprise development, which no one anticipated, makes it all the more intriguing.

The John Lark Reveal Sets off a Chain Reaction

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

To action enthusiasts everywhere, seeing Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill together in Mission: Impossible – Fallout was like a long-awaited dream realized. However, hints of Walker’s (Cavill’s character) eventual deceit were subtly present, as he never seemed to fit seamlessly with the IMF team. Yet, amidst all the pulse-pounding excitement, these clues might have gone unnoticed, making the shocking revelation of betrayal and ensuing chaos a tough pill to swallow.

As I unveiled myself as the elusive John Lark, the man Ethan had been chasing throughout the movie, I also revealed that I had been keeping track of my former spouse Julia as a form of backup. This unexpected turn escalates the tension for the renegade IMF group, pushing them to act swiftly and prevent a worldwide catastrophe. Yet, the twist left Henry Cavill’s fans stunned, finding it hard to reconcile their image of Superman with that of a terrorist.

Nyah Injects Herself With the Chimera Virus

Mission: Impossible II (2000)

In terms of rephrasing:

The movie Mission: Impossible II might not be the most powerful installment in the series, but it certainly has some moments worth remembering. From high-speed motorcycle chases executed in John Woo’s iconic slow motion, to an overall feel of edginess, the film is packed with style and intensity. Consequently, it’s no surprise that the central plot device (the MacGuffin) is a lethal virus designed for mass destruction. The most shocking revelation in the storyline is that someone knowingly injects this deadly virus into their own body.

In the heat of a chaotic gunfight between Sean and Ethan, Nyah is compelled to find the Chimera virus. Unexpectedly, Thandiwe Newton’s character injects herself with it, thwarting Sean’s schemes and granting Ethan valuable time to flee. This unforeseen twist leaves Ethan and viewers stunned, setting the stage for the remainder of the movie as a desperate rescue operation. It’s an exhilarating surprise that encapsulates the essence of the franchise perfectly.

Julia’s Apparent Death Sends Ethan Down an Emotional Spiral

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

In a cunning turn of events, the demise of Julia in Mission: Impossible III served as a multi-layered ruse aimed at maximizing the impact on the audience. The movie initiates with a presage scene depicting Ethan bound, powerless to prevent arm dealer Owen Davian (portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman) from executing his wife, Julia. This chilling act, while it unfolds later in the narrative, leaves an indelible impression on the audience when it eventually transpires.

In reality, Owen feigns his own death as a psychological tactic to unnerve Ethan. Remarkably, this plot twist is so convincing that both the audience and the main character are deceived. The skillful acting, manipulation, and high stakes make this scene one of the most gripping in the series.

The Kremlin Bombing Was a Big Gamble by the Franchise

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)

The “Mission: Impossible” series is renowned for its almost impossible heists, requiring both daring acrobatics and unparalleled patience. The Kremlin infiltration carried out by Hunt’s team is an example of the latter. However, a surprising plot twist emerged that threatened to derail Ethan’s plans, leading to an international incident that would result in the entire IMF being disavowed.

The unexpected turn of events is when an explosion occurs at the Kremlin, shortly after Ethan calls off the operation and departs. The viewers are just as stunned as Ethan, witnessing the ground tremble and seeing plumes of smoke emerge from the iconic Spasskaya Tower, a well-known Moscow landmark frequented by tourists. This pivotal incident significantly alters the course of the movie, with its consequences shaping subsequent events in the story.

Jim Phelps Turns Out To Be the Mole

Mission: Impossible (1996)

In a shocking turn of events, the most devastating act of betrayal in the franchise unfolded when Jim Phelps, the founding leader of the IMF, was not the passing of the torch that fans had anticipated. Known for his role as the team leader since the 1988 TV series, Phelps continued to lead the team even during the transition to the big screen. However, it didn’t take long before he transformed from an esteemed agent into a CIA operative working undercover.

In a surprising turn of events, Ethan’s encounter with a living Phelps occurs prior to (1996), a man whom he had previously believed was dead. It is at this instance when everything becomes clear for Ethan, who witnessed the entire IMF perish only to be falsely accused as the mole. No Mission: Impossible film has yet to match the level of deceit found in this plot twist, making it the twist that set the series apart.

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2025-04-27 17:07